Vinyl pressings
by Payola$ · 1983
Hammer On A Drum was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. 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 1983, the album's first year, in 4 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.
(CR) SP-4958-A- MASTERDISK RL ANYTHING FOR A QUIET LIFESide A runout, variant 1
(CR) SP-4958-B-1 #2 MASTERDISK RLSide B runout, variant 1
(CR) SP-4958-A- MASTERDISK RL ANYTHING FOR A QUIET LIFESide A runout, variant 2
(CR) SP-4958-B-1 MASTERDISK RLSide B runout, variant 2
MRA 2̶6̶1̶8̶8̶ 26201 SP06-4958-A-M1 MASTERDISK RLSide A Runout
MRA 2628̶08̶1X SP06-4958-B-M2 Anything for a quiet lifeSide B Runout
SP-06-4958-ASide A Label
SP-06-4958-BSide B Label
SPO-6-4958-A-ES-1 EMW MASTERDISK HWRun-out area A-side
SPO-6-4958-B-ES-1 EMW MASTERDISKRun-out area B-side
SPO-6-4958-A-RCA-1 MASTERDISK 1 A1BSide A etched exc MASTERDISK 1 A1, stamped
SPO-6-4958-B-RCA-1 MASTERDISK 1 A1DSide B etched exc MASTERDISK 1 A1, stamped
SPO6-4958-A-M1 MASTERDISK RL MR △ 2⃥6⃥1⃥8⃥8⃥ 26201Run-out Side A
SPO6-4958-B-M2 Anything for a quiet life MR △ 26201xRun-out 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Argentina | A&M Records 20.476First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Argentina | A&M Records 20.476First yearLP, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1983 | Canada | A&M Records SP 4958First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Canada | A&M Records SP-6-4958First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Canada | A&M Records SP 4958LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1983 | Europe | A&M Records AMLH 64958 / I.R.S. Records SP.6 4958First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | US | A&M Records SP6-4958First yearLP, Promo · Promo | LP, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | A&M Records SP6-4958First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | US | A&M Records SP6-4958First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | US | A&M Records SP6-4958 / A&M Records SP-6-4958First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
10 vinyl pressings of Hammer On A Drum are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in Canada, US, Argentina, Europe. One of them is A&M Records SP 4958.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SP 4958, SP-6-4958, SP6-4958, 20.476) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, (CR) SP-4958-A- MASTERDISK RL ANYTHING FOR A QUIET LIFE and (CR) SP-4958-B-1 #2 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.
