Vinyl pressings
by Mr. T · 1984
Mr. T's Commandment 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.
12 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 6 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.
AL-39910-1B X̶S̶M̶ ̶1̶6̶9̶8̶4̶3̶-̶1̶B̶ ̶8̶C̶8̶-̶3̶9̶9̶1̶0̶-̶A̶L̶ PSide A runout
BL 39910-1B X̶S̶M̶-̶1̶6̶9̶8̶4̶4̶-̶1̶B̶ ̶8̶C̶8̶-̶3̶9̶9̶1̶0̶-̶B̶L̶ PSide B runout
ZSS 169749A-side label
ZSS 169750B-side label
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 | Columbia 12CXP 05083First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1984 | Canada | Columbia 38 04589First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Europe | CBS A 12.4721 / CBS CBSA 12.4721First year12", Single, Promo, Sampler, Stereo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo, Sampler, Stereo · Promo |
| 1984 | Netherlands | CBS CBSA 12.4721First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1984 | Netherlands | CBS CBSA 4721 / CBS A-4721First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Philippines | CBS CS-10044First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | UK | CBS TA 4721First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | UK | CBS A 4721First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | US | Columbia 8C8-39910First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc |
| 1984 | US | Columbia 44 05083First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1984 | US | Columbia 38-04589First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | US | Columbia 38-04589First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Australia & New Zealand | CBS BA 32557", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Australia & New Zealand | CBS BA 32557", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
14 vinyl pressings of Mr. T's Commandment are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1984 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in US, UK, Canada, Netherlands and more. One of them is Columbia 8C8-39910.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 8C8-39910, 44 05083, 38-04589, TA 4721) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AL-39910-1B X̶S̶M̶ ̶1̶6̶9̶8̶4̶3̶-̶1̶B̶ ̶8̶C̶8̶-̶3̶9̶9̶1̶0̶-̶A̶L̶ P and BL 39910-1B X̶S̶M̶-̶1̶6̶9̶8̶4̶4̶-̶1̶B̶ ̶8̶C̶8̶-̶3̶9̶9̶1̶0̶-̶B̶L̶ P. 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.
