Vinyl pressings
by Paula Anderson · 1984
Four Year Battle 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.
9 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 2 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.
A- 1 ᐉ B357-A "It's Hot" MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK HERbiE JR :^)Runout side A
A- 1 ᐉ B357-B MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK HERbiE JR :^)Runout side B
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 | Germany | Atlantic 786 906-0First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | US | Starlite B357First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | US | Atlantic 0-86906First year12", Maxi-Single, 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1984 | US | Atlantic DMD 811First year12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1984 | US | Atlantic 7-89579First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | US | Starlite B-35712", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1984 | US | Atlantic 89579First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | US | Starlite B357First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | US | Atlantic 7-89579First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene, Stereo · Promo |
| 1984 | US | Atlantic 7-89579First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
10 vinyl pressings of Four Year Battle are listed here, from 2 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in US, Germany. One of them is Starlite B357.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use B357, 0-86906, 89579, 7-89579) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A- 1 ᐉ B357-A "It's Hot" MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK HERbiE JR :^) and A- 1 ᐉ B357-B MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK HERbiE JR :^). 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.
