Extremely rare original 1987 German first pressing of The Black Album by Prince (WX 147 / 925 677-1), with catalog number printed in orange ink on the spine and barcode/copyright information sticker affixed directly to back cover, standard of European releases given that albums were typically not shrink-wrapped. Also in keeping with the original pressing: matrix numbers to both sides of record, "R/S Alsdorf 925677-1-A2” and “R/S Alsdorf 925677-1-B”; the small orange triangles to labels with white "33" numbers; and back cover embossed with Warner Bros. logo. Complete with the album sleeve, inner sleeve, and record. In very good to fine condition, with light scuffing, edge creasing, and edgewear to the sleeve
The Black Album, also known as The Funk Bible, was originally intended to be released on December 8, 1987, with an entirely black sleeve and no printed title or song credits. A week before its release date, Prince had the album withdrawn after having a spiritual experience that convinced him the album was 'evil.' Warner Bros. worked extremely hard to destroy all of the 500,000 copies that had been pressed—very few survived, making extant examples among the rarest records in the world.
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