Vinyl pressings
by Paquito D'Rivera · 1986
Explosion was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 9 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 (AP) o AL-40156-1A MASTERDISK RLSide A etched; o MASTERDISK stamped
o P (AP) BL-40156-1B MASTERDISK RLSide B etched; o MASTERDISK stamped
AL 40156Side A label
BL 40156Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Argentina | Columbia 120.824First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Brazil | Discos CBS 225.119First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Colombia | CBS 141898First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Dominican Republic | CBS FC 40156First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Europe | CBS CBS 26835First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Greece | CBS CBS 26835First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Japan | CBS/Sony 28AP 3172First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Mexico | CBS CLS-5851First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | US | Columbia FC 40156First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Venezuela | CBS JZ 20038LP, Album | LP, Album |
10 vinyl pressings of Explosion are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in US, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and more. One of them is Columbia FC 40156.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FC 40156, 120.824, 225.119, 141898) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, P (AP) o AL-40156-1A MASTERDISK RL and o P (AP) BL-40156-1B MASTERDISK RL. 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.
