UK
1979- Label and catalog number
- Laser LAS 20 (T)Laser K 28079
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
LAS 20T A-1Runout side A, etched
LAS 20 T B-1Runout side B, etched
LAS 20 (T) ALabel side A
LAS 20 (T) BLabel side B
Dennis BrownSlave Driver
Vinyl pressings
Slave Driver
by Dennis Brown · 1979
11 pressings4 countriesReggae
Slave Driver was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. 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 Slave Driver
4 pressings came out in 1979, the album's first year, in 2 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.
UK
1979- Label and catalog number
- Laser LAS 20
- Format
- 7"
UK
1979- Label and catalog number
- Laser LAS 20
- Format
- 7" · Large Centre
- Runout / matrix
LAS 20 A-1 TONERunout A-side etched
LAS 20 B-2Runout B-side etched
France
1979- Label and catalog number
- WEA 18123
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
MPO WEA 18123 Ahand etched on A runout
MPO WEA 18123 Bhand etched on B runout
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 11 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s4 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | France | WEA 18123First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | UK | Laser LAS 20 (T) / Laser K 28079First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1979 | UK | Laser LAS 20First year7" | 7" |
| 1979 | UK | Laser LAS 20First year7" | 7" |
1980s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | UK | Blue Moon BMS 100212" | 12" |
1990s4 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Jamaica | Emmanuel Music EM067", Reissue | 7", Reissue |
| 1999 | UK | Emmanuel Music EM067", Reissue | 7", Reissue |
| 1999 | UK | Emmanuel Music EMO 67", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
| 1999 | UK | Emmanuel Music EMO 67", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
2010s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | US | Ranking Joe Records RJ 01912", 45 RPM, Reissue | 12", 45 RPM, Reissue |
Year unknown1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | D.E.B. Music DEB 03512" | 12" |
Tracklist
- ASlave Driver
- BDub Driver
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Slave Driver are there?
11 vinyl pressings of Slave Driver are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1979 and 2013.
When was Slave Driver first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in UK, France. One of them is Laser LAS 20 (T).
How do I tell if my copy of Slave Driver is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LAS 20 (T), LAS 20, 18123) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, LAS 20T A-1 and LAS 20 T B-1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Slave Driver 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.
