Gary Moore – Blues and Beyond (4LP) TEST PRESSINGS (BMG / BMGCAT105QLP + BMGCAT1LP)
Ultra-rare complete set of 4× white label vinyl test pressings
Sound Performance – dated June 2017
Description
Up for auction is an extremely rare complete set of factory test pressings for the BMG 4LP edition of Gary Moore – Blues and Beyond, cut and manufactured by Sound Performance in June 2017 as part of the approval process for the commercial 4LP box set.
These are true production test pressings, created in tiny quantities (typically 3–5 sets worldwide). They were used to approve the audio quality, cutting, and metalwork before full-scale pressing for the retail release. As such, they are one of the earliest and rarest artefacts connected to this project.
All four discs are housed in their original plain white paper sleeves, each hand-annotated by Sound Performance with catalogue numbers, disc IDs and QC dates.
This is the only set of these I’ve ever seen circulate outside the label/production team.
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What’s Included
4 × 12” white label test pressings, all in clean white poly-lined sleeves:
1. BMGCAT E/F
• Date: 03.06.17
• “Sound Performance” hand-written annotation
2. BMGCAT 105 QLP (VN15597) G14
• Date: 06.06.2017
• Sound Performance QC notes (VN lacquer reference)
3. BMGCAT C/D
• Date: 07.06.17
4. BMGCAT 105QLP
• Date: 07.06.2017
All four are clean, unplayed, and in excellent condition – exactly as supplied by the plant.
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About the Release
Blues and Beyond is one of the definitive Gary Moore collections, showcasing his virtuosity across both studio and live recordings. The 4LP edition spans highlights from his blues revival era, featuring classics such as:
• Parisienne Walkways (’93 version)
• Still Got the Blues
• Walking by Myself
• Oh Pretty Woman
• Story of the Blues
• Separate Ways
• The Sky Is Crying
• Cold Day in Hell
• All Your Love
• Jumpin’ at Shadows
• …and many more live cuts and deep catalogue gems.
This test pressing set covers all four LPs of the commercial edition.
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Why Test Pressings Are Valuable
Test pressings are created before commercial manufacturing begins, allowing engineers and label staff to confirm that the cut is sonically correct.
They are:
• Produced in extremely small quantities
• Seldom seen outside the label
• Highly collectible due to scarcity
• Often considered the earliest “true first pressings”
For Gary Moore collectors—or completists of modern blues rock—a complete TP set like this is exceptionally hard to obtain.
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Condition
• Vinyl: Near Mint / Unplayed
• Sleeves: Plain white paper sleeves with Sound Performance hand-written notes (as issued)
• All discs stored safely and kept in a smoke-free home.
LP 1
Side A
A1. Enough Of The Blues – 4:47
A2. Tell Me Woman – 2:50
A3. Stormy Monday – 6:53
A4. That’s Why I Play The Blues – 4:04
Side B
B1. Power Of The Blues – 2:30
B2. Ball And Chain – 12:53
B3. Looking Back – 2:19
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LP 2
Side C
C1. Surrender – 9:39
C2. Cold Black Night – 4:17
C3. There’s A Hole – 5:38
Side D
D1. Getaway Blues – 3:42
D2. We Want Love – 5:43
D3. Memory Pain – 4:52
D4. The Prophet – 6:19
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LP 3
Side E
E1. You Upset Me Baby – 3:14
E2. Bring My Baby Back – 4:51
E3. I Can’t Quit You Baby – 5:47
E4. World Of Confusion – 4:20
Side F
F1. Picture Of The Moon – 7:12
F2. Can’t Find My Baby – 3:32
F3. Drowning In Tears – 9:20
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LP 4
Side G
G1. Evil – 2:41
G2. My Baby (She’s So Good To Me) – 3:25
G3. Ain’t Got You – 2:53
G4. Just Can’t Let You Go – 7:39
Side H
H1. How Many Lies – 6:10
H2. Torn Inside – 5:37
H3. Parisienne Walkways (Live) – 9:20