Vinyl pressings
by Alphaville · 1992
Big In Japan 1992 A.D. was first pressed on vinyl in 1992. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1992, the album's first year, in 4 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
WMME Alsdorf 903 175153-7-A2Runout side A, variant 1
WMME Alsdorf 903 175153-7-BRunout side B, variant 1
WMME Alsdorf 903 175153-7-A2X 10 HuiRunout side A, variant 2
WMME Alsdorf 903 175153-7-B 18 HuiRunout side B, variant 2
WMME Alsdorf 903 175153-A2Side A
WMME Alsdorf 903 175153-BSide B
WMME Alsdorf PRO-651-A xRunout Groove Side A
WMME Alsdorf PRO-651-B xRunout Groove Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Europe | WEA 9031-75154-0First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1992 | Europe | WEA 9031-75154-0First year12", 45 RPM · Colored vinyl | 12", 45 RPM · Colored vinyl |
| 1992 | Europe | WEA 9031 75154 0First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo · Colored vinyl | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo · Colored vinyl |
| 1992 | France | WEA 9031-75153-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | Germany | WEA 9031-77380-0 / WEA 9031-77380-0 DFirst year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1992 | Germany | WEA PRO 651First year12", Promo · Promo, Colored vinyl | 12", Promo · Promo, Colored vinyl |
| 1992 | Germany | Not On Label12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing |
| 1992 | Philippines | WEA ATR-0497First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1992 | Germany | WEA 9031-75153-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | Germany | WEA 9031-75153-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of Big In Japan 1992 A.D. are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1992, in Germany, Europe, France, Philippines. One of them is WEA 9031-75153-7, released February 7, 1992.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 9031-75153-7, 9031-75154-0, 9031 75154 0, 9031-77380-0) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, WMME Alsdorf 903 175153-7-A2 and WMME Alsdorf 903 175153-7-B. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
