Free - Free Live 1971 Original Vinyl Record SP-4306/SP-4511

Free - Free Live 1971 Original Vinyl Record

Cover: Good+ (has marks on cover)
Inner Sleeve: VG+
Record: Good
SP-4306/SP-4511
We grade our records conservatively.

Capture the raw energy of 1970s rock with this original 1971 vinyl pressing of Free Live! Featuring powerful performances of classics like "All Right Now" and "Mr. Big," this album showcases the band's bluesy hard rock sound. A must-have for fans of Paul Rodgers and Paul Kossoff, this vinyl is a treasure for classic rock collectors

Free’s Free Live! (1971 Original Vinyl Record, SP-4306/SP-4511) is a powerful live album capturing the British rock band’s raw energy and blues-infused performances. Released in 1971, this album was recorded during their live shows in the UK in 1970, following the success of their studio album Fire and Water. It showcases Free's blend of blues, hard rock, and soul, with guitarist Paul Kossoff’s emotional playing and Paul Rodgers' commanding vocals front and center.

Overview:

• Artist: Free
• Album Title: Free Live!
• Release Date: September 1971
• Label: A&M Records (SP-4306/SP-4511)
• Genre: Rock, Blues Rock, Hard Rock

Notable Tracks:

1. “All Right Now” – Free’s biggest hit, this live version of their signature song is full of energy and fan interaction, making it a standout track on the album.
2. “Mr. Big” – Featuring an incredible bass solo by Andy Fraser, this track showcases the band's musical depth and tight interplay.
3. “I’m a Mover” – A bluesy rock song that highlights Paul Kossoff’s expressive guitar work and the band’s ability to deliver raw, emotional live performances.

Musical Style:

The album is a mix of bluesy hard rock and soulful ballads. Free was known for their stripped-down, no-frills sound, and Free Live! perfectly captures their minimalist approach, driven by tight grooves, heartfelt vocals, and powerful guitar riffs.

Album Packaging:

The original 1971 vinyl release (SP-4306/SP-4511) comes with a gatefold sleeve, featuring live photos and liner notes that add to the authenticity and raw energy of the live recording. The album cover, with its stark design, mirrors the simplicity and directness of Free's music.

Legacy:

Free Live! serves as a testament to the band’s live prowess and remains a classic in rock music. Although Free disbanded shortly after its release, the album continues to be celebrated for its powerful performances, particularly highlighting the late Paul Kossoff’s guitar brilliance. For fans of classic rock and blues rock, this original pressing is a prized collectible, capturing the essence of Free’s live sound.

Collectors of 1970s rock vinyl will find the SP-4306/SP-4511 pressing a valuable addition to their collection, representing one of the defining live albums of the era.

Record grading:

• Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way, likely never played, and still sealed.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): Nearly perfect. The record shows no obvious signs of wear and looks as if it was just opened. No visible marks or scratches.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows slight signs of use, such as light scuffs or very minor scratches, but plays without any major deterioration in sound quality.

• Very Good (VG): Noticeable wear with some surface noise, light scratches, or groove wear, but still plays through without skipping.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The record plays but with significant surface noise, scratches, and wear. The cover may have visible damage or splits.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The record may be damaged and is barely playable. Typically used only for highly collectible records.

Cover grading:

• Mint (M): The cover is flawless, with no signs of wear. Often still sealed with no corner dings, creases, or ring wear.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): The cover looks almost new, with only the slightest signs of handling. There may be very minimal wear, but no significant flaws like writing, splits, or tears.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): The cover shows light wear, such as minor scuffing, small corner creases, or slight ring wear. No major damage, but a well-cared-for album with minor imperfections.

• Very Good (VG): Moderate wear is visible, including ring wear, light edge or corner damage, small seam splits, or slight discoloration. Still presentable but clearly used.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The cover shows significant wear, such as noticeable ring wear, seam splits, heavy creasing, or writing. It may still hold together but looks heavily worn.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The cover is heavily damaged, with major seam splits, tears, extensive writing, water damage, or severe ring wear. It may barely hold together or be incomplete.