Vinyl pressings
by Joe Jackson · 1988
(He's A) Shape In A Drape was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 8 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.
390 360 - 7 S 1 3 20 1 BRunout stamped side A Variant 1
390 360 - 7 S 2 3 20 B 1Runout stamped side B Variant 1
390 360 - 7 S 1 3 20 E 1Runout stamped side A Variant 2
390 360 - 7 S 2 3 20 E 1Runout stamped side B Variant 2
A&M-AM-01228-A SP-1 [A&M Mastering logo] 1-1 [Specialty logo]Side A Runout, etched [stamped]
A&M-AM-01228-B SP-1 [A&M Mastering logo] 1-1 [Specialty logo]Side B Runout, etched [stamped]
AM-01228-ASide A Label
AM-01228-BSide B Label
MX-70407Side A Label
MX-70408Side B Label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Australia & New Zealand | A&M Records K 650First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1988 | Canada | A&M Records AM-1228First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Europe | A&M Records 390 360-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | France | A&M Records 390 360-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Israel | A&M RecordsFirst year12", Single Sided, Promo · Promo | 12", Single Sided, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Mexico | PolyGram S/N 815First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1988 | US | A&M Records AM-1228First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | A&M Records AM-1228First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | US | A&M Records AM-1228First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | UK | A&M Records AM 481First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
10 vinyl pressings of (He's A) Shape In A Drape are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in Europe, UK, US, Australia & New Zealand and more. One of them is A&M Records 390 360-7.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 390 360-7, AM 481, AM-1228, K 650) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 390 360 - 7 S 1 3 20 1 B and 390 360 - 7 S 2 3 20 B 1. 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.
