AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a 12-inch vinyl record LP titled 'Barking at Airplanes' by the American singer-songwriter Kim Carnes, originally released in 1985 under the EMI America label. The sleeve features a striking high-contrast, black-and-white portrait of Carnes with her signature blonde hair, overlaid with stylized red cursive typography for her name and the album title. The construction consists of a standard square cardboard outer jacket. Physically, the item appears to be in well-preserved vintage condition, though some minor corner wear and slight creasing along the edges are visible, typical for an album of this age. The printing uses a matte finish common for mid-80s pressings. This ninth studio album represents a transition period in 80s pop-rock and synth-pop, featuring the hit single 'Crazy in the Night (Barking at Airplanes).' The graphic design reflects the post-new wave aesthetics of the era, utilizing dramatic lighting and bold, edgy fonts to market Carnes's unique gravelly vocal persona. Identifying marks include the EMI America logo and the catalog number SO-17159 usually found on the spine or back cover.

I have virtually examined this 1985 pressing of Kim Carnes' 'Barking at Airplanes' (EMI America SO-17159). The outer sleeve exhibits typical shelf wear, including visible corner softening and minor edge creasing, placing it in 'Very Good' (VG) to 'Very Good Plus' (VG+) condition visually. The graphic integrity remains high, with no significant ring wear or staining noted on the matte jacket. This album, while featuring the Top 20 hit 'Crazy in the Night,' was produced in high volume during the mid-1980s, which impacts its secondary market rarity. Comparable sales on platforms like Discogs and eBay consistently show this title trading in the $10 to $25 range for clean, non-sealed copies. The value is driven primarily by nostalgia and the enduring appeal of Carnes's vocal style rather than scarcity. The demand remains stable among 80s pop enthusiasts but lacks the 'Grail' status of her 'Mistaken Identity' era. While this specimen appears authentic based on the typography, catalog numbering, and EMI branding, a definitive authentication requires physical inspection. To confirm a 'Near Mint' valuation, I would need to examine the vinyl itself for spindle marks, surface scuffs, or 'heat bloom' under a raking light source. Furthermore, verification of the matrix runout etchings and the presence of the original inner sleeve with lyric credits is necessary for a complete collector's assessment. Without physical handling, the play-grade (audio fidelity) cannot be verified, which is the primary driver of value for mid-market vinyl.