Skip to content
VinylLens
Jimmy CliffSpecial

Vinyl pressings

Special

by Jimmy Cliff · 1982

21 pressings16 countriesReggaeReggae

Special was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. 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 Special

20 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 16 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.

US

1982
Label and catalog number
Columbia FC 38099
Format
LP, Album
Runout / matrix

AL 38099-IC A5 ᴑ ITSide A

BL-38099-ID A5 ᴑ TISide B

AL 38099Label A

BL 38099Label B

Full details of this pressing

US

1982
Label and catalog number
Columbia PC 38099
Format
LP, Album, Stereo
Runout / matrix

P (A) <B*A0> AL 38099 G1ASide 1

P (A) <B*A0> BL 38099 G1ASide 2

Full details of this pressing

US

1982
Label and catalog number
Columbia FC 38099
Format
LP, Album · CX Encoded
Runout / matrix

G1 CXAL5-38099-1C COLUMBIA NY A4Side 1

G1 CXAL5-38099-1D COLUMBIA NYSide 2

Full details of this pressing

UK

1982
Label and catalog number
CBS CBS 85878
Format
LP, Album, Stereo
Runout / matrix

CBS 85878 A-1A Side

CBS 85878 B-1B Side

Full details of this pressing

Canada

July 1982
Label and catalog number
Columbia FC 38099
Format
LP, Album
Runout / matrix

AL-38099-1A-2HZ: DM-3Side A runout

BL-38099-1A-2HZ: DM-8Side B runout

AL 38099Side A label

BL 38099Side B label

Full details of this pressing

Australia

1982
Label and catalog number
CBS SBP 237814
Format
LP, Album
Runout / matrix

G MX201632 SBP 273814-1Side A Stamped

G MX201633 B SBP 273814-2Side B Stamped

Full details of this pressing

Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.

All 21 vinyl pressings

By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.

1980s21 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1982AustraliaCBS SBP 237814First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1982BrazilCBS 138.536First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1982EuropeCBS CX 85878First yearLP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1982GreeceCBS CX 85878 / CBS CBSC X 85878First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1982IndiaCBS 85878 - CBS 10076First yearLP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1982JamaicaOnenessFirst yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1982JapanCBS/Sony 25AP 2374First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1982New ZealandCBS SBP 237814First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1982NigeriaCBS AL 38099First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1982NigeriaColumbia AL 38099First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1982PortugalCBS CX 85878First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1982South AfricaColumbia ASF 2782First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1982SpainColumbia BL 38099First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1982SpainCBS S 85878First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1982UKCBS CBS 85878First yearLP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
All 21 pressings from the 1980s

Tracklist

  1. A1Special3:51
  2. A2Love Is All4:19
  3. A3Peace Officer4:12
  4. A4Treat The Youths Right3:40
  5. A5Keep On Dancing3:25
  6. A6Rub-A-Dub Partner2:58
  7. B1Roots Radical4:25
  8. B2Love Heights3:35
  9. B3Originator4:56
  10. B4Rock Children4:00
  11. B5Where There Is Love4:15

Questions

How many vinyl pressings of Special are there?

21 vinyl pressings of Special are listed here, from 16 countries, released between 1982 and 1984.

When was Special first released on vinyl?

The earliest pressings are from 1982, in US, UK, Canada, Australia and more. One of them is Columbia FC 38099.

How do I tell if my copy of Special is a first pressing?

Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FC 38099, PC 38099, CBS 85878, SBP 237814) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AL 38099-IC A5 ᴑ IT and BL-38099-ID A5 ᴑ TI. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.

How much is Special 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.

More Jimmy Cliff on vinyl

VinylLens app

What is your copy of Special worth?

Point your phone at the label. VinylLens finds the exact pressing in seconds and shows its value for every condition, from Mint to Poor, so you know what your record is really worth.

Scan your records free