The promo market is a bizarre one. Most of the earlier ones are basic limited track releases often without artwork (notable exceptions are the Japanese Promos). In other words they probably were genuinely rushed out to allow journalists to hear the new music. Over the last decade or so the music industry has also got wise to the large promo collecting market and there are few genuinely rare promos produced since the millenium.
An item being promo doesn't automatically mean it is going to be rare or valuable but the odds are better than that of a commercial release. Some promos can fetch $1,000's but there are plenty to collect at $10 a pop.
After the "who's Matt Lee" comment last week I thought it probably was time I started adding some value and posting occasionally! Collecting is my thing so here goes with my top 10 items to check your CD racks for.
1) The Greatest 3 / SPCD-1524-26
This is the Jewel in almost any CD collection. Stupidly rare and sought by Stones, Beatles and Queen collectors alike. Bite anyones hand off at $2,000 but be prepared to pay $3,000 or more especially if the CD's are sealed.
2) Voodoo Lounge Tour Souvenir / SPCD-1481
Probably the rarest Stones only Promo CD with full artwork. Believed to be a concept compilation album that didn't get approved. Expect to pay c.$2,500
3) Steel Wheels Japan Tour / XDDP 93034~5
A great promo compilation to promote the first Japanese Tour. A cracking track list with tour date artwork. Never an easy one to find, your looking at c.$2,000
4) Terrifying / CSK 1897
The first non Japanese entry in my top 10 comes from our American friends and is one of the most likely for you not to realise you own due to its poor appearance and lack of artwork. An easy $1,500 if you find one in your racks!
5) Out of Tears / DPRO-14237
Not to be confused with the common $5 Out of Tears promo with extactly the same catelogue number this is the "pink spikey tongue" version seen on the right next to its common brother. Be prepared to shell out around $1,000
6) Bridges To Babylon / CD REPS 158
The rarest French promo commands a cool $1,000 if you can find one. Originally I got just 2 copies and have since only found 1 more!
7) Welcome to Japan Licks / PCD-2727
The Japanese are the promo experts! A collection of 10 live warhorses but with unique and interesting artwork. Around the $750 mark
8) The Pleasure of Pain / XDDP 93082~3
One of the most legendary promos. Again a stunning Japanese production! These are what I would call a "popular collectable". Common enough for people to know about it and desire it but just rare enough to command a decent price. These have suffered recently by several copies changing hands in a short period $750.
9) Mixed Emotions / XDEP 93039
A cute Japanese promo with the artwork composed of 3 stickers on a slimline jewel case. Very tough to find with all 3 stickers in nice condition. $750
10) Out of Tears / VSCDG 1524
Finally a UK CD! This was due to be a commercial release so it shouldn't really be in the list (shoot me, I'm British). This was pulled due to the fact it has 5 tracks which would disqualify it from the single chart, a new rule at the time. These leaked out in France where some had been sent before the withdrawl as imports. $400
The chasing pack is large but would include CD's such as the following
Angie / PCD0862 / Japan
Start Me Up / PCD0679 / Japan
The Rolling Stones 1963-1971 / ROLCD 1 / UK
Love Is Strong / RS12-CD / Spain
Sympathy For The Devil / ROLLPRO 1 / Australia
Too Great To Make You Wait / CSK4004
Rock 'n' Roll Circus / 1211-2 / USA
Please let me know if you have any questions or any interesting Stones items! I am always looking to trade.
Happy Collecting!
Matt