Hold Out, Jackson Browne

Artist: Jackson Browne Title: Hold Out Album Type: Sixth Studio Album (Original Vinyl Release) Original Release Date: June 24, 1980 Label: Asylum Records (Catalog: 5E-511) Genre: Rock / Pop Rock

Background & Production Released as the follow-up to the multi-platinum Running on Empty, Hold Out was recorded during a period of transition for Browne. Produced by Jackson Browne and Greg Ladanyi, the album was tracked at The Sound Factory and Record One in Los Angeles. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics at the time—who found it less "poetic" than his 70s output—it became Browne’s only album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200. The record is dedicated to Lowell George (of Little Feat), specifically the track "Of Missing Persons," which was written for George’s daughter, Inara.

Musical Composition & Style The album features a more polished, radio-friendly "SoCal" rock sound, emphasizing mid-tempo grooves and lush synth-organ textures.

• Major Hits: Includes the guitar-driven "Boulevard" and the synthesizer-heavy "That Girl Could Sing."

• The "Gospel" Closer: The 8-minute epic "Hold On Hold Out" serves as a spiritual and musical climax, featuring a spoken-word section and a gospel-influenced arrangement.

• Key Personnel: Features an elite squad of L.A. session legends, including David Lindley (Lap Steel), Bill Payne (Organ), Russ Kunkel (Drums), and Rosemary Butler (Backing Vocals).

• Sonic Profile: The record is known for its clean, high-fidelity production, a hallmark of the early 80s West Coast studio sound.

Original Pressing & Collector Notes Because this was a massive commercial success, original US pressings are common, but "Hot Stampers" are highly prized by audiophiles.

• Identification: Look for the Asylum "Cage" label with the catalog number 5E-511.

• The Mastering Lab (TML): For the best sound quality, look for "TML-S" or "TML-M" stamped in the dead wax (runout). This indicates it was mastered at The Mastering Lab by Doug Sax, providing the "Tubey Magic" depth that fans of 80s analog recordings seek.

• Pressing Plants: Most original US copies were pressed at Specialty Records Corporation (SP) or Allied Record Company (AR).

• Packaging: Original copies come with a semi-glossy single sleeve and a two-color printed inner sleeve containing full lyrics and detailed musician credits.

• Market Rarity: While not a "rare" record, finding a copy without "ring wear" on the dark cover or "surface noise" in the quiet ballad sections like "Call It A Loan" is the primary challenge for collectors.

• Keywords: Jackson Browne, Hold Out, Original Pressing, 1980 Vinyl, Asylum Records, 5E-511, Boulevard, That Girl Could Sing, SoCal Rock, West Coast Sound.

• Collection Ideas: 80s Chart Toppers, Asylum Records Essentials, Doug Sax Mastering, L.A. Session Legends.

• Related Artists: Warren Zevon, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, JD Souther.

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