Girlfriend Is Better, Talking Heads - 7" Promo

1 in stock
$70.00
Artist - Talking Heads
Format - 7" Single - Promo
Genre - New wave and Rock
Year - 1984
Country - Australia
Grading (record) - Near Mint
Grading (sleeve) - Very Good Plus

Please don't hesitate to request more photos of any record via the contact page or send us a DM via Instagram.

Description

 

Talking Heads – Girlfriend Is Better (7" Promo)

Artist: Talking Heads

Title: Girlfriend Is Better (Remix) / Girlfriend Is Better (Live)

Format: 7" Vinyl Promo

Original Release: 1983 (UK/Europe) / 1984 (Australia/US)

Label: Sire / EMI

The "Deep Dive" Details:

  • The "Stop Making Sense" Hype: While the song originally appeared on Speaking in Tongues, the promo single was released to capitalize on the 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense. Most promos feature the Studio Remix on the A-side and the Live version on the B-side. The live version here is a unique edit specifically for the 7" format.

  • The Rare Australian "Sample" (7-259445): In Australia, the promo was released via EMI/Sire. Look for the "Sample Record - Not For Sale" text printed directly on the yellow Sire label (not a sticker). Australian Sire promos are highly collectible because they used a heavier vinyl weight than the US "Quiex" pressings of the same era.

  • The US "Mono/Stereo" Rarity: If you have the US Sire promo (Catalog: 7-29215), check if it features Stereo on one side and Mono on the other. This was common for 7" radio promos in the early 80s to accommodate both AM and FM radio stations. The Mono mix is a distinct "fold-down" that is highly prized by audiophiles because it packs more punch in the drum and bass frequencies.

  • The "Extended" Confusion: The label often lists the track as "Girlfriend Is Better." However, the promo version is frequently the 3:32 Single Edit. This edit is rare on vinyl today as most modern compilations only use the full 5-minute album version or the longer live version.

  • Matrix/Runout - "Sterling" Stamp: Look for the word STERLING stamped in the runout. This indicates the record was mastered at Sterling Sound in NYC by Ted Jensen or George Marino. Their mastering on Talking Heads records is legendary for its wide dynamic range—essential for the "jittery," funk-heavy percussion of this track.

  • Keywords: Talking Heads, Girlfriend Is Better, 7 inch Vinyl, Promo Single, 1984, Sire Records, Stop Making Sense, David Byrne, Rare Talking Heads.

  • Tags: New Wave Classics, 80s Funk Rock, Rare Promos, Talking Heads Collector, Sterling Sound Master.
Click for Grading Scale

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve
View details