Skip to product information
1 of 1

VinylHug

Ocean Alley 2LP Trans Blue

Ocean Alley 2LP Trans Blue

Regular price $65.00 AUD
Regular price Sale price $65.00 AUD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Quantity

Lonely Diamond is the third album from Sydney-based psychedelic rock band Ocean Alley presented as a 2LP set pressed on Transparent Blue vinyl. The double LP format preserves the album's sequencing and provides a clear visual identification for collectors.

If you struggle to find vinyl editions that present full-length albums without omitted tracks or compressed sequencing, this 2LP pressing gives you the space to hear arrangements and transitions as intended. The colored pressing also helps you locate and verify this specific edition within a collection.

  • 2LP format providing full double-album sequencing across four sides
  • Pressed on Transparent Blue colored vinyl for collectible identification
  • Released Jun 19 2020 on COMMUNITY MUSIC label confirming official edition
  • Includes 2019 singles Tombstone and Confidence as part of the tracklist
  • Designed for standard turntable playback and collector shelving

Compared to single-disc pressings, the 2LP layout reduces inner-groove constraints and preserves side-by-side dynamics across tracks. Use this pressing for focused home listening, for rotating in a colored-vinyl collection, or as a reference copy when comparing different editions.

Released by COMMUNITY MUSIC and listed in Ocean Alley's official discography, this pressing is a factual edition for collectors and listeners. Verify catalog information and sleeve details to confirm the pressing for your archive. Recommended for archival collections and detailed listening setups.

