UK
1983- Label and catalog number
- Island Records 12IS 150Island Records 12 IS 150
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
Black UhuruWhat Is Life?
Vinyl pressings
What Is Life?
by Black Uhuru · 1983
20 pressings8 countriesDubRoots ReggaeReggae
What Is Life? 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.
How to spot a first pressing of What Is Life?
6 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.
US
1983- Label and catalog number
- 4th & Broadway BWAY 407
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
BWAY-407-A-RE1 ☆STERLING B2Side A
BWAY-407-B STERLINGSide B
US
1983- Label and catalog number
- 4th & Broadway PRO 407
- Format
- 12", Promo
- Runout / matrix
PRO-407-A-RE1 STERLING B-1 ᐉSide A runout
PRO-407-B-RE1 STERLING B-1 ᐉSide B runout
Australia
1983- Label and catalog number
- Island Records X14102Island Records 12IS 150
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
Canada
1983- Label and catalog number
- Island Records IS-1009
- Format
- 12"
Germany
1983- Label and catalog number
- Island Records 106 596-000
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 20 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s20 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Australia | Island Records X14102 / Island Records 12IS 150First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Canada | Island Records IS-1009First year12" | 12" |
| 1983 | Germany | Island Records 106 596-000First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | UK | Island Records 12IS 150 / Island Records 12 IS 150First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | US | 4th & Broadway BWAY 407First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | US | 4th & Broadway PRO 407First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Netherlands | Island Records 106.6467", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Island Records K 9526Single, 7" | Single, 7" |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Island Records X 1410212", EP, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", EP, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1984 | South Africa | Island Records IS 1215012", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | UK | Island Records 12IS 150 / Island Records 12 IS 15012", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1984 | UK | Island Records 12 ISP 15012", Picture Disc · Picture disc | 12", Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1984 | UK | Island Records IS 150Single, 7" | Single, 7" |
| 1984 | UK | Island Records IS 1507", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | UK | Island Records IS 1507", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Tracklist
- AWhat Is Life?
- B1Solidarity
- B2Party Next Door
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of What Is Life? are there?
20 vinyl pressings of What Is Life? are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.
When was What Is Life? first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, US, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Island Records 12IS 150.
How do I tell if my copy of What Is Life? is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12IS 150, BWAY 407, PRO 407, X14102) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is What Is Life? on vinyl worth?
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.
