The cover has some ringwear (see photos) but has no tears or writing, but has some minor corner rubbing. The labels are fine and the vinyl has some hairline marks but plays beautifully, with only a couple of minor clicks on ‘Derelict’and a bit of crackle between tracks on Side 1.

VINYL: VG+

LABEL: VG+

COVER: VG

Side 1

1. Don’t look now, Karen’s gone to the moon
2. Concrete circles
3. Man of stars
4. Derelict
5. Sam Stone
6. Canticle

Side 2

1. Who’s passing dreams around
2. Street singer
3. Loving of the game
4. I’m sentimental too
5. Dogs of war
6. Widow with a husband

Dawnwind were a folk-based duo of John Hartlett and John Perkins who formed in 1967. This was their only album and was recorded in 1975 with the assistance of Dana Simmons (Acoustic and electric guitars, electric bass and harmonies), Alastair Leacock (Acoustic guitar) and William Thomas (mandolin and fiddle). The majority of tracks were written by Hartlett and Perkins. Recorded over one weekend at the Mid-Wales Sound Studio, this 1st release was of only 500 pressings, mainly to be sold at gigs, hence the rarity of this album. Significant numbers of bootlegged copies were produced and sold in Germany and the USA, but it has subsequently been released on CD and I hope the duo are at last receiving royalties for what has become a cult album. Dawnwind split up in 1976 and Hartlett continued as a solo artist until becoming a University teacher. Perkins went on to found his own record label – White Eagle records. The album is beautifully melodic with great lyrics and gives an insight into the wealth of folk talent we had in the 70’s. ‘Concrete circles’ is a great track with excellent vocals, beautifully backed with mandolin and electric guitar. ‘Man of stars’ is a very moody song that has the hairs on the back of your neck tingling, with delicate acoustic guitar creating a haunting backdrop. Some great harmonies on ‘Derelict’, followed by the first cover – ‘Sam Stone’ – which John Prine would be very proud of. The last track of Side 1 is ‘Canticle’ and is an exquisite song, full of poetry and sung with passion and backed with a Spanish acoustic guitar. The outstanding tracks of Side 2 have to be the captivating ‘Street singer’ and the brilliant ‘Dogs of war’ which has an atmospheric backing and really strong vocals. A cult album that deserves to have sold many more copies than were initially pressed. This is a copy of the original 500 pressings and is incredibly rare. A collector’s item, highly recommended.