ASHFORD & SIMPSON Solid (Special Club Mix) Vinyl Record 12 Inch Capitol 1984 12CL 345 UK Single Soul

Ashford & Simpson - Solid (Special Club Mix)
(Original UK 1st Pressing with Rainbow Rim Capitol Label. Housed in Flipback Card Picture Sleeve. A-1/B-1 Matrix)

Format: Vinyl Record - 12 Inch Single (45 rpm)
Country: UK
Year: 1984
Label: Capitol
Catalogue No. 12CL 345

Matrix / Runout (Side A, runout, stamped, etched): 12 CL 345 A-1-1-3-1 Penthouse NICKZ
Matrix / Runout (Side B, runout, stamped, etched): 12 CL 345 B-1-1-1- Penthouse

Condition: EX/EX (Sleeve and are vinyl are both in excellent clean condition)

Side A:
1. Solid (Special Club Mix)
Side B:
1. Solid (Dub Version)
2. Street Corner 

Capturing the absolute pinnacle of mid-eighties urban dance music, this 1984 British maxi-single presents the definitive club-oriented interpretation of the duo’s career-defining anthem. The record spotlights the extended "Solid (Special Club Mix)" on the A-side, whilst the flip provides alternative soundscapes through the stripped-back "Solid (Dub Version)" and the rhythmic funk of "Street Corner". Both the lead cut and the dub variant were lifted straight from their acclaimed Capitol parent studio album of the same name, providing DJs and radio stations with a high-impact promotional package designed specifically for UK club sound systems.

Visually, this release stands out due to its striking, vibrant sleeve layout created by the legendary British design agency Shoot That Tiger!, renowned for crafting iconic pop and rock imagery throughout the decade. This original UK issue features the classic rainbow rim Capitol Records labels under the catalogue code 12CL 345. The dead wax area displays the stamped A-1 and B-1 matrix strings, complete with the London "Penthouse" studio stamps on both sides and the hand-etched "NICKZ" signature of master sound technician Nick Webb on the first face. The single is protected by its historic rear-foldover flipback card picture sleeve, documenting the initial manufacturing style used by EMI.

The condition profile for this vintage archive copy is officially rated at a top-tier EX/EX throughout. The analogue vinyl remains exceptionally clean and bright, maintaining a deep factory shine that promises loud, dynamic audio playback with minimal surface noise. The card picture sleeve has been beautifully looked-after, remaining perfectly rigid, flat, and clean with no major storage wear or corner damage. It is a lovely, fully complete specimen of a quintessential mid-eighties dancefloor masterclass.