If you are looking at this then you probably know this is the original 1951 10" Aladdin 703 "Party After Hours." This iconic early 1950s R&B collectible is ridiculously rare -- one of LA-based Aladdin Records' first forays into the then-emergent long-playing 33 1/3 album format and about as collectable and exclusive as it gets. Stunningly evocative original artwork: the late-night bar room scene featuring a blues pianist and a dame whiling away the early hours.  Includes songs from such West Coast jump blues luminaries as Wynonie Harris, Amos Milburn and "Crown Prince" Waterford and Velma Nelson. 

There is another one of these, and only one, also in VG condition, listed for sale on Discogs for over $1600. Please feel free to check. Near mint copies of this album sell for thousands of dollars. This one isn't in near mint condition. However, it is still an incredibly enjoyable listen in VG condition. If you have 25 or so minutes to spare, I made a simple and unedited recording using Quicktime and my MacBook...so you can hear this rare album yourself. 

The play testing was done on a stock Marantz 6200 turntable. The cartridge is an Ortofon 2M Red with elliptical stylus tracking at 1.8g. I made this choice for a couple of reasons. 1) I'm testing the Marantz and 2) I wanted to present the most honest representation for you during play testing, as opposed to using something like my Denon with Q-Damping or with any of the various other "better tracking" cartridges or set-ups which might not be indicative of your experience. If I had done this, it would have undeniably sounded better...but I truly wanted to give you what I think is a raw, honest and accurate representation.  

Here are my very brief notes for the play testing. Again...I encourage you to listen by watching the video.

Side A: plays through with background noise here and there, some pops and clicks, with the most pronounced of the album being on the first track for about 15-20 seconds of the song...Make it through that and you're golden...the rest are not typically louder than the music itself - Side B plays through and is better than side A...with some background noise and pops, though again, not typically louder than the music, and still very enjoyable.

Youtube video - Copy and paste into your browser to listen to the entire album play tested

https://youtu.be/phxh4QhvyKw

Album: PARTY AFTER HOURS

Various ?– Party After Hours

Tracklist 

Details: deep-groove, mono

Sleeve Condition: VERY GOOD**** There is some fading to the unlaminated sleeve. There are some spots which may actually be whiskey. There is a bit of what might be deemed ringwear on the back. This circle of dirt will probably wipe off utilizing some of the standard methods. Some feathering on the corners and edges.  

Vinyl Condition: VERY GOOD **** This incredibly rare Aladdin 10" is almost 70 years old!  It's seen a bit of life, but it's been play tested and you may hear it for yourself by copying and pasting the link for the youtube video. I did this so you would know what you are and what to expect. It plays better than many albums I've purchased which graded visually as Very Good Plus. There is some background noise, pops and clicks, visible scuffs and scratches...but you can listen to it and enjoy doing so. 

I love this album and also realize how rare and collectable it is. I really wouldn't be selling this, but unexpected circumstances dictate I must. That being said, if you are interested in this, you may also be interested in some of the other vinyl I will be selling here. I will be listing other rare Aladdin releases, some Blue Note jazz,  Chess blues...and a number of other rare albums in the days to come. 

THIS LISTING IS FOR THE "PARTY AFTER HOURS" RECORD AND SLEEVE ONLY! OBVIOUSLY THE TURNTABLE, CARTRIDGE, ETC ARE NOT INCLUDED. 

This record absolutely will be packed and shipped appropriately. I have sold numerous records and know how to get them to you safely. It will be insured, signature will be required. Thank you.