ABC – Alphabet City (Vinyl LP, 1987, Mercury 422 832 391-1 Q-1, Specialty Pressing, Sterling Cut)

Why This Record Matters
Alphabet City is ABC’s fourth studio album and returned the group to a polished synth-pop sound with prominent soul influences. “When Smokey Sings” became ABC’s highest-charting U.S. single, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Martin Fry and Mark White produced the album.

Collector Note
This 1987 U.S. Mercury copy carries catalog number 422 832 391-1 Q-1 and has pressing characteristics that differ from the documented Hauppauge configuration. The copy has crossed-out HRM information together with SP markings and the SRC logo, indicating Specialty Records Corporation pressing involvement, while the STERLING marking identifies a lacquer cut at Sterling Sound. This copy includes the original inner sleeve.

Availability
Single copy available—once it's gone, it's gone.

Condition & Details
Media: VG+
Sleeve: VG+
Included: Original inner sleeve

Technical Details
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Label: Mercury – 422 832 391-1 Q-1
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop

Matrix / Runout
Side A: Hauppauge HRM marking crossed out; etched SP 1-1 and SRC logo
Side B: No HRM marking; -SP, SRC logo and STERLING

Tracklist
Side A
A1 Avenue A – 0:53
A2 When Smokey Sings – 4:18
A3 The Night You Murdered Love – 4:53
A4 Think Again – 3:40
A5 Rage And Then Regret – 3:33
A6 Ark-Angel – 4:55

Side B
B1 King Without A Crown – 4:40
B2 Bad Blood – 3:56
B3 Jealous Lover – 3:36
B4 One Day – 5:35
B5 Avenue Z – 0:42

Shipping & Handling
Ultrasonically cleaned using a Degritter Mark II prior to shipping.
Stored in protective inner and outer sleeves.
Shipped with vinyl protection and cardboard reinforcement.
Packed securely for safe delivery.

About Maple City Music
Maple City Music is a veteran-owned record store in Vermont focused on honest grading, fair pricing, and high-quality media. Every item is carefully inspected, cleaned, and prepared so it arrives exactly as described.