Stevie Wonder, "Innervisions," 1973 Classic -- SEALED

$

29

Dr. John's Spin Factory wishes you both Happy New Year and Happy Old Year.  Of course, 2026 is the new year.  The old year about which to be happy?  We suggest 1973, when Stevie Wonder unleashed not only one of his greatest albums but one of the most brilliant, cohesive, and powerful popular albums of all time, "Innervisions."  Given that this music is now nearly 53 years in our culture's rear view mirror, that's quite the assertion... To substantiate my claim, here's what Google had to say about "Innervisions:"
"Stevie Wonder's Innervisions (1973) received universal acclaim as a masterpiece, praised for its deep grooves, innovative instrumentation (often by Wonder himself), and powerful, socially conscious lyrics tackling racism, drug abuse, and political corruption, with tracks like "Living for the City" and "Higher Ground" highlighted as iconic statements that remain relevant, solidifying its place as a peak of his classic '70s period alongside Songs in the Key of Life. Reviewers call it a timeless work with no filler, blending deep funk, jazz, and soulful ballads into a cohesive, visionary whole that still resonates today."
I think we can agree.  The music pressed into this vinyl was and remains great.  Moving on... As for the specifics of the copy up for sale, based on both the date on the jacket (1973) and the manufacturer's numbers on the jacket, MOT-326R1 ("formerly TAM-7326"), this vinyl was likely manufactured in 1973, the year of first release (Discogs is my reference).  So, what's with the barcode?  There were no barcodes on vinyl albums in 1973!  Very true.  The explanation: This copy was probably not officially released until 1976.  How did I reach this conclusions?  Two reasons: The bar code is printed on a sticker that is placed on top of the shrink wrap and not printed directly on the cardboard sleeve, as has long been the case for any and all albums made at the point barcodes were adopted by the industry.  And second, one ofTamla's original catalog numbers was TAM-7326, which the sticker on the back of this record claims was the former number for this record.   Okay...That's a lot of rigamarole to say something simple.  The current copy is definitely an early pressing that will likely sound pretty darn awesome.  May you enjoy music that moves you, everyday!  Best, Dr. John.