MEAT LOAF - PARADISE BY THE DASHBOARD LIGHT WHITE LABEL DEMO 12" LP Vinyl Album

- Rare 1977 Promotional White Label Demo Featuring Alternate Mixes and Radio-Only Pressing

This white label demo of "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meat Loaf is a rare promotional pressing issued in 1977 by Cleveland International and Epic Records. Featuring the iconic rock duet with Ellen Foley, the track appears in two different versions across both sides. As a "Demonstration Not For Sale" copy, it was distributed to radio stations and industry insiders prior to the album's official release, making it a coveted collector's item for fans of 1970s rock and Meat Loaf’s theatrical, larger-than-life sound.

"Paradise by the Dashboard Light" Album Description:

Meat Loaf's white label demo of "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" is a sought-after piece of music memorabilia, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of this iconic rock anthem.

What is a White Label Demo?

White label demos are pre-release copies of records distributed to radio stations, DJs, and record executives for promotional purposes. They often feature plain white labels with the crucial inscription "DEMONSTRATION NOT FOR SALE". These demos can differ slightly from final released versions, offering unique variations for discerning listeners.

A Pre-Release Treasure

The "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" white label demo likely includes the extended version of the song, showcasing the full, unedited rock opera experience. This version may feature differences in mix, instrumentation, or even additional dialogue sections absent from the final release.

Rarity and Significance

White label demos, especially of classic hits like "Paradise by the Dashboard Light", are highly prized by collectors. They represent a snapshot of a song's development and offer an unfiltered version of the artist's intent. Furthermore, Meat Loaf's bombastic style and theatrical approach make this demo a particularly exciting find for fans of his work.

Legacy

The existence of the "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" white label demo underscores the enduring impact of this epic song. It's a testament to the meticulous process behind the creation of one of rock's most beloved anthems, offering a unique collector's item and a fascinating piece of music history.

Note: Since there may be variations in what's actually on the demo, any specific tracklistings or additional features would be exciting additions to this article if they are known!

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

70s Rock

Collector Notes / Liner Notes
  • Collector Note: This is the White Label Demo of "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meat Loaf.
Label & Catalognr:

Epic Cleveland International Records AS 477 / XSS 164830

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1977 – USA

Producers:
  • Todd Rundgren – Producer
    Todd Rundgren is an American musician, songwriter, and producer known for his genre-defying work that spans rock, pop, and experimental music. Celebrated for both his solo career and influential production work, he has shaped albums with bold creativity and technical skill. Explore his genre-bending legacy

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Paradise by the Dashboard Light 7:55
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Paradise by the Dashboard Light 6:58
  2. Paradise by the Dashboard Light 6:58
Album Front Cover Photo
White label promo vinyl record of Meat Loaf's Paradise by the Dashboard Light, issued by Cleveland International and Epic Records. The record is shown in a plain white paper sleeve. The center label is off-white with black text and includes logos for Cleveland International and Epic at the top. The artist name 'Meat Loaf' appears centered. Below that, the title 'Paradise by the Dashboard Light' is printed along with track information. At the bottom of the label is the notice 'Demonstration Not For Sale'. The record is labeled as AS 477, and pressed at 33 1/3 RPM stereo. The photo shows subtle discoloration and aging on the sleeve. No additional markings, stickers, or handwritten notes are visible on the sleeve.

Close-up of the promotional white label demo pressing of "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meat Loaf. The vinyl record is housed in a plain white paper sleeve that shows light discoloration and age-related wear. Centered in the image is the record’s label, printed in black ink on a matte off-white background.

The upper portion of the label features the Cleveland International and Epic logos. The artist name MEAT LOAF is centered below the logos. The catalog number AS 477 and matrix number XSS 164830 appear on the right-hand side, and the playback speed is marked as 33⅓ RPM Stereo on the left.

The song title "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" is listed prominently, with a note referencing its association with the album "Bat Out of Hell." The copyright information below indicates a © 1977 CBS Inc. publication. At the bottom of the label, in bold caps, is the statement "DEMONSTRATION NOT FOR SALE", affirming its purpose as a promotional pressing for radio or industry distribution.

