Issued to promote the UK
release of the 2003 BLUR album “Think Tank”.
Two-colour, hand-printed image on a stiff card sleeve. Artwork
attributed to Banksy on the reverse: “Illustration by Banksy”. Remember
this was all about promoting the ‘art savvy’ group Blur; and only
Banksy, indirectly.
Issued to Radio DJ’s and the press alike as a “Promotional Use Only”
CD, this unique, yet until recently overlooked edition was only issued in
small numbers and was not commercially released.
The Banksy “Deep Sea Diver” artwork for the mass-produced commercial
versions is completely different. As is a later, Banksy inspired promo
CD sampler; issued with the Observer newspaper; or an alternative, yet
very similar, 2-track Taiwanese promo CD with pre-printed artwork.
Nevertheless, the sleeve and enclosed CD of the single copy being
offered for sale are both in new and original condition.
Caution: If you do see other copies available elsewhere, be
wary of hastily buying without first seeing the CD sleeve you will
actually receive. A significant number were issued with a Parlophone
Records, Regional Promotion contacts sticker across the front,
obliterating the Banksy print.
On the issue of numbers produced, until a three months ago I was in the belief that about 1000 of these prints were produced. After speaking (and drinking) with a well established radio plugger, I was informed the figure was more likely to be 600 - a more typical figure for a UK CD media release. Either way Parlophone are unlikely to confirm the final number. Record Collector price guides are similarly silent on the number produced.
Any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask.
Postscript: over the last 18 months, I have sold over 50 of these prints at prices ranging from 10 pounds to well over 300 pounds (following an explosion of interest in March of this year). All of my customers have been pleased with their purchases and I still have more to sell. Some of those I have sold have re-appeared on eBay, and achieved substantial premiums. My only gripe is the unauthorised use of my wording above!
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