Vinyl pressings
by Neil Diamond · 1984
Primitive 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.
22 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 18 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.
P o PAL 39199 1A TML-SSide A runout, variant 1
P o PBL 39199 1A TML-SSide B runout, variant 1
P o PAL 39199 1AF TML-MSide A runout, variant 2
P o PBL 39199 1M TML-XSide B runout, variant 2
PG PAL 39199 1A XSide A runout, var. 1
P PBL 39199 1E G1Side B runout, var. 1
PAL 39199 1AG TML-X M H G1 A1C16Side A runout, var. 2
PBL 39199 1H G1 TML-S A 21Side B runout, var. 2
PAL 39199 1ASide A Runout, etched
PBL 39199 1NSide B Runout, etched
AL-39199-1A-2HZK:Side A hand etched [Variant 1]
BL-39199-1B-2HZK:Side B hand etched [Variant 1]
AL-39199-1B-2HZK: DM-9Side A hand etched [Variant 2]
BL-39199-1A-2HZK: DM-9Side B hand etched [Variant 2]
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 | Argentina | Columbia 20.584 / Discos CBS 20.584First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Australia | CBS SBP 238021First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Brazil | Discos CBS 138595 / Discos CBS 138.595First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Colombia | CBS 141749First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Europe | CBS 86306 / CBS CBS 86306First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Europe | CBS 86306 / CBS CBS 86306First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | CBS CBS 86306First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Greece | CBS CBS 86306First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Ireland | CBS CBS 86306First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Mexico | CBS CLS5813First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Portugal | CBS 86306First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | South Africa | CBS ASF 3002First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | South Korea | CBS KJPL-0405First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Spain | CBS S 86306First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | UK | CBS 86306First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
24 vinyl pressings of Primitive are listed here, from 19 countries, released between 1984 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in US, UK, Canada, Japan and more. One of them is Columbia QC 39199.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use QC 39199, 9C9-39915, 9C9-39926-S1, 86306) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, P o PAL 39199 1A TML-S and P o PBL 39199 1A TML-S. 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.
