Vinyl pressings
by Dan Reed Network · 1989
Slam was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1989, 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.
8388681 A-1U-1-1 BILBO TAPE ONERunout, side A, variant 1
8388681 B-1U-1-1 BILBO TAPE ONERunout, side B, variant 1
8388681 A-2U-1-1 BILBO TAPE ONERunout, side A, variant 2
8388681 B-2U-1-1 BILBO TAPE ONERunout, side B, variant 2
422-838-868-1-AS-SP-DMM SP 1-1 MASTERDISKSide 1 Runout, Etched
422-838-868-1-BS-SP-DMM SP 1-1Side 2 Runout, Etched
422-838-868-1-AS-SPSIDE 1 RUNOUT STAMPED, variant 1
422-838-868-1-BS-SPSIDE 2 RUNOUT STAMPED, variant 1
838 868 1 S1=1 670 07 1129Runout side A, variant 1
838 868 1 S2=1 670 07 1130Runout side B, variant 1
838 868 1 S1=1 670 07 11 1 4Runout side A, variant 2
838 868 1 S2=1 670 07 11 3Runout side B, variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Australasia | Mercury 838 868-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | Canada | Mercury 838 868-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | Europe | Mercury 838 868-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1989 | Europe | Mercury 838 868-1LP, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1989 | UK | Mercury 838 868-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | US | Mercury 838 868-1LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1989 | US | Mercury 838 868-1First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | US | Mercury 838 868-1 / Mercury 422 838 868-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | South Africa | Mercury STARL 5606LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Europe | Mercury 0600753885192LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered |
10 vinyl pressings of Slam are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1989 and 2019.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in UK, US, Australasia, Canada and more. One of them is Mercury 838 868-1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 838 868-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 8388681 A-1U-1-1 BILBO TAPE ONE and 8388681 B-1U-1-1 BILBO TAPE ONE. 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.
