Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" is considered one of the most iconic albums in rock history, and this UK 1st pressing Vertigo full swirl 12" vinyl LP is a sought-after collector's item.This page describes all the details of this album Paranoid.
On this page you will find a detailed description of the album BLACK SABBATH - Paranoid UK 1st Pressing Vertigo Full Swirl with large photos of the album cover ( front and back ) , inner sleeves , record labels and vinyl records.
The UK 1st pressing Vertigo full swirl 12" vinyl LP of "Paranoid" is easily recognizable by a few key features. Firstly, on Side A of the record, you will find the full swirl logo, which is a distinctive and iconic symbol of the Vertigo label. This logo, with its psychedelic green and white swirl design, is highly sought-after among collectors.
Another notable feature of this pressing is the gatefold cover. When you open the album, the cover unfolds to reveal additional artwork and information. This adds to the overall aesthetic appeal and collectibility of the LP.
Inside the gatefold cover, you will find the text "WARNING - copyright subsists in all recordings ..." This statement is a testament to the legal protection of the music contained within and serves as a reminder to respect the rights of the artists.
Included with this pressing is a custom inner sleeve that features the Swirl logo printed on it. This detail further enhances the uniqueness and desirability of the album.
"Paranoid" was produced by Rodger Bain for Tony Hall Enterprise and was recorded at Regent Sound and Island Studios. The engineering was handled by Tony Allom and Brian Humphries, and the album was managed by Jim Simpson of Big Bear, Birmingham. The cover design was created by Keef, who contributed to the album's overall visual appeal.
Released in 1970, this UK 1st pressing Vertigo full swirl 12" vinyl LP holds historical significance within the world of rock music. Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" is widely regarded as a pioneering heavy metal album that laid the foundation for the genre. Its dark and heavy sound, coupled with the band's distinctive style and lyrics, captivated audiences and influenced countless musicians.
The value of this collector's item can be substantial, particularly if the record is in excellent condition. Factors such as the overall quality of the vinyl, the condition of the cover and inner sleeve, and the rarity of the pressing can impact its worth. Collectors and fans alike are willing to pay a premium for such a unique piece of music history.
Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" achieved success through a confluence of factors, some planned, some entirely unexpected:
Catchy Simplicity: Though written as a last-minute filler track, "Paranoid" defied expectations. Its short runtime (under 3 minutes), simple power chord structure, and memorable riff made it instantly accessible compared to Sabbath's lengthier, more complex tracks.
Radio Friendliness: While Black Sabbath wasn't aiming for radio play, "Paranoid's" shorter format and catchy melody caught the attention of DJs. This unexpected radio exposure broadened the band's audience beyond their initial heavy metal fanbase.
A Different Kind of Audience: The success of "Paranoid" as a single brought a new wave of fans to Black Sabbath's live shows. These audiences, not necessarily familiar with the band's heavier sound, were drawn to the song's energy and might have been surprised by the band's overall style.
Impactful Album Art: The now-iconic "Paranoid" album cover, featuring a distorted figure wielding a sword against a winged creature, perfectly captured the album's dark and ominous mood. This imagery became synonymous with heavy metal itself and undoubtedly contributed to the album's success.
An Unforeseen Advantage: Interestingly, the fact that "Paranoid" was written quickly and almost as an afterthought became part of its legend. The effortless creation of such a powerful song added to the band's mystique.
In conclusion, "Paranoid" became a success due to a combination of its catchy, radio-friendly structure, unexpected exposure, and the iconic album art. It served as a gateway for new audiences to discover Black Sabbath, solidifying their place as pioneers of heavy metal.
Collector's information:The genuine 1st UK pressing of Black Sabbath's Paranoid, can be recognized by:
Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" is widely considered one of the most influential heavy metal albums of all time, and the UK 1st pressing Vertigo full swirl 12" vinyl LP album is a highly sought-after collectible among fans and collectors. The value of this particular pressing can vary depending on factors such as the condition of the record and the rarity of the pressing. However, in general, a copy in excellent condition can fetch several hundred dollars. What makes this pressing so valuable is its rarity and historical significance. The full swirl label design, which features a trippy, swirling pattern in green and white, was only used for a short period in 1970 and is highly sought-after by collectors. Additionally, the UK pressing is considered by many to be the superior version of the album, with a more raw and powerful sound compared to the US pressing. Overall, the value of this particular pressing of "Paranoid" speaks to the enduring legacy and influence of Black Sabbath, as well as the enduring appeal of vinyl records as a tangible and collectible form of music. |
Music Genre: Acid Psych Rock Heavy Metal Music |
Album Production: Produced by Rodger Bain for Tony Hall Enterprises,
Explore how Rodger Bain shaped the sound of heavy metal with Black Sabbath, Judas Priest & UFO. Discover his raw studio magic and groundbreaking production style. Read more
Recorded at Regent Sound and Island Studios, Engineers Tony Allom and Brian Humphries, Tom Allom is a legendary British music producer and sound engineer born in London in 1946. Renowned for shaping the sound of heavy metal, he worked with bands like Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, and Def Leppard. His innovative style defined an era of rock.
Read more
Management Jim Simpson, Big BEar, Birmingham, Cover design by Keef |
Record Label & Catalognr: Vertigo 6360 011 (6360011) |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Record 160 grams vinyl |
Year & Country: 1970 Made in England |
Photo of Front Cover |
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Photo of Album's Back Cover |
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Photo of original company inner sleeve with the swirl
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
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