MOUNTAIN - Nantucket Sleighride - UK GATEFOLD - 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Hard riffs, tragic whaling tales, and 1971 vinyl fury pressed into a gatefold cover classic

MOUNTAIN - Nantucket Sleighride UK Gatefold 12" LP Vinyl Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

Released in 1971, "Nantucket Sleighride" is Mountain’s second studio album and a defining moment in early hard rock. Issued in the UK as a gatefold 12" LP on Island Records (ILPS 9148), it showcases the band’s signature fusion of blues power and heavy riffs. Produced by Felix Pappalardi with artwork by Gail Collins, the record includes the epic title track, dedicated to whaler Owen Coffin. With its striking E.J. Day Group gatefold sleeve and enduring sound, the album remains a cornerstone of Mountain’s legacy and a sought-after classic for collectors.

"Nantucket Sleighride" Album Description:

In the world of music, certain albums stand the test of time, captivating audiences with their artistry and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music history. One such masterpiece is the 1971 album by Mountain, titled "Nantucket Sleighride". This UK gatefold 12" LP vinyl not only represents the zenith of Mountain's career but also showcases the enduring allure of vinyl records as a medium for experiencing music.

To fully appreciate the significance of "Nantucket Sleighride", it is essential to delve into the history of the band responsible for its creation. Mountain, an American hard rock band formed in 1969, was renowned for its unique blend of blues, rock, and heavy metal. Consisting of guitarist Leslie West, bassist and vocalist Felix Pappalardi, drummer Corky Laing, and keyboardist Steve Knight, Mountain crafted a sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Released in 1971, "Nantucket Sleighride" was Mountain's second studio album and proved to be a breakthrough for the band. The album opens with its eponymous title track, a masterclass in musical storytelling. The sweeping guitar work of Leslie West, combined with the soulful vocals of Felix Pappalardi, transports listeners on a sonic voyage reminiscent of the 19th-century whaling expeditions from which the term "Nantucket Sleighride" derives.

The 12" LP vinyl format of "Nantucket Sleighride" adds an extra layer of enchantment to the album. The gatefold design offers a visual feast, with its intricate artwork and thoughtful presentation. The larger canvas of the vinyl record allows for a more immersive experience, as listeners are encouraged to engage with the music on a deeper level. Holding the record in their hands, carefully placing the needle on the grooves, and witnessing the album art unfurl before their eyes creates a tangible connection between the music and its admirers.

While the rise of digital music formats and streaming platforms has transformed the music industry, vinyl records have experienced a renaissance in recent years. Audiophiles and music enthusiasts have rekindled their love affair with vinyl, recognizing its unique warmth, authenticity, and physicality. The ritualistic nature of playing a vinyl record allows individuals to appreciate the music in a more deliberate and immersive manner, fostering a deep appreciation for the art form.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Hard Rock / Blues Rock (American)

Collector Notes / Liner Notes
  • 1: Matrix/Stamper codes: Side A – I-LSP / ILPS 9148A-1U, Side B – ILPS 9148B-1U
  • 2: Record Label: Island “Palm Tree Label” with pink rim
  • 3: Packaging: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork/photos on the inside cover pages
  • 4: “Nantucket Sleighride” is the second album by hard rock band Mountain
  • 5: Collectable UK first pressing, valued for its Island pink rim label, heavy vinyl (~150g), and high-quality E.J. Day Group gatefold sleeve.
Label & Catalognr:

Island Records – ILPS-9148

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Heavy 150 grams vinyl
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 300 grams

Year & Country:

1971 – United Kingdom
Printed and made by the E.J. Day Group, London and Bedford

Producers:
  • Felix Pappalardi – Producer
    Co-founder of Mountain and producer of Cream’s “Disraeli Gears”. Key figure in shaping late ’60s/early ’70s hard rock. Died tragically in 1983.
  • Bud Prager – Executive Producer
    Mountain’s manager and later manager of Foreigner, steering them to multi-platinum success.
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Bob d'Orleans – Recording Engineer
    Known for his work with Mountain and Windfall projects, capturing their heavy, live-in-studio sound.
  • Tom Cachetta – Assistant Engineer
    New York studio assistant, worked closely with d'Orleans and Pappalardi on Mountain sessions.
  • Dave Ragno – Assistant Engineer
    Assistant engineer credited on Mountain and Windfall recordings of the early 1970s.
Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Gail Collins – Cover Design, Painting, Photography, Visual Director, Calligraphy
    Artist, lyricist, and Pappalardi’s wife. Created Mountain’s distinctive psychedelic artwork and contributed lyrics to their songs.
  • Beverly Weinstein – Art Direction
    Coordinated the album’s visual presentation, ensuring Collins’ artwork translated into striking packaging.
  • Mick Brigden – Calligraphy
    Later known as tour manager for Joe Satriani and Eddie Money; here credited for calligraphy on the album artwork.

