UK
December 1986- Label and catalog number
- Warner Bros. Records W8509TXWarner Bros. Records W 8509 (TX)
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
W8509 TX A//1▽420 V 1 1 2Side A stamped runout
W8509 TX B//1▽420 V 1 1 1Side B stamped runout
Vinyl pressings
The Boy In The Bubble
by Paul Simon · 1986
30 pressings9 countriesFolk RockPop RockRockPop
The Boy In The Bubble 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.
How to spot a first pressing of The Boy In The Bubble
16 pressings came out in 1986, 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.
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Warner Bros. Records W8509TWarner Bros. Records W 8509 (T)
- Format
- 12", Single
- Runout / matrix
W8509 TA / 1 [triangle pointing down] 420V: 1Side 1 runout
W8509 T B // 1 [triangle pointing down] 420VSide 2 runout
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Warner Bros. Records W8509Warner Bros. Records 928 509-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · Paper Labels
- Runout / matrix
W 8509.A-1 BAZZAEtched Runout Side A
W 8509 BEtched Runout Side B
W 8509 ALabel Side A
W 8509 BLabel Side B
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Warner Bros. Records W8509Warner Bros. Records 928 509-7
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM · Silver Injection Labels
- Runout / matrix
W 8509.A-1 BAZZAEtched Runout Side A
W 8509 BEtched Runout Side B
W 8509 ALabel Side A
W 8509 BLabel Side B
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Warner Bros. Records W 8509 F
- Format
- 7", Single, Limited Edition
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Warner Bros. Records W8509Warner Bros. Records 928 509-7
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM · Injection Label, Solid Centre
- Runout / matrix
W 8509 A//1▽420 V 11 BAZZA 3A-side runout
W 8509 B//1▽420 V 11 1B-side runout
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 30 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s30 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia | Warner Bros. Records 7-28509First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Europe | Warner Bros. Records 920 594-0First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Europe | Warner Bros. Records 928 509-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | France | Warner Bros. Records 928 509-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | France | Warner Bros. Records 928 509-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Ireland | Warner Bros. Records W8509First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1986 | Spain | WEA 818First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W8509T / Warner Bros. Records W 8509 (T)First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1986 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W8509 / Warner Bros. Records 928 509-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W8509 / Warner Bros. Records 928 509-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W 8509 FFirst year7", Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1986 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W8509 / Warner Bros. Records 928 509-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W8509 / Warner Bros. Records 928 509-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W8509 / Warner Bros. Records 928 509-7First year7", 45 RPM · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM · Colored vinyl |
| 1986 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W 8509First year7", Single | 7", Single |
Tracklist
- AThe Boy In The Bubble (Extended Version)6:14
- BCrazy Love, Vol. II (LP Version)4:17
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Boy In The Bubble are there?
30 vinyl pressings of The Boy In The Bubble are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
When was The Boy In The Bubble first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, Australia, Europe, France and more. One of them is Warner Bros. Records W8509TX, released December 1986.
How do I tell if my copy of The Boy In The Bubble is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use W8509TX, W8509T, W8509, W 8509 F) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, W8509 TX A//1▽420 V 1 1 2 and W8509 TX B//1▽420 V 1 1 1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Boy In The Bubble on vinyl worth?
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.
