Vinyl pressings
by Edwin Starr · 1979
H.A.P.P.Y. Radio 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.
20 pressings came out in 1979, the album's first year, in 17 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.
M-591 AS-A-5 I B1Runout Side A, Etched (Except I, Stamped)
M591BSB 15 I B̶1̶ A3Runout Side B, Stamped
M-591-AS-ASide 1 Label
M-591-BS-ASide 2 Label
M-591-AS-SM 1 S SXTRunout Side A, Etched
M-591-AS-SM 1 S SXTRunout Side B, Etched
T-591 (M-591-AS-A)Side 1 Label
T-591 (M-591-BS-B)Side 2 Label
1 591 A A1A1 AT. B.B.Runout Side A, Stamped, except AT. B.B Etched
1 591-B B1A1 DB ATRunout Side B, Stamped, except DB AT etched
VPL1-4169 (T - 591 A)Side 1 Label
VPL1-4169 (T - 591 B)Side 2 Label
؞ T 591 A Y.D.Runout side A
؞ T 591 B Y.D.Runout side B
T 591 ALabel side A
T 591 BLabel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Australia | 20th Century Fox Records VPL1 4169First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Canada | 20th Century Fox Records T-591First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | France | 20th Century Fox Records T-591First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | Germany | 20th Century Fox Records 6370 292First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Israel | 20th Century Fox Records T-591First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Italy | 20th Century Fox Records 6370 292First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Japan | 20th Century Fox Records GP-741First yearLP | LP |
| 1979 | Japan | 20th Century Fox Records GP-741First yearLP, Promo · Promo | LP, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | Netherlands | 20th Century Fox Records 6370 292First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | New Zealand | 20th Century Fox Records VPL1 4169First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Philippines | 20th Century Fox Records T-591First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Portugal | 20th Century Fox Records T-591First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Singapore, Malaysia & Hong Kong | 20th Century Fox Records 6370 292First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | South Africa | 20th Century Fox Records TCC 4002First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Spain | 20th Century Fox Records T-591First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Mexico | RCA Victor MILS*4443LP, Album | LP, Album |
21 vinyl pressings of H.A.P.P.Y. Radio are listed here, from 18 countries, released between 1979 and 1980.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is 20th Century Fox Records T-591.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use T-591, VPL1 4169, 6370 292, GP-741) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, M-591 AS-A-5 I B1 and M591BSB 15 I B̶1̶ A3. 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.
