The Numbers (Riptides) – Sunset Strip EP 1978 – rare

	A$		261
	$		173

THE NUMBERS  – SUNSET STRIP (EP) September 1978

Artist:  The Numbers (later The Riptides)  

Title:  Sunset Strip EP

Format:  7-inch EP; 45 rpm
Date:  September 1978
Label:   Able Label (AB003)

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Background:  In 1978 The Numbers were: Mark (‘Cal’) Callaghan (vocals); Dennis Cantwell (drums); Scott Matheson (rhythm guitar); Alan Rielly (lead guitar); and, Robert Vickers (bass guitar).  The band had formed in 1977 as The Grudge (its members coming from the Architecture Department of the University of Queensland).

          In 1978 The Grudge underwent a couple of name-changes: firstly The Neon Steal and then The Numbers.  By this stage the band was part of the burgeoning punk/new wave scene in Brisbane. 

By mid-year 1978 The Numbers were in a position to record some of their songs.  The tracks for an EP were recorded on 4 July 1878 at Bruce Windows Studio in Brisbane. The ‘Sunset Strip’ EP was released in September 1978 on The Go-Betweens' Able label.  Only 500 copies of the EP were released.

In early 1979 Robert Vickers left the band and Mark Callaghan assumed the role of bass-guitarist.  The Numbers became The Riptides (in deference to a Sydney band, also called The Numbers).  The band remixed the ‘Sunset Strip' EP and reissued it in July 1979 (credited to The Riptides, this time in a pressing of 2000 copies).

The Riptides re-located to Sydney and went on to become one of Australia’s premier bands of the early 1980s.  After undergoing several line-up changes they disbanded in 1983.    

Tracks:         Side A:     1.  Sunset Strip

   Side B:     2.  Magic Castle

                  3.  Rules of Love

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Condition:  The Sunset Strip EP single for sale here is by The Numbers, on the Able Label (AB003), released in September 1878.  The record is enclosed in a white inner sleeve.  The complete package – vinyl, labels, sleeve and inner sleeve – is of good quality. 

The main blemishes are:

• Both front and rear sides of the sleeve have wear-rings (more noticeable on the front against a dark background); slight deformations in a few places along the sleeve’s open edge; one crescent-shaped crease (front of sleeve); a few barely noticeable spots on the sleeve (front and back).
• The vinyl is in good condition; there is a small superficial surface-scratch on Side A; plays well.

The condition of the record package can be summarised as:

·         Vinyl: EX

·         Label: NM

·         Sleeve: EX

·         Inner Sleeve: EX

Grading categories:

·           MINT: Unplayed – record, sleeve, inner sleeve and any inserts are all as new, and label has no spindle hole wear.

·           NM: Known to have been played but vinyl is virtually pristine.  Label almost as new but indication of record being played may be visible at spindle hole.  Sleeves almost perfect.

·           EX: Vinyl is free of scratches but may have scuff marks.  Slight wear may be present at spindle hole. Sleeve has slight wear but nothing significant.

·           VG+: Vinyl will have just a few light scratches but will play without crackles or any serious sound problems; label may have some wear marks.  Sleeve will have easily visible wear.

·           VG: Expect some light scratches; loss of some sheen on the vinyl; easily visible wear at spindle hole; perhaps a name neatly on label or sleeve; a touch of surface noise; fairly significant sleeve wear.

This record is from my own collection.  It was purchased new and has been well cared for.  It has been held in storage for the last twenty years.

Payment: 

• Australia: Bank Deposit, Paypal or Money Order.
• Other countries: Paypal only.

If using bank payment, please quote the EBay Order or Item No. so I can identify your payment.  All sales must be finalised within seven days of the completion of the auction. 

Postage and Handling: 

• Australia: $5.00 (regular postage).
• Other countries: Please enquire; I will calculate it according to the Ebay-calculated postage rates to your country.

The record will be securely packaged for posting to the successful bidder. 

Please contact me, before the item is posted, if registration and insurance is required.  I am happy to provide a quote at any time for postal arrangements extra to regular postage.

Returns Policy:  If this item falls short of my description I will provide a refund (less return postage costs).  I am always happy to answer any questions you may have.

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