Vinyl pressings
by Blue Öyster Cult · 1983
Shooting Shark 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.
7 pressings came out in 1983, 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.
ZSS 171517-1BSide A runout etching - variant 1
ZSS 171518-1ASide B runout etching - variant 1
P ZSS 171517-1B MASTERDISKSide A runout etching - variant 2
P ZSS 171518-1A ASide B runout etching - variant 2
P ZSS-171517-1B MASTERDISKSide A
ZSS 171517printed on both labels
P ZSS-171517-1B MASTERDISKSide AA
P 0 XSM171466-1AA-side runout
P 0 XSM171467-1AA-side runout
XSM 171466A-side label
XSM 171467B-side label
TA 4117 A1 VA-side runout
TA 4117 B1 VB-side runout
TA 4117 AA-side label
TA 4117 BB-side label
A 4117 A1 BSide A runout
A 4117 B1 ⋀Side B runout
ZSS 171517Printed on label side A
ZSS 171518Printed on label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Canada | Columbia 38 04298First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Spain | CBS CBS A 4003First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | CBS TA 4117First year12", Limited Edition · Limited | 12", Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1983 | UK | CBS A4117First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | US | Columbia 38-04298First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1983 | US | Columbia 38-04298First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | Columbia AS 1772First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Europe | CBS A 4003 / CBS CBSA 40037", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | South Africa | CBS SSC 55887", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | UK | CBS A 41177", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
10 vinyl pressings of Shooting Shark are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in US, UK, Canada, Spain. One of them is Columbia 38-04298.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 38-04298, AS 1772, TA 4117, A4117) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZSS 171517-1B and ZSS 171518-1A. 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.
