Band Aid – Band Aid Special (Japan LP)

BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1985

Probably my biggest undertaking to date since I usually do not transfer full albums. I have been working on this off and on over the last rew days and I think it turned out nicely. The Japan pressings always sound very good. I realize this album was released on CD however I prefer vinyl and for those of you who share that love I really hope you enjoy this collection.

Happy, Merry Christmas! -DjPaulT

“Band Aid Special” is a 1985 album compiled by Mercury Records in Japan, released on March 31, 1985 a few months after the release of the single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”. This compilation contains all three mixes of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”that were originally released on 12” single. The rest of the album was filled artists that were involved with the recording of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”, along with other artists to fill out the album.

The album was re-issued in December 1985 under the title “Rock ‘Now” 12 Hits!”.

Band Aid is a charity supergroup featuring mainly British and Irish musicians and recording artists.was founded in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise money for anti-famine efforts in Ethiopia by releasing the song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” for the Christmas market that year. On 25 November 1984, the song was recorded at Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill, London, and was released in the UK four days later. The single surpassed the hopes of the producers to become the Christmas number one on that release. The 12″ version was mixed by Trevor Horn.

SIDE A:
Band AidDo They Know It’s Christmas? (12″ Mix) 6:13
Engineer – Trevor Horn
Producer – Midge Ure, Trevor Horn
Remix – Trevor Horn
Written-By – Geldof*, Ure*

Big CountryIn A Big Country 3:52
Producer – Steve Lillywhite
Written-By – Big Country

Marilyn Calling Your Name 4:04
Producer – Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley
Written-By – Marilyn, Caplin*

Status QuoMarguerita Time 3:27
Producer – Quo*
Written-By – Frost*, Rossi*

The Boomtown Rats Tonight 3:53
Producer – The Boomtown Rats
Written-By – Bob Geldof

GenesisThat’s All  4:23
Producer – Genesis, Hugh Padgham
Written-By – Genesis

SIDE B:
Band AidDo They Know It’s Christmas? 3:53
Engineer – Steve Lipsom*
Producer – Midge Ure, Trevor Horn
Written-By – Geldof*, Ure*

BBon JoviRunaway 3:51
Producer – Lance Quinn, Tony Bongiovi
Written-By – G. Karak*, J. Bon Jovi*

Elton JohnSad Songs (Say So Much) 4:48
Producer – Chris Thomas
Written-By – Elton John & Bernie Taupin

ABCThe Look Of Love 3:29
Producer – Trevor Horn
Written-By – ABC

Tears For FearsMothers Talk 3:54
Backing Vocals – Stevie Lange
Producer – Chris Hughes
Written-By – Ian Stanley

Band AidFeed The World 4:16
Engineer – Steve Lipsom*
Producer – Midge Ure, Trevor Horn
Written-By – Geldof*, Ure*

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
OBI: Near Mint
Insert: Near Mint

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Mercury – 25PP-161
Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: Japan
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic, Rock, Pop
Style: Alternative Rock, New Wave, Pop Rock, Synth-pop

NOTES:
Among super hits of prominent names included on this special compilation album are songs by The Boomtown Rats, Big Country, Genesis, Status Quo, and Marilyn who participated in the Band Aid project.

℗ 1985 Phonogram International, B.V.
Manufactured and Distributed by Nippon Phonogram Co., Ltd.
Made in Japan

Find the LP on DISCOGS

VINYL RESTORATION BY:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net

EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon 2M Bronze
Isolation: Auralex Acoustics ISO-Tone Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck 
Phono Pre-amp:
Bellari VP130 Tube Phono Preamp
Tube:
Tung-Sol 12AX7 TubeGold Pins
Soundcard:
Novation Audiohub 2×4 Audio Interface
Record Cleaning:
VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans:
Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner

SOFTWARE USED:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling: iZotope RX Advanced 2, ocenaudio
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
MP3 (320kbps)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

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Trekkie313
Trekkie313
December 1, 2022 1:32 pm

Any chance of a re-upload?

Matt
Matt
October 20, 2019 4:54 pm

I never knew about this release. Thank you so Paul for sharing it.

