Vinyl pressings
by John Cale · 1984
Caribbean Sunset was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. 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 1984, 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.
ILPS 7024 A-1U-1-1-Runout variant 1, Side 1
ILPS 7024 B-1U-1-1-1Runout variant 1, Side 2
ILPS 7024 A-1U-1-1- 4Runout variant 2, Side 1
ILPS 7024 B-1U-1-1-1- 5Runout variant 2, Side 2
DM 205986 A-1 / 84 S IIISide 1, stamped, variant 1
DM 205986 B-1 / 84 S IISide 2, stamped, variant 1
DM 205986 A-1 / 84 S III Made in GermanySide 1, stamped, variant 2
DM 205986 B-1 / 84 S III Made in GermanySide 2, stamped, variant 2
DM 205986 A-1/84 S III II Made in GermanyRunout Side A
DM 205986 B-1 84 S 11 Made in GermanyRunout Side B
S 205 986 ALabel Side A
S 205 986 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Europe | Island Records 205 986-320 / ZE Records 205 986-320First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Europe | Island Records 205 986 / Island Records 205 986-620First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | France | ZE Records 818.290-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Germany | Island Records 205 986 / Island Records 205 986-620First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Greece | Island Records 062-2401151 / ZE Records 062-2401151First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Italy | Island Records ILPS 17024 / ZE Records ILPS 17024First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Portugal | ZE Records 10.205986.32 / Island Records 10.205986.32First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | UK | ZE Records ILPS 7024 / Island Records ILPS 7024LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1984 | US | ZE Records IT 8401First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | US | ZE Records IT 8401First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | UK | ZE Records ILPS 7024 / Island Records ILPS 7024First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Europe | Island Records 205 986 / Ze Records 205 986LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Europe | Island Records 205 986 / ZE Records S205 986LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | Europe | Island Records 205 986 / ZE Records S205 986LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
14 vinyl pressings of Caribbean Sunset are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1984 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, US, Europe, France and more. One of them is ZE Records ILPS 7024, released January 1984.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ILPS 7024, IT 8401, 205 986-320, 205 986) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ILPS 7024 A-1U-1-1- and ILPS 7024 B-1U-1-1-1. 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.
