Michael James Runaway World SEALED 1978 OG US Press

Michael James Runaway World SEALED 1978 OG US Pressing
**OG US FIRST PRESS**

Visually Graded:
Cover: SEALED Mint
Inner Sleeve: SEALED
Record: SEALED

Michael James – Runaway World (1978) — SEALED OG US First Press

Label: MJ Records (Private Press)
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album • 1978 Original US First Press
Condition: SEALED OG — extremely rare private-press sealed copy

Why This Record Is Special

Michael James’ Runaway World is a scarce 1978 U.S. private-press LP, blending folk-rock, soft-psych touches, and sincere singer-songwriter storytelling. Known among private-press collectors for its warm analog sound and introspective writing, this album is a true obscurity in the collector world.

Most copies that surface show heavy wear from decades of storage — making a SEALED original first press exceptionally rare.

First Pressing Identifiers

Even sealed, this copy aligns with the traits of the authentic 1978 issue:

• Original MJ Records private-press release

• No barcode (correct for 1978)

• Thick matte jacket typical of small-run 1970s U.S. private pressings

• Factory shrinkwrap fully intact

• First-press catalog layout and jacket typography

• No reissue markers or modern print characteristics

Private-press titles like this were often made in very small batches (e.g., 300–500 copies), making sealed examples extremely uncommon.

Album Highlights

Includes the known tracklist:

• “All The Way” – melodic, warm folk-rock opener

• “Thank You Ted” – heartfelt singer-songwriter moment

• “Guatamalan Strange” – short psychedelic/experimental interlude

• “I Remember (We Would Change The World)” – reflective and emotional closer

A mellow, lyrical, and charmingly homemade record — a perfect example of late-70s American private-press artistry.

Collector Value

Collectors prize this LP for:

• Low original pressing numbers

• Private-press rarity

• Singer-songwriter / soft-psych appeal

• Almost nonexistent SEALED surviving copies

Ideal for fans of:

• Early mellow psych

• Obscure folk-rock

• Private-press America

• Singer-songwriter deep cuts

Searching for rare private-press folk and soft-psych vinyl? We got you.

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We conservatively grade our records.
Record grading:

• Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way, likely never played, and still sealed.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): Nearly perfect. The record shows no obvious signs of wear and looks as if it was just opened. No visible marks or scratches.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows slight signs of use, such as light scuffs or very minor scratches, but plays without any major deterioration in sound quality.

• Very Good (VG): Noticeable wear with some surface noise, light scratches, or groove wear, but still plays through without skipping.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The record plays but with significant surface noise, scratches, and wear. The cover may have visible damage or splits.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The record may be damaged and is barely playable. Typically used only for highly collectible records.

Cover grading: 

• Mint (M): The cover is flawless, with no signs of wear. Often still sealed with no corner dings, creases, or ring wear.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): The cover looks almost new, with only the slightest signs of handling. There may be very minimal wear, but no significant flaws like writing, splits, or tears.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): The cover shows light wear, such as minor scuffing, small corner creases, or slight ring wear. No major damage, but a well-cared-for album with minor imperfections.

• Very Good (VG): Moderate wear is visible, including ring wear, light edge or corner damage, small seam splits, or slight discoloration. Still presentable but clearly used.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The cover shows significant wear, such as noticeable ring wear, seam splits, heavy creasing, or writing. It may still hold together but looks heavily worn.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The cover is heavily damaged, with major seam splits, tears, extensive writing, water damage, or severe ring wear. It may barely hold together or be incomplete.