Vinyl pressings
by Devo · 1983
Theme From Doctor Detroit 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.
25 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 7 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.
MC-14138-PL1Runout A: Hand etched
MC-14140-PL1Runout B: Hand etched
PRECISIONRunout A & B: Hand etched
MC 14138Label A-side
MCA-3502-PL-2Run-out side A, variant 1
MCA-3503-PL 2Run-out side B, variant 1
MCA-3502-PL-2 Precision ◈-P-◈ IRun-out side A, variant 2
MCA-3503-PL-2 Precision ◈-P-◈ IIRun-out side B, variant 2
MC-14138-PL2 ◈-P-◈ PrecisionRun-out Side A [etched]
MC14140-PL 2 ◈-P-◈ PrecisionRun-out Side B [etched]
MC14138Side A Label
MC14140Side B Label
MCA-3502 PL1 PrecisionRunout Etchings A-Side, Variant 1
MCA-3503 PL1 PrecisionRunout Etchings B-Side, Variant 1
MCA-3502-PL1 Precision 1Runout Etchings A-Side, Variant 2
MCA-3503-PL1 Precision 3Runout Etchings B-Side, Variant 2
MCA-3502-PL-2A-Side Runout
MCA-3503-PL 2B-Side Runout
MCA3502A-Side Label
MCA3503B-Side Label
MC-14147E PL3 ◈-P-◈ PrescisionRunouts
MC14147ELabels
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 | Backstreet Records BSR-13968First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1983 | Europe | MCA Records 105.533 / Backstreet Records 105.533First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Europe | MCA Records 600 926-213 / MCA Records 600 926First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1983 | Europe | MCA Records 259 517-0First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1983 | Europe | MCA Records 105.533 / Backstreet Records 105.533First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Italy | MCA Records MCAX 88912", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1983 | Italy | MCA Records MCAX 889First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Italy | MCA Records MCAN 52215First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Mexico | MCA Records SLDC - 3040First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1983 | Mexico | MCA Records SP-72First year7", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | Mexico | MCA Records SL-7101First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1983 | New Zealand | Backstreet Records BSR 52215First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | New Zealand | MCA Records BSR-13968 / Backstreet Records BSR-13968First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | MCA Records MCAT 822First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | MCA Records MCA 822First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Philippines | MCA Records MS-83-1507", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
28 vinyl pressings of Theme From Doctor Detroit are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in US, UK, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Backstreet Records BSR-52215, released April 15, 1983.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BSR-52215, BSR-13968, L33-1113, L33-1106) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MC-14138-PL1 and MC-14140-PL1. 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.