Nubben
Nubben
December 25, 2017 4:29 pm

Such a brilliant post Paul – thank you!

Nubben

memoryboy
memoryboy
December 22, 2017 8:24 pm

looking back on your “Do they know it’s Christmas” post by Band-Aid, one thing I hilove about that is that you posted all those single or album versions which I love those original album and single edit versions of the songs, it’s just nice to have those. Loving the “Look Of Love” single edit by ABC, amongst a few others included.

Marcelino
Marcelino
December 21, 2017 8:19 am
Peter
Peter
December 21, 2017 7:30 am

Merry Christmas to all!

Shaun007
Shaun007
December 21, 2017 6:50 am

Merry Christmas Paul

Ian
Ian
December 21, 2017 3:36 am

I’m a little confused as some readers of this blog are commenting on the Band Aid tracks as if they are a gem so far unearthed by Mr DJPaulT. Guys check the blog and you will see the Japanese 12″ has previously been ripped and posted by the good Paul already. I would suggest if you think the solo vocals come thru clearer on this rip then the 12″ rip will be even better…logically? The uncrowded grooves on a 45rpm 12″ against the crowded grooves of a 33.3rpm LP?

Blair Warner
Blair Warner
December 20, 2017 7:08 pm

Merry Christmas DJ Paul! I have literally heard this song every Christmas of my entire life, but for the first time, on the 12″ mix I can actually hear the isolated vocals – this is so special.

Kaex
Kaex
December 20, 2017 7:01 pm

Merry Christmas Everyone and especially to Paul !

I only found this blog in march 2017 and its made my year !

Interesting to see Tears for Fears in there… obviously another Bob Geldoff guilt trip for Skipping out on Live Aid….

memoryboy
memoryboy
December 20, 2017 5:19 pm

After reading the notes I see that this is an actual album that was released. How cool! I know and love most all the songs on this release, and am interested to hear all the tracks. Big Country is a favorite of mine, I adore the Elton Jon song “Sad Songs”. ABC, Tears For Fears, Genesis…. all great stuff! Thank you for this. I will download it later. This week has been truly exciting on here. Makes the Christmas Season all the most fun! Thanks again

memoryboy
memoryboy
December 20, 2017 3:49 pm

Wow Paul! I have to say! Wow! I just woke up and I came and looked on here and I’m sitting here in disbelief. I almost can’t believe it, that is quite an undertaking that you have done there. I’m still in shock. I’m so excited to check this out. I haven’t read all of it yet, and I haven’t looked at it all but what I did see looks wonderful. It looks really great, all thee great tracks together, and I love the song “Do they know it’s Christmas?” I had the 45 when I was a kid, I… Read more »

Daniel
Daniel
December 20, 2017 1:40 pm

Thank you so much Paul for all the hard work and the wondeful rips you share with us. Like Jeff says, you make it feel like Christmas everyday. Merry Christmas!

J
J
December 20, 2017 12:42 pm

I found this CD years ago for cheap but I’ll be interested in knowing how this compares. Thanks!!

OMAR
OMAR
December 20, 2017 12:21 pm

Thanks Paul.

Jeff
Jeff
December 20, 2017 12:06 pm

Saint Rip delivers again!! This is a joyful and joyous gift dear Paul!! What a wonderful Christmas present this is!! You are most thoughtful and generous with your music collection and it just touches me over and over again. You do make it feel like Christmas everyday! Thank you so very much for this!!

Always,

Jeff

Nicki
Nicki
December 20, 2017 11:53 am

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your family Paul, Thank you for all the great rips this year very much appreciated. cheers.

Eduardo Montenegro
Eduardo Montenegro
December 20, 2017 11:52 am

Hi Paul:

Many thanks for your amazing job, i always enter to your site, for see your posts, and download some songs, Merry Christmas! and a great 2018 for you.

Rick C
Rick C
December 20, 2017 11:36 am

Paul,

WOW! Thanks so much for posting this rare gem. I can’t wait to give it a listen!

Also, I’d like to thank you again for all the awesome posts you share with us throughout the year. It’s always a joy to see what you surprise us with next.

Merry Christmas!