VinylAI 
Data as of Sep 20, 2026
Michael Franks – The Art Of Tea
1975 · US · Reprise Records · Vinyl LP Album
Price guide
Estimated market value via Discogs · as of Sep 20, 2026
- MMint
- $38.24
- NMNear Mint
- $34.21
- VG+Very Good Plus
- $26.16
- VGVery Good
- $18.11
- G+Good Plus
- $10.06
- GGood
- $6.04
- FFair
- $4.03
- PPoor
- $2.01
8 copies listed on Discogs from $6.01.
These are reference estimates from Discogs sold/asking data for this exact pressing, not offers and not a guaranteed price. Actual value depends on condition, completeness and current demand. Any active seller offers on this page are listed separately above.
Offers · 1
- $35ref VA-K2TT9Media M · MintSleeve VG+🇺🇸 Ships from United States — open to offers. will send more pics upon request
The Discogs price estimate is a separate reference; offer prices above are sellers’ own.
New to condition grades like NM or VG? Read our vinyl grading guide →
Pressing identification
Match these against your copy to confirm the exact pressing.
- Runout — side A
- 31,924\ S MS 2230 31924-1B TML-M(stamped) SXT I B
- Runout — side B
- 31,925\ S MS 2230 31925-1C TML-M(stamped) SXT C
- Rights society
- BMI
- Record Company
- Warner Bros. Records Inc.
- Mastered At
- The Mastering Lab
- Pressed By
- Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Santa Maria
Specifications
- Artist
- Michael Franks
- Genre
- Jazz, Rock, Funk / Soul
- Style
- Soft Rock, Jazz-Funk
- Year
- 1975
- Label
- Reprise Records
- Catalog number
- MS 2230
- Country
- US
Tracklist
- A1Nightmoves4:03
- A2Eggplant3:34
- A3Monkey See-Monkey Do3:33
- A4St. Elmo's Fire3:58
- A5I Don't Know Why I'm So Happy I'm Sad4:16
- B1Jive3:16
- B2Popsicle Toes4:35
- B3Sometimes I Just Forget To Smile3:45
- B4Mr. Blue4:03
- Producer
- Tommy LiPuma
- Mastered By
- Doug Sax
- Mixed By
- Al Schmitt
- Arranged By [Strings]
- Nick DeCaro
- Written-By
- Michael Franks
- Photography By
- Linda Levine
About this record
The dead-wax stamp on this 1975 pressing reads either 31924-1B or 31925-1C, both routed through the Columbia Records Pressing Plant in Santa Maria—a detail that separates this original US Reprise release from later reissues. Demand among collectors runs close to supply: 136 want it against 176 who own one, and only 8 copies are listed for sale at the lowest asking price of 6.01 USD.
What drives its value
Condition drives the entire market for this soft jazz-funk album. A Mint copy commands 38.24 USD, while the same record in NM drops to 34.21 USD—a gap that reflects how few copies have survived unplayed since 1975.
The VG+ tier sits at 26.16 USD, and a VG copy falls to 18.11 USD. The floor price of 6.01 USD (8 copies currently listed) represents heavily played or damaged stock.
The original Reprise pressing on the Santa Maria plant carries more collector interest than reissues because the matrix codes 31924 and 31925 confirm the first manufacturing run. With 136 collectors seeking it against 176 who hold it, this record sits in steady demand without scarcity panic.
How to appraise this pressing
Confirm this pressing by the Reprise catalogue number MS 2230 on the front cover and spine. Examine the dead wax (the unlabeled area near the center hole on both sides): an original will show either the matrix 31924-1B or 31925-1C, stamped with TML-M and SXT markings.
The Columbia Records Pressing Plant in Santa Maria is documented in the runout. No barcode appears on this 1975 pressing.
The 9-track album spans soft rock and jazz-funk styles. Grade by surface noise under a bright light: Mint means unplayed with no marks; NM allows only light dust; VG+ shows light scratches that do not affect playback; VG exhibits audible surface noise but remains listenable.
The Santa Maria plant pressing is the original; later reissues will carry different matrix codes or plant stamps.
Further reading: grading a record, how to sell vinyl.
Listen
Hear the album before you buy.
Official videos via YouTube.
Frequently asked
How do I know if I have the original 1975 pressing or a reissue?
Check the dead wax (the unlabeled vinyl near the center label). An original will display the matrix code 31924-1B or 31925-1C, stamped with TML-M and SXT markings. The pressing plant name Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Santa Maria will also appear in the runout. Reissues use different matrix codes and plant identifiers.
What is a VG+ copy worth?
According to the price guide, a VG+ copy is valued at 26.16 USD. This grade allows light scratches that do not affect playback. The estimate reflects market data as of the guide date and assumes the original Santa Maria pressing.
Why is there such a wide spread between Mint and VG?
A Mint copy is valued at 38.24 USD while a VG copy drops to 18.11 USD because unplayed copies from 1975 are rare. Most surviving records show wear from regular play. The jump from VG+ at 26.16 USD to VG at 18.11 USD reflects how quickly surface noise becomes audible once scratches penetrate the groove.
How many copies are currently available to buy?
Only 8 copies are listed for sale across the market at the lowest asking price of 6.01 USD. This low inventory suggests most collectors who own the record are keeping it rather than selling.
What does the community rating tell me about this album?
The album holds a 4.25 rating from 12 community members, indicating consistent appreciation among collectors who have heard it. With 136 collectors wanting it and 176 owning it, the record maintains steady collector interest without extreme scarcity or hype.