Columbia Test Pressing - "Jealous" / "Jezebel" - Unreleased Detroit Soul
So you've stumbled on a test pressing that appears to contain two previously unknown Detroit soul tracks. The big question: is it worth $350? The answer depends on what you're buying. If you're a collector who prizes unreleased studio material and physical artifacts of music history, this record is genuinely special. If you're just looking for something to spin, this is riskier.
Quick verdict: This is a collector's item, not a daily listener. The value sits in the rarity and the story - a Columbia test pressing, handwritten titles, and no trace of these tracks in any known discography. For someone building an archive of Detroit soul or The Originals, this is the kind of deep-cut find that rarely appears in the open.
Who it suits: Buyers with a serious interest in Motown-era soul, especially anyone who follows The Originals or the broader Detroit session scene. It also fits vinyl archivists who appreciate the mastering and approval process represented by test pressings. These were made for internal checks, not for sale, so owning one is like holding a piece of the studio's working process.
What stands out from the listed details: The handwritten titles "Jealous" and "Jezebel" point to tracks that were still in development. The standard TEST PRESSING stamp confirms it was an internal review copy. Test pressings like this were usually limited to three to five copies, so the scarcity is real. The record also came from an archive that included other test pressings tied to C. P. Spencer and The Originals, along with sealed LPs and Motorcity releases, which strengthens the Detroit soul connection.
Meaningful trade-offs: The biggest concern is playability. A used test pressing this old can be a gamble; without a condition grade, the sound quality is an unknown. You're also paying a premium for something that may be unreleased, so you won't find these tracks on streaming or in any standard discography. The 1979 date adds context, but it also means the record is decades old. For $350, you have to be comfortable with the uncertainty around sound quality and the fact that this is a niche piece.
Bottom line: If you're drawn to unreleased recordings and the physical history of soul music, this test pressing is a compelling, conversation-worthy addition. If you want a reliable listening copy of known Originals tracks, this isn't that. Buy it for the rarity, the handwritten titles, and the Columbia provenance - just go in knowing that you're investing in the unknown as much as the music.
One more thought for the practical buyer: The price is firmly in "specialist" territory. That's not a criticism; it reflects how uncommon genuine test pressings are. But it does mean you should feel confident about what you're getting. The archive connection and the label details give it a strong story. Whether that story is worth $350 to you is the real question.
