Rain, Dragon - 12 Inch Single

Limited Edition

Dragon – Rain (12" Single)

Artist: Dragon

Title: Rain

Format: 12" Vinyl Single (Limited Edition)

Original Release: July 1983

Label: Mercury

Genre: New Wave / Pop Rock

The "Deep Dive" Details:

• The "Limited Edition" Status: The Australian 12" (Catalog: 812 763-1) was marketed as a Limited Edition from day one. While the 7" single was everywhere, the 12" was produced in smaller quantities to target club DJs and die-hard fans. If your sleeve has the "Limited Edition" text on the front, it's the genuine 1983 first press.

• The Live B-Sides (The Real Value): Unlike the standard 7" which usually featured "It's Too Late" as the B-side, the Australian 12" is a goldmine for collectors because it features two exclusive live tracks:

  1. "Ozambezi" (Live)

  2. "Moroxy Bind" (Live) (sometimes listed as "The Dreaded Moroxy Bind") These recordings capture the raw energy of the band's 1983 reformation tour and were not included on the Body and the Beat album, making this 12" the only way to own them on vinyl.

• The "John Luongo" Mix: While many Australian copies play the standard 3:33 version, some international 12" imports (and rare local promos) feature the John Luongo Club Mix (6:45). Check your track length; if "Rain" runs for over 6 minutes, you have the dance-floor remix which is highly prized by 80s synth-pop collectors.

• Matrix / Runout Info:

  • Matrix A: Look for 812 763 - 1A hand-etched.

  • Mastering Stamp: Look for the "Otto" or "EMI Studios 301" stamp. Otto Ruiter was the legendary mastering engineer at EMI Sydney who gave this record its specific high-end "shimmer" that defined the 80s Australian pop sound.

• The Artwork: The 12" sleeve features an expanded version of the "rainy window" photography. Because the Australian cardstock used for 12" singles in 1983 was often thinner than the LP jackets, these are highly susceptible to "spine pinch" and corner creases. A copy in "Near Mint" condition is increasingly rare.

 Keywords: Dragon, Rain, 12 inch Vinyl, 1983, Mercury Records, Limited Edition, Australian Pressing, Ozambezi Live, Moroxy Bind, Marc Hunter, Todd Hunter.

 Tags: Australian Rock, 80s New Wave, Rare 12-inch Singles, Dragon Band Collector, EMI 301 Mastering.

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