Artful Dodger Rave On 1980 Test Pressing on Ariola Records w/letter Power Pop

$

20

Artful Dodger    "Rave On"

This is a US vinyl Test Pressing on Ariola OL 1503 from 1980.         The release date is June 18, 1980.          It comes in a plain white cover with no writing.       The info sheet is loose.     It also has a loose letter from Ariola Records about this release.              The labels are Ariola Records with the record number printed on them.

This was their fourth and last album.    It's one of the best Power Pop albums ever made.        "She's Just My Baby" should have been a monster hit.  

Test pressings are the earliest pressing of an album.      They are given to the artists, producer, and others technical staff to approve the quality of the pressing.      It is made before the cover and labels have been printed.       They are pressed in extremely limited numbers and are always rare.   

The matrix numbers are hand etched : side 1 : OL  1503 SA  CP1  Sterling   Let Me Tal Ya.   and side 2 : OL 1503  SB  CP1   Sterling   Hitchhikehole.      ('Sterling' is machine stamped)

The songs are  : She's Just My Baby, It's A Lie, So Afraid, Get In Line, Now Or Never, Come Close To Me, I Don't Wanna See Her, Forever, A Girl (La La La ), and Gone Again.       I assume this plays the same songs as a stock issue album.  

Overall Condition : Cover : VG+ / Record : M-

The plain white cover is VG+.         There is light wear and a tiny sticker stain on the back.          The vinyl looks near mint and it plays near mint.     The labels are clean with no spindle marks.         The record comes in a plain white inner sleeve.  

About Me :

I started collecting records in 1966.     I started selling in Goldmine in 1985.      I now sell records at all Northwest record conventions : Portland, Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Eugene, Grants Pass, and Canby.       And at Crossroads Music in Portland, Oregon.     On Discogs I am 'Fragilerecords'.       My records are from a no smoking and no pets home.      I am a record collector, not a DJ, so I almost never play my records.

Packaging :

I take great care on every package and I do each one personally.     I will package this record between two pieces of hand cut cardboard.     Each piece is 1/2 inch thick, triple strength industrial cardboard.       Together they are very strong and unbendable.   ( Even the postmen comment on how strong this cardboard is ! )       I always remove the record from the cover and seal them in a clear plastic sleeve.     The package will be marked in red : "Fragile Record" on both sides. 

Postage :  Weight : 1 pound 7 ounces

You have to pay for the postage.     I pre-weigh every package, so that you pay the exact amount the post office charges.   There are NO handling charges.     This record will weigh 23 ounces ( 1 pound, 7 ounces ) when ready to ship.      US winners can choose between Priority or Media Mail.      I will print postage through Paypal and you will get an automatic email with the tracking number.      Overseas winners will get shipping by First Class Mail International.    I will print postage through Paypal and you will get an automatic email with the customs/tracking number.     I will send your record as soon as you pay ( same day if before 3 PM and next day if after 3 PM : Monday thru Saturday)  

I will combine shipping if you win more than one record.      If you do win more than one record, please wait for me to send you an invoice for all of your records in one package.   

Serious Bidders Only :   

Serious bidders only.    If you bid you must be prepared to honor your bid.     I expect payment within three days, but will wait up to five days, if you contact me.      I no longer accept bids from buyers with more than two strikes against them.     I do not hold records to fill a box.    If you want to pay the old fashioned way, let me know and I will send you my address.