Close up of Side One record’s label
High-resolution close-up of the Side One center label of Meat Loaf's Paradise by the Dashboard Light White Label Demo 12 inch vinyl record. The label is cream-colored with black text and clearly displays logos for Cleveland International Records and Epic at the top. Below the artist name MEAT LOAF, the track title Paradise by the Dashboard Light is printed in bold uppercase text. Additional credits include writer Jim Steinman, producer Todd Rundgren, and vocalist Ellen Foley. The baseball commentary is credited to Phil Rizzuto. Catalog number AS 477 and matrix XSS 164830 are noted on the right, with timing 7:55. The phrase DEMONSTRATION NOT FOR SALE is printed at the bottom, indicating its promotional status. Text is clean and sharply printed. A circular spindle hole is centered. The record surface is visible around the label.

Close-up of the Side One label from the white label demo pressing of "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meat Loaf. The label is printed on a light cream background with black text and is in excellent visual condition. The record is a 33⅓ RPM stereo pressing, as indicated on the left side of the label.

At the top are the logos for Cleveland International Records and Epic. The artist name MEAT LOAF appears prominently centered. Just below, the title "PARADISE BY THE DASHBOARD LIGHT" is printed in bold uppercase, along with songwriting credit to J. Steinman and reference to the source album Bat Out of Hell (Epic PE 34974).

Publishing credits are given to Edward B. Marks Music Corp., Neverland Music Co. (BMI), and Peg Music Co. Production is credited to Todd Rundgren, with featured female vocals by Ellen Foley. The baseball play-by-play segment is performed by Phil (Scooter) Rizzuto, noted as an All-Star Yankee shortstop and voice of the New York Yankees. The duration is printed as 7:55.

At the bottom of the label is the bold, all-caps disclaimer: "DEMONSTRATION NOT FOR SALE". Along the bottom rim, Epic is noted as a registered trademark, with "Marca Reg." and "Printed in U.S.A." appearing in small print.

Side Two Close up of record’s label
High-resolution close-up of Side Two label from the 1977 white label demo of Meat Loaf's Paradise by the Dashboard Light. The label is cream-colored with black text, featuring logos for Cleveland International Records and Epic at the top. Artist name MEAT LOAF is centered in bold uppercase. Two tracks are listed: one with baseball commentary by Phil (Scooter) Rizzuto, and one without. Both are timed at 6:58. Songwriter Jim Steinman and producer Todd Rundgren are credited, as is featured female vocalist Ellen Foley. Label also includes catalog number AS 477 and matrix number XSS 164831. 'DEMONSTRATION NOT FOR SALE' is printed at the bottom, with manufacturing notes along the edge.

Detailed close-up of the Side Two label from the white label promotional pressing of "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meat Loaf. The label is printed on cream-colored stock with clean black text. At the top are the logos for Cleveland International Records and Epic, followed by the artist name MEAT LOAF in bold uppercase letters.

Two track versions are listed on this side:
1. Paradise by the Dashboard Light – 6:58
Includes baseball play-by-play by Phil (Scooter) Rizzuto, former All-Star Yankee shortstop and legendary announcer.
2. Paradise by the Dashboard Light – 6:58
Same track without the baseball commentary.

Both tracks are credited to songwriter J. Steinman and noted as being from the Epic LP Bat Out of Hell PE 34974. Publishing rights are attributed to Edward B. Marks Music Corp., Neverland Music Co. (BMI), and Peg Music Co. The record was produced by Todd Rundgren and features Ellen Foley as the female vocalist.

The catalog number AS 477 and matrix number XSS 164831 are listed on the right. The phrase "DEMONSTRATION NOT FOR SALE" appears at the bottom in uppercase, confirming its status as a promotional issue. A clean circular spindle hole is visible at the center, and the outer rim includes the standard legal imprint: "Epic, Marca Reg. Printed in U.S.A."

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