Vinyl pressings
by Myleka Thompson · 1988
Confess was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. 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 1988, the album's first year, in 3 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.
MCA 7984 FDS-1 ⧈-G-⧈Runout side A etched, except Gloversville logo
MCA 7985 FDS-1 ⧈-G-⧈Runout side A etched, except Gloversville logo
MCA 7984Side One Label
MCA 7985Side Two Label
MC27111ELabel Side A
MC27112Label Side B
MCA 7984 FDS-3Runout side A
MCA 7985 FDS-3Runout side B
MCA7984Side One Label
MCA7985Side Two Label
MCA 7984 FDS-3 [Pinckneyville stamp]Runout side A
MCA 7985 FDS-3 [Pinckneyville stamp]Runout side B
MCA7984Side A Label
MCA7985Side B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Europe | WEA 257 720-0First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Europe | WEA 257 720-0First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Germany | MCA Records 257 721-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1988 | US | MCA Records MCA-23875First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1988 | US | MCA Records L33-17651First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | MCA Records MCA-53357First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | MCA Records MCA-53357First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1988 | US | MCA Records MCA-53357First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | US | MCA Records MCA-23875First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1988 | US | MCA Records MCA-23875First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of Confess are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in US, Europe, Germany. One of them is MCA Records MCA-23875.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA-23875, MCA-53357, L33-17651, 257 720-0) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MCA 7984 FDS-1 ⧈-G-⧈ and MCA 7985 FDS-1 ⧈-G-⧈. 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.
