Vinyl pressings
by Mike Reno · 1984
Almost Paradise... 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.
20 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 13 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.
G1 ZSS-169658 1E Wally MASTERED BY CAPITOLRunout side A variation 1
G1 ZSS-169659 1D STERLINGRunout side B variation 1
ZSS-169658 1F G1 Wally MASTERED BY CAPITOLRunout side A variation 2
G1 ZSS-169659-1C STERLINGRunout side B variation 2
ZSS-169658 1C Wally P MASTERED BY CAPITOLRunout side A variation 1
ZSS-169659-1A P STERLINGRunout side B variation 1
P ZSS-169658 1B Wally MASTERED BY CAPITOLRunout side A variation 2
P ZSS-169659-1A V STERLINGRunout side B variation 2
ZSS-169658 1C Wally PSide A - Etched
MASTERED BY CAPITOLSide A - Stamped
ZSS-169659-1A PSide B - Etched
STERLINGSide B - Stamped
P ZSS-169658 1B MASTERED BY CAPITOL WallyA-Side Runout Etching
P ZSS-169658 1C MASTERED BY CAPITOL WallyB-Side Runout Etching
ZSS 169658Labels
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 | Australia | CBS BA 223193First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Australia | CBS BA 223193First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Brazil | Discos CBS 43587First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Canada | Columbia 38-4418First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Costa Rica | CBS 7012850First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1984 | Europe | CBS CBSA 4480 / CBS A-4480First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Mexico | CBS 8610First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | New Zealand | CBS BA 223193First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Philippines | CBS CS-10036First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Portugal | CBS A-4480First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Portugal | CBS A-4480First year7" | 7" |
| 1984 | Spain | CBS CBSA 4480 / CBS A-4480First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | UK | CBS A 4480 / CBS A4480First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | UK | CBS A 4480 / CBS A4480First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | US | Columbia 38-04418First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
20 vinyl pressings of Almost Paradise... are listed here, from 13 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in US, UK, Japan, Australia and more. One of them is Columbia 38-04418.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 38-04418, A 4480, 07SP 805, BA 223193) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, G1 ZSS-169658 1E Wally MASTERED BY CAPITOL and G1 ZSS-169659 1D STERLING. 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.
