Josef Locke - Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes Original 1992 UK First Pressing Cassette Tape (EMI)

Step into the golden age of traditional vocal music with this beautifully preserved original 1992 UK first edition cassette tape of Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes by the legendary Irish tenor Josef Locke. Released by EMI Records, this 24-track album acts as the official companion volume to his highly celebrated album Hear My Song, which experienced a massive resurgence following the BAFTA-winning 1991 movie of the same name.

This exceptional collection showcases Locke’s powerful, soaring tenor voice across a brilliant tracklist of classic light opera, Irish ballads, and traditional favorites. It includes the dramatic Gilbert & Sullivan title track Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes, along with crowd-pleasing cuts like Galway Bay, Macushla, The Soldier's Dream, The Rose of Tralee, and a stirring rendition of Ave Maria.

What makes this specific copy highly desirable for vintage music archivists and cassette culture enthusiasts is its uncommon clear-shell first pressing layout, featuring a heavy, clear plastic molded casing with bold silver on-body text stamps that beautifully avoids the later, cheaper white plastic or paper-label reissues.

• Format: Audio Cassette Tape (Clear Shell / Silver On-Body Typography)
• Label / Catalogue Number: EMI Records / TCGO 2038 / 799640-4
• Barcode: 0077779964048
• Year of Release: 1992
• Country of Manufacture: United Kingdom
• Audio Mastering: Original EMI Archive Remaster (Dolby System B NR)
• Cassette Shell: Very Good Plus (VG+). The heavy clear plastic shell remains completely crisp and bright with no hairline cracks. The silver on-body text stamps on Side 1 and Side 2 are perfectly sharp and clean.
• J-Card Inlay: Excellent (EX). The multi-page fold-out inlay is stiff, crisp, and beautifully features full track credits, songwriters, and an iconic, atmospheric black-and-white portrait of Josef Locke on the front cover.
• Storage Case: Original clear standard library box case with minor superficial shelf rubbing.

1. It's A Grand Life In The Army
2. Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes
3. Macushla
4. Dear Old Donegal
5. Santa Lucia
6. Galway Bay
7. While The Angelus Was Ringing (Les Trois Cloches)
8. The Old Bog Road
9. Wonderful Copenhagen
10. The Soldier's Dream (Le Rêve Passé)
11. Mother Machree
12. Maire My Girl

1. Shades Of Old Blarney
2. The Rose Of Tralee
3. When It's Moonlight In Mayo
4. Toselli's Serenade
5. Bless This House
6. The Bard Of Armagh
7. March Of The Grenadiers
8. A Shawl Of Galway Grey
9. Tobermory Bay
10. Isle Of Innisfree
11. Ireland Must Be Heaven
12. Ave Maria