Vinyl pressings
by Mel Brooks · 1983
To Be Or Not To Be (The Hitler Rap) 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.
33 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 14 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.
12 IS 158 A - 1U - 1 - 1 - 1 JONZSide A - Variant 1
12 IS 158 B - 1U - 1 - 1 - 4 SOUND CLINICSide B - Variant 1
12 IS 158 A - 1U - 1 - 1 - - 1 JONZSide A - Variant 2
12 IS 158 B - 1U - 1 - 1 - 0 SOUND CLINICSide B - Variant 2
IS 158 A-1U-1-1 - 38 JONZRunout Side A, stamped/etched, var1
IS 158 B-1U-1-1 - 10 SOUND CLINICRunout Side B, stamped/etched, var1
IS 158 A-1U-1-2-2 JONZRunout Side A, stamped/etched, var2
IS 158 B-1U-1-2-1 SOUND CLINICRunout Side B, stamped/etched, var2
IS 158 A-1U-1-1 - 38 JONZRunout Side A
IS 158 B-1U-1-1 - 10 SOUND CLINICRunout Side B
IS 158-ALabel Side A
IS 158-BLabel Side B
12 IS 158 A-1U-1-1-I JONZRunout side A, stamped/etched
12 IS 158 B-1U-1-2-C SOUND CLINICRunout side B, stamped/etched
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Australia | Liberation Records X 13153First year12" | 12" |
| 1983 | Australia | Island Records K-9373 / Island Records IS 158First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Australia | Island Records K-9373First year7" | 7" |
| 1983 | Canada | Island Records IS 158 / Island Records IS-158First year12", Single, 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", Single, 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1983 | Canada | Island Records Inc. ISL 97000 / Island Visual Arts ISL 97000First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | France | Island Records 818 297-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | France | Island Records 818 297-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Greece | Island Records 052-2000516First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Greece | Island Records 052-200051612", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1983 | Ireland | Island Records IS 158First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Italy | Island Records IS 158First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Japan | Island Records 7SI-116First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | Mexico | Island Records SP-99First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | New Zealand | Island Records K-9373First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | New Zealand | Island Records X 13153First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
47 vinyl pressings of To Be Or Not To Be (The Hitler Rap) are listed here, from 17 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, US, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Island Records 12 IS 158.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12 IS 158, IS 158, ISP 158, 12IS 158) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12 IS 158 A - 1U - 1 - 1 - 1 JONZ and 12 IS 158 B - 1U - 1 - 1 - 4 SOUND CLINIC. 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.
