1988 Australian Pressing
CBS 462891 1
Record in very good condition, plays well throughout. Picture sleeve and inner have discolouration marks visible in the picture
The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.
### Sound Quality
No user reviews directly assess the album's sound quality on formats like vinyl or CD. Professional critic Rudyard Kennedy highlighted the "uniformly excellent (and, at times, positively inspired)" playing, soulful and gritty vocals by Joe Camilleri, Vika, and Linda Bull, and a mix of blues, soul, R&B, gospel, country, folk, and pop that creates "classic radio staples." Live renditions of tracks like "Hold on to Me," "Chained to the Wheel," and "The Chosen Ones" are described as stirring audience sing-alongs, extended and hammering, with vital energy and strong sax.
### Build Quality and Reliability
No community discussions or user reviews mention build quality (e.g., vinyl pressing, packaging) or reliability of physical copies. A sealed Australian 2-LP vinyl edition with belly band is listed for sale, implying collector interest, but lacks user feedback.
### Strengths
- Songwriting and musicianship: Literate lyrics, superb blending of genres, and inspired playing comparable to Van Morrison or the Rolling Stones.
- Vocals and performance: Soulful, gritty delivery; live shows evoke strong audience delight, dancing, and calls for more.
- Live impact: Tracks remain crowd favorites nearly 40 years later, with Joe's voice "better with age" and band delivering "pure joy to the ears."
- Chart success: Peaked at #7 in Australia, #5 in Norway.
### Weaknesses
- Live versions sometimes miss Vika and Linda Bull's original sweetening vocals on tracks like "Chained to the Wheel."
- No other user-noted flaws; discussions emphasize positives.
### Overall Reputation
The album holds a strong reputation as an "Australian classic" worthy of global acclaim, with positive professional ratings and sustained live popularity. Community discussions in live reviews portray it as a highlight in setlists, evoking nostalgia and high energy, though user opinions on the recording itself are limited to indirect enthusiasm via performances. Sources lack direct consumer reviews from forums like Reddit or Discogs.
## Price by Format
Vinyl Records: The primary pricing tier, ranging $30–$60 AUD
- Standard used vinyl in good condition: approximately $30 AUD
- Used vinyl in very good condition: approximately $57.99 AUD
- Signed vinyl editions by Joe Camileri: $60 AUD
CD Albums: Significantly lower entry point at $6 AUD for used copies in very good plus (VG+) condition
## Key Factors Affecting Value
Condition: The most substantial price driver for vinyl. Records graded VG+ command substantially higher prices than standard good condition copies
Format: Vinyl records are priced 5–10 times higher than CD versions of the same album, reflecting collector demand for physical formats
Special editions: Signed copies and records with original belly bands or special packaging command premium pricing at the upper end of the range
Availability: Recent market inventory shows several listings active across Australian record retailers, suggesting moderate supply and stable pricing
For a conservative fair market estimate, expect to pay $40–$50 AUD for a typical used vinyl copy in good-to-very-good condition from an Australian retailer.
Recommended Comments