ASWAD Babylon Vinyl Record 7 Inch Island 1981 Rare 4-Prong 45rpm Reggae Single Groove Music Label

Aswad - Babylon
(Scarce Original UK Pressing with gradient orange background Island label that has blue rim and green palm tree. 4-Pronged Label Design. Housed in Island Company Sleeve)

Format: Vinyl Record - 7 Inch (45 rpm)
Country: UK
Year: 1981
Label: Island / Groove Music
Catalogue No. WIP 6693

Matrix / Runout (Side A, runout, stamped, etched): WIP 6693 A-1U 1 G JONZ
Matrix / Runout (Side B, runout, stamped, etched): WIP 6693 B-1U 1 4 SOUND CLINIC

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

Side A: Babylon
Side B: Playing Games

For serious collectors of vintage British reggae roots, this scarce original 1981 UK pressing of Aswad's "Babylon" is a brilliant historical find. Released on the legendary Island Records label in partnership with Groove Music (Catalogue No. WIP 6693), this specific 7-inch variant features the highly collectable gradient orange background label, complete with the famous blue rim and green palm tree graphic. Preserved beautifully in its original 4-pronged push-out centre layout, this 45rpm classic comes housed in a clean, authentic Island company paper sleeve.

The music captured on this 1980s wax reflects the peak era of UK reggae song writing, serving as the powerful closing anthem on the group's landmark 1981 "Showcase" album. Side A features the powerful, politically charged rhythms of the title track "Babylon", while Side B includes the brilliant track "Playing Games". Matrix enthusiasts will find elite audio heritage in the run-out grooves. Side A shows the stamped and etched WIP 6693 A-1U 1 G along with the "JONZ" signature, proving it was cut by the legendary mastering engineer John Dent. Side B displays WIP 6693 B-1U 1 4 alongside the "SOUND CLINIC" etching, confirming its direct origin from London's famous Sound Clinic mastering studio.

We grade both the vinyl and the company sleeve in Excellent (EX/EX) condition. The record surfaces are incredibly clean, ensuring a top-tier listening experience. Finding a 1980s reggae single in this remarkably preserved state is becoming increasingly tough. At Planet Earth Records, we hand-inspect every vintage archive piece to ensure total satisfaction. Add this gorgeous example of British sound system culture to your turntable selection today.