PLAYER Self Titled LP 1977 ORIG SHRINK Hype Sticker Baby Come Back 1st Press EX
$
55
Favourite Auctions
To save auctions to your favourites, please login
If you don't have an account, please register
Description
Up for sale is a vintage US first pressing vinyl copy of the self-titled debut album by Player, released in 1977 on RSO Records (RS-1-3026).
This exceptional copy features the original jacket still intact in its original factory shrink wrap, complete with the rare original hype sticker and vintage price sticker.
This essential slice of late-70s soft rock and yacht rock features the band’s definitive #1 Billboard hit, "Baby Come Back". The album showcases the immaculate production work of Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter, delivering lush hooks, tight vocal harmonies, and exceptional musicianship from Peter Beckett, J.C. Crowley, Ronn Moss, and John Friesen. Watch out because this beautiful LP will make you want to break out your Sperry Topsiders, don a navy blue blazer with ascot and chug boat drinks at the local regatta.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1977, Player brought together a powerhouse lineup of musicians: Peter Beckett (guitar/vocals), J.C. Crowley (keyboards/vocals), Ronn Moss (bass/vocals), and John Friesen (drums).
Melding smooth West Coast vocal harmonies with a sleek, polished R&B groove, this debut album stands as a definitive cornerstone of the late-'70s soft rock and Yacht Rock movements. The album features Player’s crowning achievement—the iconic #1 Billboard hit "Baby Come Back"—alongside the fantastic follow-up single "This Time I’m In It For Love". The record was tracked at legendary Los Angeles studio spaces, including The Sound Labs and Haven Studios. It features the elite production mastery of Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter, who crafted an impeccably clean, warm soundscape. The pristine instrumentation is further elevated by the mixing work of engineer Gary Pernice and the iconic mastering touch of Allen Zentz, whose work defines the elite fidelity of this release.
Vinyl Matrix & Pressing Details This specific copy features side A matrix suffix -AS, a 1st Pressing indicator for this LP Production Run.
Side 1 Matrix (Etched): RS-1-3026-AS Side 2 Matrix (Etched): RS-1-3026-BS-CS1 Pressing Identification: The "Az" and stylized flower/lightning bolt etchings signify mastering by Allen Zentz, while the stamped or etched "S" confirms this record was pressed at Columbia's Santa Maria facility, utilizing high-quality West Coast audio stampers known for superior sound replication.
Condition Breakdown Vinyl Condition: EXCELLENT (EX) – The vinyl retains its brilliant, high-gloss original factory sheen. It is remarkably clean with only a few minor, completely superficial paper wisps from sleeve removal that do not affect playback. Plays through with clean and big punchy bass, paired with a warm and crips audio that perfectly captures the ambitious production of this stellar LP. Jacket Sleeve Condition: EXCELLENT (EX in Shrink) – The jacket is safely housed in its original factory shrink wrap, keeping the corners crisp and the heavy cardboard stiff. The vibrant front cover features the original hype sticker advertising "Baby Come Back" perfectly preserved beneath the shrink, alongside a vintage price sticker adding great historical charm. The spine remains perfectly legible, straight, and unbowed. No seam splits or ring wear.
Please see photos for condition and runout markings.
price rating