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Leslie West – Guitar, Vocals
    Powerful guitarist and singer, famed for “Mississippi Queen”. His heavy tone defined Mountain’s hard rock sound.
  • Felix Pappalardi – Bass, Rhythm Guitar, Piano, Vocals
    Producer of Cream, co-founder of Mountain. Multi-instrumentalist who blended classical, blues, and psychedelic elements.
  • Steve Knight – Organ, Handbells
    Classically trained keyboardist who added jazz and progressive textures to Mountain’s heavy riffs.
  • Corky Laing – Drums, Percussion
    Joined Mountain in 1969. Energetic drummer and songwriter, co-wrote “Nantucket Sleighride” and “Mississippi Queen”.

Band Member / Musician Bio:

Leslie West — Guitar, Vocals

Leslie West, born Leslie Weinstein on 22 October 1945 in New York City, was the thunderous guitar slinger behind Mountain’s molten riffs. With a tone that could crack concrete and a voice rough-hewn from the same stone, West dragged the blues kicking into the heavy era. His playing on "Mississippi Queen", "Nantucket Sleighride", and "Theme from an Imaginary Western" was less performance than battlefield—distortion, sustain, and emotion welded into a weapon of mass seduction. A titan of hard rock and blues, he remained a relentless presence until his passing on 23 December 2020, leaving behind a legacy that still howls in every bent note and searing solo.

Born in New York City, West began playing guitar at a young age and honed his skills by immersing himself in the blues. In the late 1960s, he formed the band Mountain with bassist and vocalist Felix Pappalardi, drummer N.D. Smart, and keyboardist Steve Knight. Mountain quickly gained recognition for their energetic live performances and their fusion of hard rock, blues, and psychedelic influences.

Leslie West's guitar style was characterized by his heavy, expressive playing and his innovative use of distortion and sustain. He was known for his melodic solos, rich tone, and the emotional depth he brought to his performances.

Beyond his work with Mountain, Leslie West released several solo albums throughout his career, including "Mountain" (1969), "The Great Fatsby" (1975), and "Blues to Die For" (2003). He collaborated with numerous artists and continued to tour and perform until his passing on December 23, 2020.

Leslie West's contributions to rock music, both as a guitarist and a vocalist, have left an indelible mark on the genre. His powerful playing and soulful voice continue to inspire and influence musicians to this day.

  • Primary Role – Guitar, Vocals
  • Country – USA
  • Years Active – 1965 – 2020
  • Bands – Mountain, Vagrants
  • Associated Acts – Felix Pappalardi, Jack Bruce, Ozzy Osbourne
Selected Discography
  • Mountain – “Climbing!” (1970)
  • Mountain – “Nantucket Sleighride” (1971)
  • Leslie West – “The Great Fatsby” (1975)
  • Leslie West – “Blues to Die For” (2003)

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. "Don't Look Around" – 3:47
    West/Palmer/Pappalardi/Collins. A heavy opener built on thick riffs.
  2. "Taunta (Sammy's Tune)" – 1:00
    Pappalardi. Short instrumental prelude. Original piece.
  3. "Nantucket Sleighride (To Owen Coffin)" – 5:55
    Pappalardi/Collins. Epic title track dedicated to Owen Coffin, lost sailor of the Essex tragedy.
  4. "You Can't Get Away" – 3:28
    West/Collins/Laing. Straightforward blues-rock number. Original song.
Video: Nantucket Sleighride (To Owen Coffin)
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. "Tired Angels (To J.M.H.)" – 4:42
    Pappalardi/Collins. Tribute to Jimi Hendrix (J.M.H.).
  2. "The Animal Trainer and the Toad" – 3:29
    West/Palmer. Playful hard rock track.

    Note: The title was an inside joke — “Animal Trainer” was West, “The Toad” was Felix Pappalardi. Duration varies slightly between sources (3:26–3:27).

  3. "My Lady" – 4:35
    Laing/Pappalardi/Collins. Melodic, almost ballad-like.
  4. "Travellin' in the Dark (To E.M.P.)" – 4:26
    Pappalardi/Collins. Written for Pappalardi’s mother, Eva Madison Pappalardi.
  5. "The Great Train Robbery" – 5:50
    West/Laing/Pappalardi/Collins. Dramatic closing track with galloping rhythms.
Video: The Animal Trainer and the Toad

Island Records UK Label Timeline

1969–1970

Pink “Eye” Label
Solid pink background with bold white & black “eye” logo. Used on first pressings before mid-1970.

1970–1975

Pink Rim / Palm Tree Label
Tropical island with palm tree and sunrise, framed by a pink outer rim. Featured on classics like Nantucket Sleighride.

1975–1977

Orange & White “Sunray” Label
Radiating orange and white rays around the spindle hole. Marked Island’s mid-70s visual shift.

