The SOS Band The Finest 12" Maxi Single 1986 US Orig Tabu Jam & Lewis Cherrelle

$

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The SOS Band The Finest 12" Maxi Single 1986 US Orig Tabu Jam & Lewis Cherrelle VG+

Item Specifics:

• Artist: The S.O.S. Band

• Title: The Finest (12" Maxi-Single)

• Label: Tabu Records / CBS Records Inc.

• Catalog Number: 4Z9 05364 / AA-AF 4Z9 05364-3 / AA-AF 4Z9 05364-4

• Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo

• Release Year: 1986

• Genre: Funk / Soul

• Style: R&B, Boogie, Synth-Funk, Disco

• Country: US

• Record Size: 12"

• Speed: 33 1/3 RPM

• Special Attributes: First US Pressing, Pressed at Columbia Carrollton Plant (Flower Symbol in Deadwax), Written & Produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Features Special Guest Vocals by Cherrelle & Alexander O'Neal, Picture Sleeve

Description:

Up for sale is a genuine, collector-grade US Original 1st Pressing of the definitive 1986 R&B / Boogie Funk masterpiece 12" maxi-single "The Finest" by the legendary hitmakers The S.O.S. Band, released on the classic custom beige/pink Tabu Records label (Cat# 4Z9 05364).

Masterfully written, arranged, and produced by the absolute icons of modern R&B production—Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis for Flyte Tyme Productions, Inc.—this platinum-selling landmark track stands as one of the most celebrated and enduring mid-80s urban dance anthems. Driven by lush synth arrangements, snapping TR-808 drum patterns, and a heavy, syncopated driving bass hook, the track features incredible lead vocals by Mary Davis, beautifully elevated by special guest R&B superstars Cherrelle and Alexander O'Neal. The track stormed the charts globally, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and entering the UK Top 10.

This essential DJ maxi-single features the full, definitive club-optimized layouts cut directly from the original studio master mixes:

• SIDE A: Packs the historic, full-length "The Finest" (Extended Version) (6:38).

• SIDE B: Contains the ultimate DJ tools—the heavy driving "The Finest" (Instrumental) (6:17) and the raw sampler-ready "The Finest" (Acapella) (2:05). Total Time: 8:22.

This true US first pressing boasts premium analog pedigree. The deadwax features the authentic hand-etched matrix numbers 4Z9-05364-3AB alongside the highly sought-after hand-etched flower/tulip symbol indicating a top-tier vinyl press from the Columbia Records Pressing Plant in Carrollton, Georgia. Cut on a wide vinyl groove layout, this vintage press delivers incredible analog mid-range warmth, thunderous bass loops, and unparalleled vocal presence that modern compressed digital formats can never capture.

Housed inside its original custom graphic picture sleeve featuring the classic 3D metallic S.O.S. Band logo. A pristine, groove-heavy analog centerpiece for any serious 1980s Funk, Boogie, Post-Disco, Jam & Lewis production, or classic Urban R&B vinyl completist!

Technical Data:

• Matrix / Runout (Side B - Extended Side): 4Z9-05364-4 (Hand-Etched Label Index)

• Matrix / Runout (Side B - Instrumental/Acapella Side): 4Z9-05364-3AB [Hand-Etched Flower/Tulip Symbol] (Hand-Etched)

• Pressing Plant ID: Flower/Tulip Symbol (Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Carrollton, GA)

• Album Connection: Special Version From The Tabu LP: "SANDS OF TIME" FZ 40279

• Distribution: Distributed by CBS Records / CBS Inc. / 51 W. 52 St., New York City

Condition Report:

• Vinyl Condition: VG+ (Very Good Plus). Beautiful glossy vinyl record retaining a strong original factory shine. Under close inspection beneath bright direct light, it shows only a few minor, faint paper sleeve scuffs and superficial cosmetic hairlines from standard careful handling over the decades that do not affect playback. The custom Tabu Records labels are exceptionally clean, bright, and completely free of any writing, stamps, or stickers. Spindle hole shows minimal wear. Plays beautifully with immense analog power, sharp punchy mid-range, and heavy-hitting synth-funk bass punch.

• Cover Condition: VG+ (Very Good). Solid and structurally sound original vintage cardboard jacket with nice, crisp graphics. Shows honest light shelf and edge wear, minor rubbing along the borders, typical minor corner softening from standard storage over the years, and faint record ring impression. Spine and seams remain completely stable and intact with no heavy open splits. No marker graffiti and no cutout marks.

Tracklist:

• Side ONE (A SIDE — 33 1/3 RPM STEREO):

  1. The Finest (Extended Version) — 6:38

• Side TWO (B SIDE — 33 1/3 RPM STEREO):

  1. The Finest (Instrumental) — 6:17

  2. The Finest (Acapella) — 2:05