Rare Sealed LP Vinyl Record: The Jayhawks Blue Earth, OOP 1989 Twin/Tone 89151-1

$

85

This might be an even more elusive original vinyl record pressing than the debut "Bunkhouse album" from Minneapolis alt-country legends The Jayhawks. "Blue Earth" is their second album, and the only one released on Twin/Tone Records of Minneapolis before the band signed with American Records and released "Hollywood Town Hall." This is the first, long out-of-print Twin/Tone LP pressing (TTR 89151-1) from October 1989, and it's still sealed in its original plastic wrap.

Unlike "Bunkhouse" and I think all of the later Jayhawks albums, "Blue Earth" never was reissued on vinyl. According to Twin/Tone, "the album sold 1,383 vinyl copies, 1,464 cassettes and 2,876 CDs prior to the band being signed to American Records. It is 'out of print' in the vinyl and cassette formats. Twin/Tone continues to press the CD and sells it through Restless/Ryko."

As for condition, of course I presume the never-played record inside to be mint ... but there's no way for me to absolutely guarantee that because I've never had it out of the sleeve. I've owned it since finding it in the mid-1990s at a little record store in Eugene, Oregon (the handwritten $7.99 price sticker remains, with what I believe is a date stamp (1189) indicating November 1989. My CD and digitized versions of "Blue Earth" have seen heavy play over the years, but this LP has had a gentle existence with any minor external wear coming from the occasional move from one shelf to another, etc.

Slight rubbing and ring wear is evident on the plastic wrap, although it's hard to tell if the ring would be visible on the uncoated album cover itself when opened. Cardboard edges and corners show insignificant wear, with small areas of white showing through the red printed surface in just a couple of places along the top and bottom seams. Please look closely at the photos to judge the condition (pardon the light glare and reflection off of the plastic in some shots).

Thanks for looking. Feel free to ask any questions, and please note that I ship only to domestic USA buyers at this time.

MORE INFORMATION:

Side 1 tracks: Two Angels; She's Not Alone Anymore; Will I Be Married; Dead End Angel; Commonplace Streets

Side 2 tracks: Ain't No End; Five Cups of Coffee; The Baltimore Sun; Red Firecracker; Sioux City; I'm Still Dreaming, Now I'm Yours; Martin's Song

The Jayhawks' lineup at the time was Mark Olson (vocals, guitar, harmonica); Gary Louris (vocals, lead guitar); Marc Perlman (bass); and Thad Spencer (drums). Additional musicians were Dan Gaarder (lead guitar) Charlie Pine (organ); Borm Rogers (drums); and Jim Rondinelli (vocals).

The album was produced by Jim Rondinelli, Tom Herbers and The Jayhawks.