Gatefold Album Front Cover: A Single, Combined Image
Combined gatefold image of Mountain's 'Nantucket Sleighride' UK 12-inch vinyl LP. The left panel shows a black sky opening into a surreal garden with bright flowers, twisting plants, and two fantastical birds in vivid pink and green. The right panel presents Gail Collins' psychedelic painting: a flowing-robed golden-haired woman in pink and yellow stands among abstract, swirling organic forms and vibrant colors. The full artwork covers both panels as one unified, dramatic composition.

This is the combined gatefold artwork of Mountain’s 1971 album Nantucket Sleighride, UK release on Island Records. The design unfolds across both panels, forming a single dramatic painting by Gail Collins.

On the left, the background is a darkened sky that descends into surreal, cloudlike forms, against which bursts a pair of flamboyant fantasy birds with wings flaring in pinks, purples, and turquoise. Below them, twisting plants sprout bright green and yellow blossoms, one bending in the foreground, while abstract spherical shapes float nearby, giving the impression of otherworldly growth.

The right-hand panel features the iconic centerpiece: a golden-haired woman in flowing robes of pink, purple, and yellow, standing tall like a dream-figure. Around her swirl organic, psychedelic shapes in vivid greens, blues, and oranges, bending into vegetal patterns and waves, suggesting both flora and mystical energy. To the right, stylized plants hang with symmetrical leaves, while at the bottom, the image dissolves into waves of color, bridging land and sea.

The overall impression is of a surreal, almost mythological vision — part nature, part hallucination — intended to mirror the album’s mix of epic storytelling, heavy riffs, and timeless psychedelia.

Gatefold Album Back Cover: A Single, Combined Image
Inside gatefold artwork of Mountain's 'Nantucket Sleighride' UK 12-inch vinyl LP. The black-and-white drawing shows a whale's tail rising from the ocean surface as a harpoon pierces down the center, with a small boat riding the waves in the distance. Around the artwork, boxes contain the track listing for both sides of the record, musician and production credits, artwork attributions, and acknowledgements, framed by whimsical line illustrations.

This is the inside gatefold spread of Mountain’s UK release of Nantucket Sleighride. The central black-and-white artwork dominates the layout, depicting a whale’s tail arching out of the water, with a harpoon line connecting to a tiny boat tossed among rolling waves on the horizon.

On the right side, neatly bordered panels list Side One and Side Two track titles with precise running times and songwriter credits. Below are whimsical illustrations of sea creatures and ornamental designs, reinforcing the maritime theme.

The lower sections are dedicated to detailed credits: chief and assistant engineers, producers, calligraphy, cover painting and photography by Gail Collins, and special thanks. Instructions urge listeners to “play this record at high volume for maximum enjoyment.” The result is both functional and artistic, combining essential album information with striking, nautically themed illustration.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of Side One label for Mountain's Nantucket Sleighride UK pressing. The label shows Island Records’ iconic pink rim with palm tree logo. Background image features stylized sunrise behind clouds over the ocean. Tracklist for Side One is printed in black above the spindle hole, with catalogue number ILPS-9148, stereo designation, and © 1971 marking.

This is the Side One label of Mountain’s 1971 UK release of Nantucket Sleighride, issued on Island Records ILPS-9148. It features the distinctive Island pink rim label design, with a stylized tropical scene: a lone palm tree rooted on an island, the word “Island” stretching across the horizon, and a sunrise emerging behind clouds. The illustration not only serves as Island Records’ brand logo but also reinforces the company’s identity as a leading label of the era.

The track listing for Side One is printed clearly in black text above the spindle hole, listing all five tracks with composer credits and timings. At the right-hand side appear the Side designation (“Side 1”), the catalogue number (ILPS-9148), stereo marking, and copyright year © 1971. The design balances functional clarity with strong label branding, typical of Island’s early 1970s UK pressings.

United Kingdom Label
Colours
Pastel background with yellow, blue, and green tones; black print text; pink outer rim
Design & Layout
Central hole with sunrise illustration; track list above spindle; catalogue and rights info on right
Record company logo
Island Records “Palm Tree” logo, showing tropical island with tree and rising sun
Band/Performer logo
No separate band logo; band name printed in plain uppercase font
Unique features
Pink rim Island label variant, transitional design used in UK pressings during early 1970s
Side designation
Printed “Side 1” to the right of the spindle hole
Rights society
Not explicitly listed, but shows “Copyright Control” under track listing
Catalogue number
ILPS-9148
Rim text language
English
Track list layout
Numbered list above spindle hole with titles, composers, and durations in parentheses
Rights info placement
Directly below the track listing
Pressing info
UK pressing, Island Records Ltd., 1971
Background image
Illustrated sunrise over ocean horizon with palm tree on island