BLACK RAIN (Sparkplugs) Kashmere Stage Band funk 45

$

88

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• ARTIST/GROUP: BLACK RAIN (& JOY, INC.)
• FORMAT: 7" 45
• LABEL/CATALOGUE #: Tap 0025
• RELEASE DATE: 1977

• LABEL DESCRIPTION: See Photo

• SONG TITLES: Sparkplugs / Houston Is A Grand Old Town

• DESCRIPTION: MEGA-RARE KILLER PRIVATE FUNK by super-talented high school group from Houston. Kashmere Stage Band is arguably the funkiest high school stage band ever; and as far as I can tell, this is their rarest 45, as it was never pressed on LP. "Sparkplugs" is an absolute monster raw funk track that’s loaded with funky breaks and just itching to be sampled. Flip is a cool pop vocal cut (credited to "Joy, Inc.").

NOTE: The pressing is off-center, and the pitch modulates somewhat as it plays. Hence the very low minimum bid. However, I have been informed that ALL pressings of this 45 are like this. Apparently, that’s why it was not put on LP and I imagine that’s why it’s so hard to find the 45 now. Even with the pressing, it’s still very cool and I think it sounds great; and it certainly is a must-have for Kashmere collectors. In fact, the pressing gives it a sort of raw acid-funk/psych quality (especially the guitar solo). I don’t have a way of putting a sample on-line (please don’t ask for one). Due to these circumstances, I’m auctioning this "AS IS" – no refunds if the pressing ends up being too off-center for your liking. So please bid accordingly.

CONDITION: (See GRADING GUIDELINES below for further details)

• VINYL: VG++
• LABELS: VG/VG+ (slight wear, couple thin paper scuffs)

NOTE: All 45s are professionally cleaned and carefully inspected under a grading lamp with 120-watt bulb.

• Guidelines reflect TYPICAL factors determining grade - variations are noted in the description
• Please note: I DO NOT USE EXCELLENT (EX) as a grade. 
• I rarely use grades below VG, and all vinyl graded VG or less is appropriately spot play-graded to assure sound quality.
• Grades below G are not listed, as I typically do not sell merchandise in such condition.

Intermediate grades (e.g., NM-, VG/VG+, VG++) are used, as applicable.

• MINT:  Virtually flawless storestock, either unplayed or played by me in spots for demonstration purposes.
• NM+ (Near Mint Plus) - Practically mint; may have been played once or twice but I can't confirm if it's storestock.
• NM (Near Mint) - vinyl and labels nearly flawless, may have a small, super light scuff or a few light sleeve or surface marks that do not affect play.
• VG+ (Very Good Plus) - what many refer to as "excellent"; pretty close to NM. Full or nearly full-gloss vinyl with a few minor surface or sleeve marks; possibly one or a few small, light scuffs or scratches. Expect only slight or very slight surface noise in spots. Labels  have slight wear, possibly one or a couple minor flaws (small tear or writing, etc. - noted in description, as applicable).  
• VG (Very Good) - Vinyl generally glossy, possibly slight groovewear; has some light scuffs, sleeve marks and hairline scratches; possibly a few small light scratches. Expect slight surface noise, possibly with a couple or few soft or very soft clicks.
• VG- (Very Good Minus) - Vinyl may be glossy but often has slight or some graying/groovewear; has some light scuffs, surface marks and scratches, plus some or many sleeve marks and hairline scratches; possibly one or a few deeper scratches that do not significantly affect play. Expect slight or some surface noise, possibly with a few soft clicks that are noticeable but NOT overwhelming.
• G (Good) Vinyl may be glossy but typically has some graying/groovewear; has some/many scuffs, surface marks, sleeve marks and light scratches; possibly a few or some deeper scratches that do not significantly affect play. Expect some surface noise throughout that's noticeable but NOT overwhelming - NO skips, sticks, heavy scuffs, excessive noise, or loud "pops" or "clicks" (unless noted in description).
SHIPPING AND PAYMENT POLICES

 

45 SHIPPING FEES

PLEASE NOTE: ALL INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS OF MORE THAN $100 WILL BE "TRACKED" WHEN PAYING BY PAYPAL. Additional fees may apply. Please consider this when bidding. Please contact me with any questions BEFORE bidding. Thank you.

• U.S. 1-3  45s (First Class Mail) = $4.00.
• U.S. 4-25  45s (Media Mail) = $5.00.
• CANADA - 1-3  45s = $4.50; 4-6  45s  = $7.00 (Add $0.50 for each additional disc)
• ALL OTHER LOCATIONS - 1  45 = $7.50 (Add $0.75 for each additional disc)

 

ADDITIONAL SHIPPING INFORMATION

• Shipping is by U.S. POSTAL SERVICE (U.S.P.S). I take great care in shipping professionally with the proper materials.
• COMBINED SHIPPING offered for multiple items - THE MORE YOU WIN, THE MORE YOU SAVE!
• An INVOICE will be sent to winning bidders shortly after the close of auction. PLEASE DO NOT SEND PAYMENT PRIOR TO RECEIVING INVOICE! Thanks for your cooperation.
• Payment by PAYPAL. Shipments are made within five business days after receipt of payment. 
• For INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS, Please make payments in U.S. Dollars.
• 8.25% TAX added for shipments within Texas.
• INSURANCE IS OPTIONAL and will be added at buyer’s request.
• RETURN POLICY - See below.