Vinyl pressings
by Black Lace · 1983
Superman was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 5 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.
FLA 105 ARunout [Hand Etched] Side A
FLA 105 BRunout [Hand Etched] Side B
FLA 105 A-5 DAMONTRunout [Hand Etched] Side A
FLA 105 B- 2 DAMONTRunout [Hand Etched] Side B
FLA 105 ASide A Runout Etched
FLA 105 BSide B Runout Etched
FLA 105-ASide A Label
FLA 105-BSide B Label
FLA 105 A GGRunout Side A
FLA 105 B GGRunout Side B
FLA 105 A GG LYN-13617 1Side A runout
FLA 105 B1 GG 1 1-1 LYN-13618Side B runout
FLA 105-ASide A label
FLA 105-BSide B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | France | Carrere 8301First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1983 | France | Carrere 13.312 / Carrere 13312First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Germany | Carrere 817 171-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Germany | Carrere 817 171-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Ireland | Crashed Records CAR 56First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Portugal | Carrere 516603First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Portugal | Carrere 516603First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Flair Records FLA 105 / Flair Records FLA-105First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Flair Records FLA 105TFirst year12" | 12" |
| 1983 | UK | Flair Records FLA 105 / Flair Records FLA-105First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Flair Records FLA 105First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Flair Records FLA 105First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Australia | Sonet SON-1488 / Possum Music SON-14887", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
13 vinyl pressings of Superman are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, France, Germany, Ireland and more. One of them is Flair Records FLA 105.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FLA 105, FLA 105T, 8301, 13.312) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, FLA 105 A and FLA 105 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.
