1.) Culture Club – Colour By Numbers represents the pinnacle of 1980s new wave pop perfection, captured in this magnificent Japanese first pressing that preserves the album's sophisticated production and global appeal in absolute mint condition. Released in 1983 at the height of Culture Club's international fame, this album showcases the band's unique fusion of soul, pop, and new wave in a presentation of exceptional quality. The Japanese pressing reveals the album's lush, layered production with breathtaking clarity. From the infectious Motown-inspired groove of "Karma Chameleon" to the soulful balladry of "Victims," every intricate arrangement emerges with stunning definition. Boy George's distinctive vocals float above the sophisticated instrumental backing with incredible presence, while the band's tight musicianship and the horn arrangements benefit from the legendary Japanese audio engineering. The album's perfect balance of pop accessibility and musical sophistication sounds more vibrant and detailed than ever in this pristine pressing. This copy is extraordinary for its absolute mint condition—a true time capsule of Japanese pressing quality. The OBI strip remains perfectly crisp and vibrant, the insert is flawless with lyrics and artwork beautifully preserved, and the vinyl surface appears completely unplayed. The iconic cover artwork—featuring the band's colorful, androgynous aesthetic—looks particularly striking in this immaculate Japanese edition, perfectly capturing the album's themes of diversity and self-expression. A definitive statement of 1980s pop excellence, preserved in absolutely perfect collector's condition. DETAILED TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION Artist / Title: Culture Club - Colour By Numbers Format / Pressing: Vinyl LP - First Japanese pressing, Stereo Label & Catalog Number: Virgin VIL-6072 Year / Country: 1983 - Japan Sleeve/Cover Condition: Mint - Absolutely pristine, perfect corners and surfaces Media Condition: Mint - Factory fresh, appears completely unplayed Contents: Complete with original OBI strip and insert TRACKLIST Side One: 1. Karma Chameleon 2. It's A Miracle 3. Black Money 4. Changing Every Day 5. That's the Way (I'm Only Trying to Help You) Side Two: 1. Church of the Poison Mind 2. Miss Me Blind 3. Mister Man 4. Stormkeeper 5. Victims COLLECTOR'S HIGHLIGHTS Rarity: First Japanese pressing in absolute mint condition Special Features: Includes all original Japanese elements - pristine OBI strip and insert Musical Content: 1980s pop classic featuring "Karma Chameleon" and "Church of the Poison Mind" Authenticity: Confirmed by Virgin catalog number VIL-6072 __________________________________________________ 2.) Paul Young – No Parlez represents the British soul singer's spectacular debut and breakthrough, captured in this magnificent Japanese first pressing that preserves the album's sophisticated blue-eyed soul in absolute mint condition with original shrink. Released in 1983, this album showcases Young's distinctive vocal style and impeccable taste in material, presented in a time-capsule Japanese edition. The Japanese pressing reveals the album's polished production with breathtaking clarity. From the haunting opening of "Come Back and Stay" to the soulful reinterpretation of "Love of the Common People," every nuanced performance emerges with stunning definition. Young's expressive, soulful vocals float above the sophisticated arrangements with incredible presence, while the tight studio band and atmospheric production benefit from the legendary Japanese audio engineering. The album's perfect blend of soul covers and original material sounds more vibrant and emotionally resonant than ever in this pristine pressing. This copy is extraordinary for its absolute mint condition preserved in original shrink—a true collector's dream. The shrink-wrapped vinyl ensures factory-fresh quality, the OBI strip remains perfectly crisp beneath the shrink, and the insert is flawlessly preserved. The vinyl surface appears completely unplayed, ready to deliver the crystal-clear sound that Japanese pressings are celebrated for. The distinctive cover artwork—featuring Young's enigmatic portrait—looks particularly striking in this pristine, shrink-wrapped edition. A landmark of 1980s blue-eyed soul, preserved in absolutely perfect time-capsule condition. DETAILED TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION Artist / Title: Paul Young - No Parlez Format / Pressing: Vinyl LP - First Japanese pressing Label & Catalog Number: Epic 25·3P-464 Year / Country: 1983 - Japan Sleeve/Cover Condition: Mint - Preserved in original shrink wrap, perfect condition Media Condition: Mint - Factory fresh, appears completely unplayed Contents: Complete with original OBI strip and insert (under shrink) TRACKLIST Side One: 1. Come Back and Stay 2. Love of the Common People 3. Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home) 4. Ku Ku Kurama 5. Sex Side Two: 1. Iron Out the Rough Spots 2. Broken Man 3. Tender Trap 4. Love Will Tear Us Apart 5. Behind Your Smile COLLECTOR'S HIGHLIGHTS Rarity: First Japanese pressing in mint condition with original shrink Special Features: Preserved in original shrink with OBI strip and insert Musical Content: Blue-eyed soul classic featuring "Come Back and Stay" and "Wherever I Lay My Hat" Authenticity: Confirmed by Epic catalog number 25·3P-464 SALE TERMS & SHIPPING Shipping: Within 1 or 2 business days after payment Packaging: Professional, secure vinyl mailer | Record shipped with premium protection Vinyl Care: All our vinyl records are professionally cleaned with an ultrasonic machine before shipping. We also include a free outer sleeve and new inner sleeve. Shipping Areas: Worldwide Payment: Required within 3 days after auction closes ABOUT THE SELLER A passionate collector for over 30 years, my journey through music has been a lifelong adventure. With the creation of STREAMZER, I've chosen to share this profound love for music and records with enthusiasts around the world. Each record from my collection has been carefully selected, stored in optimal conditions, and handled with the respect that these musical treasures deserve. I'm delighted to offer these pieces to fellow music lovers who understand their true value. Happy bidding! Musically, Olivier