Frank Sidebottom - Unreleased Beastie Puppets Test Pressing 12" Promo

	£		78
	$		103

A genuinely unique opportunity to acquire what is probably the rarest and most sought-after Frank Sidebottom record of all.  

A 12" white label test pressing of the legendary 'Beastie Puppets' single. Catalogue No: GOPUPX1

According to the Frank Sidebottom official website the three tracks were recorded for a single which was never released. Only a handful of white labels copies ever made it out as promos and as his website states these are 'quite a find these days'. 

Extract from website:

Released:  1988

Label: Go Disc’s 

Notes:  Both 7" and 12" were withdrawn before release.

Tracks: 12" 

We’re Gonna To Write Some Invitations (Christmas Version) 

No Train To Brooklands

Write Some Invitations (Birthday Version)

Format: 12" Promo 

Record Number:  GOPUPX1

Notes:  Some promo 12" singles did manage to get in to circulation and are now quite a find!

And according to the Beastie Mania site...

In 1988 a guy going by the name of "Frank Sidebottom" released (well tried to release anyway) a single by a side-project of his called "The Beastie Puppets". Apparently this single was never released officially as there was legal action on behalf of the Beastie Boys. Now whether they had anything to do with it or it was the Record Company or Publishing legal team, we don't know. 

It was to be released by "Go! Discs" (now "Go! Beat") and everything was pressed and ready to go when he were threatened with legal action. A few Promo copies of the 12" did slip through but these are extremely rare.

The tracks are Frank's own unique interpretations of two Beastie Boys tracks - You've Got to Fight For Your Right to Party (2 versions) and Last Train to Brooklyn, with hilariously amended lyrics. 

The record may not be much to look at - a plain white sleeve with white numbered labels - but incredibly rare - I have searched for previous copies sold and have yet to find one. The vinyl is in VG+/Ex condition and test played perfectly.

One for serious Frank collectors. 

Low starting bid at £4.99. No reserves. 

Any questions please feel to ask.

Due to the scarcity of the record and likely selling price the record will be sent 'signed for' in a secure reinforced 12" mailer.

Please check my feedback and bid/buy with absolute confidence. From a smoke & pet free home.

Thanks for looking and I wish you the best of luck bidding. 

Yes I do. I really do. Thank you.

RIP Frank - still much missed.

---------------------------------------------------

Goldmine Grading Guide

Mint [M]: Absolutely perfect in every way - certainly never played, possibly even still sealed. Should be used sparingly as a grade, if at all.

Near Mint [NM or M-]: A nearly perfect record. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect. The record shows no obvious sign of wear. A 45 rpm sleeve has no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling.

An LP jacket has no creases, folds, seam splits or any other noticeable similar defect. No cut-out holes, either. And of course, the same is true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, and the like. Basically, Near Mint looks as if you just got it home from a new record store and removed the shrink wrap.

Very Good Plus [VG+]: Shows some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Record surfaces may show some slight signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK.

The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but is should be barely noticeable. The center hole is not misshapen by repeated play. Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turn-up corners, or a slight seam-split. An LP jacket my have slight signs of wear also and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation or corner indicating it was taken out of print and sold at a discount.

In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint. All but the most mint-crazy collectors will find a Very Good Plus record highly acceptable.

Very Good [VG]: Many of the defects found in a VG+ record are more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise is evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during the song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as will light scratches deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.

Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them.

Good [G], Good Plus [G+]: Good does not mean bad! A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear.

A jacket or sleeve has seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object. If it's a common item, you'll probably find another copy in better shape eventually. Pass it up. But if it's something you have been seeking for years, and the price is right, get it.

Poor [P], Fair [F]: The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and/or writing. The LP jacket barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully seam split, and written upon.

Except for impossibly rare records otherwise unattainable, records in this condition should be bought or sold for no more than a few cents each.