





Mary Hopkin - Earth Song / Ocean Song Complete Apple Custom Recording Acetate Set (Sides One & Two)
Mary Hopkin – Earth Song / Ocean Song Complete Apple Custom Recording Acetate Set (Sides One & Two)
A complete pair of original Apple Custom Recording lacquer acetates for Mary Hopkin's 1971 album Earth Song / Ocean Song, comprising both Side One and Side Two in their original handwritten Apple Records custom labels.
Produced by Tony Visconti for Apple Records, Earth Song / Ocean Song represented a significant artistic evolution for Mary Hopkin, embracing an intimate folk sound that has since earned the album a reputation as one of the finest non-Beatles releases on the Apple label.
Each disc features the distinctive green Apple Custom Recording label, with handwritten annotations identifying “Mary Hopkin” and the respective “Side One” and “Side Two.” Unlike commercial pressings, these lacquers were individually cut for studio reference and approval during production, making surviving complete sets exceptionally uncommon.
The set carries remarkable provenance. According to the consignor, his late father-in-law worked as caretaker at a block of flats in Courtfield Gardens, Kensington, where Tony Visconti and Mary Hopkin maintained a flat that was occasionally used as a recording space. The acetates were reportedly recovered after being discarded and have remained in the family's possession ever since.
Retaining both sides together offers a rare opportunity to acquire a complete production-stage artefact from the making of one of Apple Records' most enduring albums.
Key Details & Collectability
- Complete pair of original Apple Custom Recording lacquer acetates
- Contains both Side One and Side Two of Earth Song / Ocean Song
- Handwritten “Mary Hopkin”, “Side One” and “Side Two” annotations on original Apple Custom Recording labels
- Produced by Tony Visconti for Apple Records (1971)
- Direct family provenance from the former Courtfield Gardens recording premises associated with Tony Visconti and Mary Hopkin
Pairs well with
Provenance
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