View full details

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ocean Alley Lonely Diamond Trans Blue 2LP a good buy for vinyl collectors?
Yes. This Ocean Alley Lonely Diamond release is pressed as a two LP set on transparent blue vinyl, released June 19, 2020 on COMMUNITY MUSIC, which makes it a clear collectible for fans and format collectors. The 2LP format provides extra surface area for wider groove spacing and improved channel separation, and the colored pressing adds visual appeal that complements the band’s psychedelic aesthetic. It also includes the singles "Tombstone" and "Confidence," giving collectors sought after album tracks in analog form. Collectors and fans of contemporary Australian psychedelic rock benefit most, especially those who value physical presentation and vinyl variants. Note that colored vinyl can show surface blemishes more visibly than black vinyl and pressing and mastering quality still determine ultimate sound.
Will this 2LP play on a standard home turntable?
Yes. The Lonely Diamond Trans Blue 2LP is a standard two LP release designed for 12 inch turntables operating at typical LP speed, so it will play on most home turntables. Because it is a 2LP, each side carries less music which helps maintain groove spacing and reduces inner groove distortion on standard tonearms. To get the best performance make sure your turntable has a properly set tracking force, a clean stylus, and a working phono preamp if your system requires one. Home listeners and vinyl enthusiasts who want reliable playback will benefit most. If you have an unusual or vintage setup, check cartridge alignment and tonearm compatibility before playing.
Does the transparent blue color change the sound quality compared to a black vinyl pressing?
Generally, the music content is the same, but color can have a small effect on noise characteristics. Colored vinyl like this transparent blue lacks the carbon black additive that can reduce surface noise, so some pressings may show a slightly higher noise floor. The more important factors for sonic quality are the mastering, lacquer cut, and pressing plant quality, and the 2LP format itself helps by allowing wider grooves and better dynamics. Fans who prioritize aesthetics and owning a distinct variant will enjoy the trans blue pressing most. Audiophiles seeking the absolute lowest surface noise sometimes prefer black pressings, though differences are often subtle and dependent on the specific pressing.
Is this Ocean Alley record a good fit for someone who likes surf-rock influenced psychedelic music?
Yes. Lonely Diamond showcases Ocean Alley’s surf-rock influenced psychedelic sound and includes their 2019 singles "Tombstone" and "Confidence," which demonstrate the band’s melodic surf-tinged grooves and expansive arrangements. The double LP format provides room for the album’s layered guitars and atmospheric production to breathe, making it an appropriate format for listeners who enjoy textured, reverb-forward rock. Fans of contemporary Australian psychedelia, surf-tinged indie rock, and guitar-driven atmospheric records will find this release most appealing. If you are seeking strictly vintage era surf rock, expect modern production and songwriting influences rather than a period-authentic surf sound.
How should I store and care for the trans blue 2LP to keep it in good condition?
Store and handle the 2LP with standard vinyl care to preserve sound and appearance. Keep records vertically in a cool, stable environment out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources to prevent warping, and use anti-static inner sleeves to reduce dust and static buildup. Clean the record with a carbon-fiber brush before each play and use a gentle record-cleaning solution for deeper cleaning. The translucent blue finish will make dust and light scratches more visible, so careful handling and proper sleeve storage are especially useful. Collectors and regular listeners will benefit most from this care routine. Heavy cleaning or using abrasive tools can damage the surface, so avoid harsh methods.
Does the 2LP format on this release improve audio dynamics compared to a single LP?
Yes. Releasing Lonely Diamond as a two LP set typically improves dynamics and reduces distortion because the music is spread across more surface area. With less music per side, mastering engineers can apply wider groove spacing and avoid the excessive inner groove demands that reduce high frequency detail. This is particularly beneficial for albums with expansive arrangements and longer track lengths, allowing better bass response and headroom. Listeners who value dynamic range and clarity will notice the advantage. Keep in mind that the ultimate audio result still depends on mastering choices and the pressing plant; a poorly mastered or pressed 2LP may not outperform a well-made single LP.
Can I use this 2LP for DJing or sampling on a turntable?
Yes, you can play and sample from this 2LP, but it is not optimized for heavy club DJ use. The record is a standard 12 inch LP suitable for playback and studio sampling, and the two LP sides make it easy to locate specific passages. However, colored vinyl can be slightly softer than black vinyl and repeated backcueing or aggressive scratching may accelerate wear on grooves and the stylus. For casual DJing, sampling, or set preparation, this pressing works well. Producers and DJs who plan intensive performance use may prefer dedicated DJ pressings or acetate copies designed for heavy cueing to preserve the collectors copy.
Is the vinyl version mastered differently than the digital release?
Often yes. Vinyl pressings are frequently mastered specifically for the analog medium to account for physical limitations such as low frequency mono compatibility and groove spacing, and Lonely Diamond’s 2LP format allows mastering tailored to each side. This can result in differences in EQ, dynamic range, and track sequencing compared to streaming or digital masters. The presence of the original singles "Tombstone" and "Confidence" confirms the same core tracklist, but you may notice slight tonal or dynamic variations that reflect vinyl mastering choices. Listeners who prefer the analog listening experience or different mastering character will benefit most. If you require exact parity with the digital release, expect minor mastering-related differences.
What comes in the package and is the release suitable as a gift?
The release is presented as a two LP set pressed on transparent blue vinyl and housed in album sleeves that reflect the album artwork, making it a visually appealing physical product. That presentation, combined with the included album tracks and singles such as "Tombstone" and "Confidence," makes it a thoughtful gift for fans of Ocean Alley or collectors of colored vinyl. It is particularly well suited for recipients who appreciate tangible music formats and collector’s variants. Note that this listing describes a standard 2LP vinyl package; the presence of extras like lyric inserts or download codes is not specified, so if those items are important for gifting, confirm availability before purchase.
How durable is the transparent blue vinyl over time compared to other vinyl variants?
Transparent blue vinyl is durable when handled and stored properly, as it is made from the same PVC base used in standard records, but its visual characteristics make wear and dust more noticeable. Longevity depends largely on pressing quality, playback care, and storage conditions rather than color alone. Regular cleaning, using anti-static sleeves, and avoiding extreme temperatures will preserve both sound and appearance. Collectors who rotate play and maintain good care habits will see long-term durability similar to other vinyl variants. Keep in mind that manufacturing inconsistencies can affect individual pressings, so inspecting a copy on arrival is a good practice to spot any pressing flaws early.