In 1985 when the BORN IN THE U.S.A. world tour was on-going, a major weekly comic magazine in Japan featured Springsteen in a full-color 4- page article. The scanned image shows the bulk part of the final page with the album discography introducing not only the seven official releases, but also three bootleg titles, including the classic triple-LP box. Note that this comic magazine again featured Springsteen in special articles in 1987 and 1992 (see 05/17/2015 and 06/05/2017). So, I guess there must have been a BIG fan among the Editorial Staff (remember it was a comic, not a music magazine!). |
Last week, I saw a copy of the serially numbered box here and just couldn't resist obtaining it for the first time in nineteen years(!) since the last purchase in 2001 (through eBay, according to the purchase log). This one corresponds to the ninth added to my collection and 96th entry to the summary table for this particular bootleg, which I have kept updating by incorporating information kindly provided by fellow collectors and available on online auctions (the older versions are available on 12/13/2015 and 05/03/2017). Originally, this was undertaken to characterize the early and late pressings concerning the record labels (generic yellow or custom Slipped Disc), slick insert color (white, light cream, or pale blue), and the way of serial numbering on the insert cover, since there were variations in these aspects from one copy to another (and I believe that this purpose has been fulfilled). Now that the summary table became a long list, I separated it into two charts, which list serially numbered copies from lower to higher, just like I did previously.
Here is the first list that comprises up to around #2000 (total 42 copies).
And the second table that lists those numbered #2000s and above (total 54 copies).
A few notes on the tables updated here:
- Copies with a hand-written number exist and circulate, but are excluded from the lists. This is because in almost all (if not all) cases present or previous owners must have numbered by themselves in the small empty box on the slick insert.
- In some cases, it wasn't easy to distinguish insert color between white and light cream, especially from fair and poor images available online, although the difference from pale blue is much more recognizable. So, the current listing may not be accurate in this respect.
This update firmly confirms the previous observations on the relationship between serial numbers and record labels, making clear what the original format was:
- The early numbered pressings come with yellow generic labels with a serial number stamped on a small white sticker pasted on the slick insert (19 copies: #032 to #1051, except #119, #198, #598, #613, and #830).
- The late numbered pressings carry the custom Slipped Disc label on each wax, and a serial number is stamped directly on the insert (43 copies: #3948 to #5995, except #01667, #2311, #02381, #02724, #3006, and #3555).
- Either label is featured on the copies with intermediate numbers. In all cases, however, serial numbers are stamped on the insert (22 copies: #1089 to #3840, except #5739).
Finally, the next time when I come across another numbered copy (not online but in-store), I don't know if I could resist purchasing it (that would be the tenth if added to my collection).
I have that set. Bought when new. white label and slipped disc vinyl. Still have it but it's in storage so I don't know the serial number.
ReplyDeleteHello Mike,
DeleteThank you for your message.
I'd appreciate it if you let me know your copy number of this great bootleg any time!
My # is 4040. Comments??
DeleteThank you for the info on your copy. I guess your set carries the Slipped Disc label on each side of three vinyl discs and comes in a black box with a white slick insert on which the limited number (4040) is stamped. Are these right?
DeleteThanks for all the info, I’ve got this album stamped 650 with yellow center labels
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information on your copy #650, which will be included in the next update. I'd like to know whether the limited number is stamped directly on the slick insert or a small seal pasted on it. I assume the slick insert is black/white rather than black/cream yellow or black/pale blue. Is that correct?
Delete