THE ETHIOPIANS Best Of Five Part One Vinyl Record 7 Inch Song Bird 1971 Rare 45rpm Single SB-1064

The Ethiopians - Best Of Five Part One
(Scarce Original UK 1st Pressing. Solid Centre Label Design)

Format: Vinyl Record - 7 Inch Single (45 rpm)
Country: UK
Year: 1971
Label: Song Bird
Catalogue No. SB-1064

Matrix / Runout (Side A, runout, stamped, etched): GPW+76+A [CROSSED OUT] SB 1064 A
Matrix / Runout (Side B, runout, stamped, etched): GPW+76+B [CROSSED OUT] SB 1064 B

Condition: EX (The vinyl is in excellent clean condition)

Side A: Best Of Five Part One
Side B: Best Of Five Part Two

This rare 1971 vintage 45 rpm single offers a brilliant glimpse into the golden era of Jamaican music pressed for the British market. This original UK first pressing is released on the highly collectible Song Bird imprint (Catalogue No. SB 1064), a notable sub-label of Trojan Records. Featuring a sturdy solid centre design, this release captures one of the premier vocal groups of the reggae genre delivering a stellar performance split across both sides of the disc.

The A-side introduces "Best Of Five Part One", which seamlessly transitions into "Best Of Five Part Two" on the flip side. For serious reggae historians, the runout grooves carry highly intriguing matrix variations, revealing distinct archival details. The Side A runout features the stamped and etched markings GPW+76+A which has been crossed out, followed by SB 1064 A. Similarly, Side B shows GPW+76+B crossed out alongside SB 1064 B, indicating a fascinating mastering and production journey before the final British distribution.

This copy is preserved in exceptional Excellent (EX) condition. The vinyl surfaces are beautifully clean and retain their original high-gloss lustre, promising an authentic, crisp playback of these classic rhythms with minimal surface disruption. It comes housed in a clean, protective generic white sleeve suitable for an archival collection.

Given the scarcity of early seventies UK roots and skinhead reggae pressings on the Song Bird label, finding copies in this condition is becoming increasingly difficult. This exceptional record stands as an investment-grade piece of vintage vinyl that will instantly elevate any serious Caribbean music archive.