Vinyl pressings
by Matt Bianco · 1984
Whose Side Are You On... 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 5 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.
R/S Alsdorf 249319-7 ARunout stamped side A Variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 249319-7 BRunout stamped side B Variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 249319-7 A X TimTom.cbs BERunout stamped/etched side A Variant 2
R/S Alsdorf 249319-7 B X TYRunout stamped/etched side B Variant 2
R/S Alsdorf 249319-7 A V̷ ̷ D B̷E̷ TimTom.cbs 17Runout side A
R/S Alsdorf 249319-7 B TY bRunout 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 | Canada | WEA 24 93197First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Canada | WEA 24 93197First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Europe | WEA 249 319-0First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Germany | WEA 249 319-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Germany | WEA 249 319-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Italy | WEA 24 9319-0First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Italy | WEA 24 9319-7First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1984 | UK | WEA YZ9 (T) / WEA YZ9TFirst year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | UK | WEA YZ 9First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | UK | WEA YZ 9FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1985 | France | WEA 249 319-7 / WEA 24 9319-77", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1985 | US | Atlantic PR 76312", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | US | Atlantic DMD 87112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1985 | US | Atlantic 0-8685612" | 12" |
| 1985 | US | Atlantic 7-895167", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
19 vinyl pressings of Whose Side Are You On... are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1984 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in Germany, UK, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is WEA 249 319-7.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 249 319-7, YZ9 (T), YZ 9, YZ 9F) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, R/S Alsdorf 249319-7 A and R/S Alsdorf 249319-7 B. 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.
