• Ocean Alley Love Balloon transparent orange 180g vinyl LP with orange disc and front sleeve artwork visible
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Love Balloon 180g Orange LP

Love Balloon 180g Orange LP

$55.00 AUD
$55.00 AUD
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Love Balloon is a 180g transparent orange vinyl LP pressing of Ocean Alley's fifth studio album delivering warm psychedelic rock and soul with audiophile-focused dynamics. This pressing presents the album's 10 tracks on a heavier 180 gram disc for improved stability and playback fidelity.

If you struggle with thin-sounding pressings or surface noise on standard releases this edition helps by providing a heavier weight disc and a mastering approach that preserves dynamic range and reduces background hiss for clearer instrument separation and vocal detail.

  • 180g vinyl weight for improved turntable stability and reduced resonance
  • Transparent orange color for visual identification and collectible appeal
  • 10 tracks from Ocean Alley recorded with producer Nick DiDia offering a stripped-back, raw performance
  • Pressed to deliver minimal surface noise and enhanced dynamic range for critical listening
  • Released Sep 10 2025 and formatted as a standard LP for 33 1/3 RPM playback

Use this pressing for focused home listening, DJ play where color-coding helps organization, or as a reference copy compared to thinner mass-market 140g pressings which often show more surface noise and warping over time. Unlike generic reissues this edition emphasizes playback fidelity and tangible presentation.

Each disc is inspected before shipping and the pressing reflects the album's documented production credits and release date. Proven on standard stereo turntables and recommended for listeners who prioritize analog sound quality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this LOVE BALLOON indie exclusive vinyl suitable for audiophiles?
Yes. This indie exclusive pressing is presented as an audiophile-quality release because it is a 180g LP, credited with outstanding dynamic range and minimal surface noise, and it features production involvement by Nick DiDia, a veteran producer. Those three details speak to pressing quality, mastering intent, and physical stability on playback. Collectors and critical listeners benefit most from this pressing, as the heavier 180g stock and the stated attention to dynamic range support detailed playback. As a limitation, colored and specialty pressings can sometimes vary press-to-press, so maintaining a well-calibrated turntable and inspecting the record on arrival will help ensure you get the expected audiophile performance.
How does the indie exclusive blue and clear smoke pressing differ from a standard black vinyl edition?
The indie exclusive blue and clear smoke pressing differs primarily in visual presentation and collectibility while retaining the same album content. It is a specialty colored variant that offers a distinctive aesthetic compared with standard black pressings, and it is described as a 180g LP which usually matches the weight and format of standard editions. Collectors and fans who value limited or visually unique pressings will appreciate this variant. In most cases the sonic differences are minor if the mastering and stamper are the same. If you prioritize absolutely consistent sound characteristics, check the product details for notes on mastering or matrix/runout identifiers to confirm whether the pressing shares the same stampers as a standard edition.
Will this LOVE BALLOON LP play on my existing turntable and what speed should I use?
Yes. This album is an LP format pressed on 180g vinyl and is intended to play on standard turntables at 33 1/3 RPM. The 180g weight indicates a standard long-play record rather than a 45 single or EP, so most modern and vintage 33 1/3 RPM turntables will handle it. Owners of belt-drive, direct-drive, and high-quality hi-fi turntables will get the best results; make sure your cartridge is properly aligned and tracking force is set within the cartridge manufacturer’s recommendations for optimal playback. If you have an auto-changer or a player with limited speed settings, confirm it supports 33 1/3 RPM before purchase.
How many tracks are on the LOVE BALLOON vinyl and what is the album length?
The LOVE BALLOON vinyl contains 10 tracks. The product notes list a 10-track album released as an LP on 180g vinyl, which indicates a standard full-length record configuration across two sides. Collectors and buyers who need exact runtime for side splits should consult the liner notes or the detailed tracklist on the product page, as total running time is not specified in the brief description. Vinyl playtime can vary depending on groove spacing and mastering choices, so the exact minutes per side are best confirmed from the album sleeve or an official tracklist.
How should I clean and care for this colored vinyl to keep sound quality high?
Use a soft anti-static brush before and after each play and perform periodic deep cleaning with a record-cleaning solution and a microfiber or felt pad. The 180g weight makes the disc less prone to warping, but colored and smoked vinyl still benefit from careful handling, anti-static care, and clean storage to minimize surface noise. Audiophiles and collectors will see the biggest longevity gains from this routine. Avoid household cleaners, abrasive cloths, and excessive heat. Store records vertically in a cool, dry place and keep the original inner sleeve to prevent dust and scratches that degrade sound over time.
Is this release a special edition and how can collectors verify its authenticity?
Yes, this is an indie exclusive pressing identified by its blue and clear smoke coloration and the 180g LP format. Collectors can verify authenticity by checking the VinylHug product listing details, the release date noted on the jacket, the 180g weight marking, and look for runout or matrix etchings in the vinyl’s dead wax which often indicate stamper and pressing information. Record collectors and resellers benefit most from confirming those physical details. As a limitation, visual appearance alone is not definitive proof of an edition, so inspecting runout codes or accompanying inserts and comparing them with official release notes or the listing on VinylHug is the most reliable method.
Does colored or clear smoke vinyl affect surface noise compared to traditional black vinyl?
Colored or smoked vinyl can show slightly different surface noise characteristics because pigment and dye formulations can influence how the vinyl presses, but the difference is not guaranteed and is dependent on pressing quality. This LOVE BALLOON pressing is described as having minimal surface noise and being audiophile-quality, and it is a 180g pressing which helps reduce warping and handling noise. Listeners sensitive to surface noise, such as audiophiles and critical reviewers, will benefit from a well-pressed heavier disc like this one. Keep in mind that press-to-press variation and mastering choices can have a larger impact on noise and perceived fidelity than color alone, so buying from a reputable seller reduces risk.
Is this indie exclusive vinyl a good gift and how is it packaged to protect the record?
Yes, this indie exclusive 180g LP makes a thoughtful gift for music fans and collectors. It comes as a full LP jacket with an inner sleeve to protect the record surface, and the 180g weight provides additional resistance to warping during handling and storage. The colored blue and clear smoke presentation also adds a visually striking element that recipients often appreciate. Gift buyers and fans of physical music formats benefit most from the presentation and durability. Note that optional gift wrap or personalized notes may depend on retailer services, and long-term protection is best ensured by storing the record vertically in a cool, dry place and keeping the inner sleeve in good condition.
Who is most likely to enjoy the LOVE BALLOON indie exclusive vinyl?
Fans of psychedelic rock, soul, and groove-oriented music will most enjoy this vinyl, as the album blends disco, funk, soul, and country influences across its 10 tracks. Listeners who appreciate warm, immersive soundscapes and organic instrumentation, as well as those who follow the band’s evolution, will find the emotional and textural range appealing. Collectors and audiophiles who value limited or visually distinctive pressings will also appreciate the indie exclusive blue and clear smoke variant. If you prefer very tightly produced pop records, this more organic, spontaneous production approach may feel different, but that’s part of the album’s creative intent.
How durable is a 180g pressing and how long will the vinyl last with regular use?
A well-cared-for 180g pressing can last for decades. The heavier 180g construction helps resist warping and provides a more stable platform for consistent playback. Longevity depends primarily on handling, storage conditions, and playback setup rather than weight alone, so using a properly aligned tonearm and a clean stylus will preserve grooves over time. Collectors and regular listeners who follow best practices—cleaning before plays, storing vertically, and avoiding heat and direct sunlight—will get the most lifespan from the record. Remember that mechanical wear from frequent playback is inevitable, so rotate copies for heavy use if preservation is a priority.