STEVE WINWOOD – Back in the High Life (1986) - Gold Stamp Promo w/Hype Sticker

$

30

Winner of three Grammy Awards (including Record of the Year), Back in the High Life represents the absolute commercial and artistic peak of multi-instrumentalist legend Steve Winwood. This specific first pressing is highly celebrated by audiophiles because it was mastered by Sterling Sound using state-of-the-art Direct Metal Mastering (DMM) technology. Cutting directly into metal copper plates reduced groove echo and surface hiss, delivering an extraordinarily crisp, open, and deep analog soundstage.
The album is a flawless masterclass in mid-80s soul-infused pop-rock, featuring Winwood's massive global #1 smash "Higher Love" (showcasing iconic backing vocals by Chaka Khan). The star-studded tracking sessions also feature phenomenal guest contributions from James Taylor on "Back in the High Life Again," Joe Walsh on guitar for "Split Decision," and legendary jazz horn arrangements. Because this copy was preserved with archival care, the analog dynamic range delivers a booming studio experience unmatched by flat modern digital streaming platforms.
Label: Island Records / Warner Bros. Records Catalog Number: 9 25448-1 (Spine sequence shows classic 1-25448 system layouts) Matrix / Runout Identifiers (First-Run Audiophile Profile): Side A: 1-25448-A-SH1-DMM [Stamped] STERLING Side B: 1-25448-B-SH2-DMM [Stamped] STERLING Format: 12" Vinyl, 33 ⅓ RPM, LP, Album, Gold Stamp Promo, Direct Metal Mastering (DMM), Stereo Country: US Pressing Release Year: 1986 Genre: Rock / Pop Rock / Synth-Pop / Blues Rock
Item Condition
Vinyl: Near Mint. The center labels are pristine, featuring the classic custom island graphic without standard retail spindle tracks. The vinyl surface maintains its absolute original high-gloss factory mirror luster.
Jacket: Very Good Plus (VG+).  The original gatefold jacket features rich, deep coloration and a fully intact spine. Safely displays the official embossed gold industry promotional text over the jacket layout. No ring wear, split seams, or warehouse cut-out notches. Clean, rigid corners. Small seam split on the bottom of the inner sleeve.