Vinyl pressings
by Bob Marley & The Wailers · 1983
Waiting In Vain 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.
5 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 3 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.
12 1S 180 A-2U-1-1- GRAEME-SOUND CLINICSide A - Variant 1
12 1S 180 B-1U-1-1-1Side B - Variant 1
12 1S 180 A-2U-1-1-C GRAEME-SOUND CLINICSide A - Variant 2
12 1S 180 B-1U-1-1-CSide B - Variant 2
012 880320 7 // 1 380 POLYGRAM
012 880320 7 // 2 380 POLYGRAM
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 | Island Records 880 321-7First year7" | 7" |
| 1983 | France | Island Records 880 320-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | France | Island Records 880 320-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Mixed | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Mixed |
| 1983 | Germany | Island Records 601 372First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Island Records 12 IS 180 / Island Records 12IS 180First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Australia | Island Records K-9448 / Island Records MX-624517", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Europe | Island Records 106 637 / Island Records 106 637-1007", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Europe | Island Records 106 637 / Island Records 106 637-1007", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Japan | Island Records I 5SI-2477" | 7" |
| 1984 | Japan | Island Records 15SI-247 / Polystar 15SI-24712", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Japan | Island Records 15SI-247 / Polystar 15SI-24712", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Island Records K 94487", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | South Africa | Island Records IS 1807", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | UK | Island Records ISP 1807", 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc | 7", 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc |
| 1984 | UK | Island Records IS 1807", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Island Records 12 IS-18012", White Label | 12", White Label |
| ? | Panama | Island Records 1-2747", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
17 vinyl pressings of Waiting In Vain are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, France, Germany. One of them is Island Records 12 IS 180.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12 IS 180, 880 321-7, 880 320-7, 880 320-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12 1S 180 A-2U-1-1- GRAEME-SOUND CLINIC and 12 1S 180 B-1U-1-1-1. 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.
