US
1983- Label and catalog number
- Riva R 216Riva 818 583-2
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · Compton Pressing
- Runout / matrix
2-57622Side A
2-57712Side B
R-216 2-57622-PRC-C 1-1Variant 1: side A
R-216 2-57712-B-PRC-C 1-1Variant 1: side B
John Cougar MellencampAuthority Song
Vinyl pressings
Authority Song
by John Cougar Mellencamp · 1983
15 pressings8 countriesSouthern RockRock
Authority Song 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.
How to spot a first pressing of Authority Song
13 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.
US
1983- Label and catalog number
- Riva R 216
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo · Bestway Pressing
- Runout / matrix
R-216-2-57622-A-BWSide A runout, etched
R-216-2-57712-B-BWSide B runout, etched
2-57622 Intl #818 583-7Side A label
2-57712 Intl #818 583-7Side B label
US
1983- Label and catalog number
- Riva R 216
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM · 19
- Runout / matrix
R-216-2-57622-A PRCRI-3-1 MASTERDISKSide A runout
R-216-2-57712-B-PRC-RI-2-1Side B runout
US
1983- Label and catalog number
- Riva PRO 268-1 DJ
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo
US
1983- Label and catalog number
- Riva R 216 DJ
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · 26
- Runout / matrix
R-216-2-57622-PRC-C 1-1-1 MASTERDISK ARunout A
R-216-2-57622-PRC-C 1-1-11 MASTERDISK ARunout B
2-57622Label both sides
UK
1983- Label and catalog number
- Riva JCM 212Riva 818 463-1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, EP
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 15 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s14 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Canada | Riva R 216First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | Germany | Mercury 818 789-7 / Mercury 818 789-7 QFirst year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | Mexico | Mercury S/N-400First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1983 | Netherlands | Mercury 818 463-7 / Riva 818 463-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | Netherlands | Mercury 818 463-1First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1983 | Peru | Mercury F-MER 8184637.5First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Riva JCM 212 / Riva 818 463-1First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1983 | UK | Riva JCM 2 / Riva 818 463-1First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | US | Riva R 216 / Riva 818 583-2First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | US | Riva PRO 268-1 DJFirst year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | Riva R 216 DJFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | Riva R 216First year7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1983 | US | Riva R 216First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | US | Riva R-2167", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
Year unknown1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | WEA 7-2596117", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
Tracklist
- AAuthority Song3:49
- BPink Houses (Acoustic Version)3:44
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Authority Song are there?
15 vinyl pressings of Authority Song are listed here, from 8 countries.
When was Authority Song first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in US, UK, Canada, Germany and more. One of them is Riva R 216.
How do I tell if my copy of Authority Song is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use R 216, PRO 268-1 DJ, R 216 DJ, JCM 212) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2-57622 and 2-57712. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Authority Song 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.
