Alexander O'Neal - Moonsound Sound80 7-Track Acetate Unreleased Songs 1981 RARE

$

2,000

Original Vintage Lacquer Acetate | ©1981 Magnum Opus Music | Minneapolis, Minnesota

Offered here is an exceptionally rare, early Alexander O'Neal lacquer acetate housed in a SOUND80 sleeve featuring a custom printed Alexander track listing and Moonsound Studios credits.

The sleeve insert bears a 1981 copyright for Magnum Opus Music and identifies Moonsound Studios at 2828 Dupont Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

This fascinating artifact documents O'Neal's early Minneapolis recording period, predating his breakthrough as a solo artist in the mid-1980s.

TRACK LISTING

Side A

1. Kiss It Goodbye

2. Torture

3. Thief in the Shadow (unlisted track; tentative title)

4. Go For It

Side B

1. Love's a Sensation

2. Do You Dare

3. Make It Easy

Relationship to The Lost Tapes (2018)

Several recordings on this acetate overlap with material associated with Alexander O'Neal's early Minneapolis sessions, portions of which were subsequently issued on the 2018 archival compilation The Lost Tapes.

Notably, the acetate contains a studio recording of "Torture," whereas The Lost Tapes features a live performance. The acetate's recording of "Do You Dare" also corresponds to the Moonsound demo version heard on The Lost Tapes, rather than the different version issued commercially on the original 1982 12-inch single.

Of particular interest are "Kiss It Goodbye" and the otherwise unidentified recording provisionally titled "Thief in the Shadow," neither of which has been identified on known commercial Alexander O'Neal releases.

These distinctions make the acetate an intriguing document of O'Neal's early recording history, with both recognizable archival material and potentially undocumented performances.

IMPORTANT HISTORICAL DETAILS

Although the original printed sleeve insert identifies only six songs, the acetate actually contains seven complete recordings.

The additional song appears as the third track on Side A, between "Torture" and "Go For It." Its repeated chorus suggests the title "Thief in the Shadow," although this title has not been independently verified.

Of particular interest:

• "Kiss It Goodbye" – An early studio recording for which I have been unable to identify a documented commercial release.

• "Thief in the Shadow" – An additional, unlisted recording that likewise appears to be undocumented under this tentative title.

• "Torture" – A studio recording, in contrast to the live performance included on the archival compilation The Lost Tapes.

• "Do You Dare" – Appears to match the early Moonsound demo recording subsequently made available through The Lost Tapes and Numero Group.

The recordings share a consistent musical and production character, suggesting that they originate from the same early recording period.

The acetate may represent a period studio reference or presentation copy of an early Alexander O'Neal recording project. Its precise original purpose, production date, and distribution history have not been independently established.

PHYSICAL DETAILS

• Original lacquer acetate, not a commercially pressed vinyl record.

• Black, unlabelled playing surfaces with handwritten side designations.

• "T00314" marking near the center of Side A.

• No conventional catalog or matrix numbers in the runout areas.

• Accompanied by the original-style SOUND80 sleeve with custom Alexander / Moonsound Studios printed insert.

• Sleeve insert bears ©1981 Magnum Opus Music.

CONDITION

Record: VG+ (Visual) / VG to VG+ (Playback)

The acetate is visually very well preserved, showing light sleeve rub marks and a few tiny, faint superficial scuffs.

The record has been fully play-tested and digitally transferred.

Playback is generally clear and enjoyable, with relatively quiet backgrounds throughout much of the recording. Some passages exhibit more noticeable intermittent surface crackle, although it is not continuous and does not significantly detract from the overall listening experience.

No skips or repeated grooves were encountered during playback.

Please note that this is a vintage lacquer acetate rather than a conventional pressed vinyl record. Such recordings require careful handling and are inherently more delicate than standard vinyl records.

COLLECTOR'S NOTES

Early Alexander O'Neal recordings from the Minneapolis Moonsound period have attracted renewed interest following archival releases of material recorded before his mainstream success.

The presence of two potentially undocumented recordings, an unlisted seventh track, and a custom period sleeve makes this an especially interesting historical artifact.

The originality of the physical acetate and its unusual track configuration are the principal points of interest. No claim is made that this is the only surviving copy or that the undocumented recordings have never circulated privately.

Please examine all photographs carefully and listen to the provided audio samples, if available, for additional information regarding the record's condition and contents.

A remarkable piece of early Minneapolis soul and funk recording history, offered for serious collectors of Alexander O'Neal, rare studio acetates, and archival recordings.