As any collector can tell you, the rarer an item is, the most desired it is, and some of the rarest items are test presses. A test pressing is a vinyl record created during the production process to ensure the quality and accuracy of the final product. It’s usually pressed in a very low number, 5 to 75 units, depending on final order side and serves as a quality control step before mass production begins. RPM Records has a good article explaining them more in detail.
But it’s more than that. Having one usually denotes a close relationship with the artists or the label promoting said artists and it’s the ultimate level of connection that I can get to the music I like and support. And owning one in my collection makes me happy and proud. So I decided to create a subpage of the A Record A Day Keeps the Doctor Away section dedicated to Test Pressings. You can find it in the site’s navigation, or by following this link.
These albums are all special to me and I love having them here. Maybe one day more will follow.
Boogie Belgique — Volta (Test Pressing) •
2019 - LP, Test Pressing, Signed, Limited Edition, Numbered, 2/5
“Volta” was the first test pressing I ever got. Being fast to act on a newsletter that was sent to Bandcamp subscribers in June 2019, purchasing this was an absolute no-brainer. The album itself is fantastic, with some of the best songs Oswald has produced, like “Goodnight Moon” and “Every Time”.
Boogie Belgique — Time For A Boogie (Test Pressing) •
2013 (2020 Re-release) - LP, Test Pressing, Limited Edition, Numbered, 1/3
After the first TP from Boogie Belgique, which I adore, I bought this in May 2020, taking me two minutes since receiving the newsletter until I got the “thank you for your order” email. Why? Because it’s got “Ms. Yutani”, as weel as “Love In Your Eyes” and “Swing Thing”. Solid stuff.
Maxïmo Park — Nature Always Wins (Test Pressing) •
2021 - LP, Test Pressing, White Label, Limited Edition, Signed, 41/75
One of the best albums of Maxïmo Park features among others, the great songs “Baby, Sleep” and “Child Of The Flatlands”. Was bought in October 2022, from the official store.
Boogie Belgique — Nightwalker (Volume I) (Test Pressing) •
2013 (2020 Re-release) - 2xLP, White Label, Limited Edition, 2/5, Signed
When I got the newsletter that Oswald was releasing some test presses of the remastered version of the first volume of Nightwalker, I jumped on the occasion and got one. “Final Parade” and “The Bartender” are the hidden gems of this album, but the strongest track is “Forever and Ever”, the first BB song I discovered.
Luna Amară — Pietre În Alb (Test Pressing) •
2011 (2022 Re-release) - 2xLP, Test Pressing, Signed, Limited Edition, Gray Marbled
Luna Amară is most likely one of my dearest bands in the world. After countless concerts attended, when Sorin told me he has a test pressing for sale, I jumped on the occasion faster than bitcoin jumps up and down. Without a doubt their most popular album, with a great sound and a great vinyl press to accompany it. A strong album, from start to finish, “Pietre în alb” sounding amazing, but with extra goosebumps on “Oameni noi”. Masterpiece.
Luna Amară — Aproape (Test Pressing) •
2016 (2023 Re-release) - LP, White label, Limited Edition, Signed
It’s unbelievable to talk about this album in this context. This is a different album from Luna Amară. It’s slow, it’s melancholic, it’s sad, it’s calm. You could call it “The Dark Side of the Bitter Moon”. This is not only their best album in my opinion, but it’s an album that fits the vinyl format perfectly. Emotionally written, brilliantly performed, “Aproape” has only 7 tracks, but each of them is a journey and a masterpiece. In terms of music, it can’t get any better.
