10,000 Maniacs - Blind Man's Zoo 1989 Euro 1st Press Alsdorf VG+/VG+

10,000 MANIACS - BLIND MAN'S ZOO

Immerse yourself in the literate, socially conscious, and deeply empathetic world of late-1980s alternative rock with the original 1989 European first pressing of 10,000 Maniacs’ fourth studio milestone, Blind Man's Zoo. Released via Elektra Records, this definitive pan-European retail block was manufactured at Warner's high-capacity Record Service Alsdorf facility in Germany. Produced by legendary hitmaker Peter Asher, the 11-track collection expands elegantly upon the rustic folk-rock foundation of their breakthrough record In My Tribe. Natalie Merchant's evocative, theatrical vocals front a collection of tracks confronting heavy topical themes—from teen pregnancy on "Eat for Two" and environmental degradation on "Poison in the Well" to military enlistment on "The Big Parade". The album is anchored by the gorgeous, comforting keyboard lines of Dennis Drew on the transatlantic hit single "Trouble Me", written as a gentle dedication to Merchant's father. Complete with an unvarnished black-and-white graphic layout created by Frank Olinsky alongside Merchant herself, this Alsdorf-pressed vinyl edition stands as a crisp, brilliant-sounding monument to the golden era of college rock.

1989 European import/release by Elektra, catalog #s 960 815-1 and EKT 57, barcode #075596081511.  First pressing, Alsdorf pressing made in Germany.

Sleeve grades VG+.  Sleeve in excellent condition, super clean copy with excellent color/finish on both front and back.  Original hype sticker and European price tag (looks German, dated 10 Jan 1990?) still on upper right front cover.  Sharp corners, no edgewear, no ringwear.  Embossed "W" on lower right back.  Only blemish is on back lower right where it looks like an old price tag used to be and was removed.  Includes both original inserts in great condition: custom inner sleeve plus a pamphlet with the album's lyrics translated into German, French, Spanish and Italian.

Vinyl grades VG+.  Plays through crisp and clear with no issues.  Vinyl surface is pretty clean but has some standard light surface marks and hairlines that don't seem to impact playback.

Great copy all around... you almost never see this version for sale in the US!