Golden Earring - Buddy Joe / Avalanche Of Love (Japan) – RARE 1972 WHITE LABEL PROMO – DP 1882 – EX Vinyl - Multiple titles - Vinyl record - Promo pressing - 1972

A very scarce 1972 Japanese promotional pressing of Golden Earring’s Buddy Joe, backed with Avalanche Of Love, issued by Polydor Japan under catalogue number DP 1882.

This is the desirable WHITE LABEL PROMO / SAMPLE edition, clearly carrying the Japanese 見本盤 (“sample record”) and 非売品 (“not for sale”) markings on the label. These copies were intended for radio, press and promotional use rather than normal retail distribution.

The Japanese DP 1882 is a particularly attractive international variation of this Golden Earring single, presented in a Japan-only picture/lyric sleeve with Japanese typography, Polydor branding and the original ¥500 retail information. The Japanese issue is documented as a 1972 release and uses Buddy Joe / Avalanche Of Love as the A- and B-sides.

Buddy Joe was one of Golden Earring’s major pre-Radar Love singles. Released in 1972, it became a substantial European hit and reached No. 3 in the Netherlands, representing an important step in the band’s transition into the harder rock sound that would soon produce their international breakthrough.

The B-side, “Avalanche Of Love,” makes this an especially appealing period pairing and appears alongside the full English lyrics on the reverse of the Japanese sleeve.

Pressing details:

* Polydor DP 1882
* Japan, 1972
* 7-inch single
* WHITE LABEL PROMO / SAMPLE
* Japanese 見本盤 / 非売品 markings
* Buddy Joe b/w Avalanche Of Love
* Original Japanese picture / lyric sleeve
* Unique Japanese artwork and typography

Vinyl: EX

The vinyl is in Excellent condition, retaining a strong original gloss with only very light signs of previous handling or play.

The rare white promotional labels remain clean and highly attractive.

Sleeve: VG

The original Japanese picture/lyric sleeve is graded VG.

The front artwork still presents very nicely, but the sleeve shows noticeable age-related foxing / staining, particularly on the reverse.

There is also tape residue and associated wear around the upper centre area, together with normal light edge and handling wear. These points have been fully taken into account in the grading and can be clearly seen in the photographs.

Despite the age-related wear, this remains the original scarce Japanese sleeve, which is an important part of the appeal of this release.