Vinyl pressings
by Peter Himmelman · 1987
Gematria was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 5 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.
ST-IL-876579-A DMM MASTERDISK-BK SP1-3 SPAR 0- △18331 B-29222Side A runout etched
ST-IL-876580-A DMM SP1-3 MASTERDISK-BK SPAR 0- △18331-X B-29223-ASide B runout etched
ST-IL-876579-ARA side label
ST-IL-876580-ARB side label
ST-IL-876579-ADMM MASTERDISK-BK SP1-2Side A runout
ST-IL-876580-ADMM SP1-2 MASTERDISK-BKSide B runout
ST-IL-876579-SPSide A label
ST-IL-876580-SPSide B label
ISL 1153 A (CR)Runout Side A
ISL 1153 B (CR)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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Canada | Island Records ISL 1153First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Europe | Island Records 208 853First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Japan | Island Records R28D-2109First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | South Africa | Island Records ILPC 29892First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | Island Records 90663-1 / Island Records 7 90663-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1987 | US | Island Records 90663-1 / Island Records 7 90663-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1987 | US | Island Records A1 90663-1LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1988 | Italy | Island Records ILPS 9892LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1988 | UK | Island Records ILPS 9892LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Australia | Island Records L 38893LP, Album | LP, Album |
10 vinyl pressings of Gematria are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1987 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in US, Canada, Europe, Japan and more. One of them is Island Records 90663-1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 90663-1, ISL 1153, 208 853, R28D-2109) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ST-IL-876579-A DMM MASTERDISK-BK SP1-3 SPAR 0- △18331 B-29222 and ST-IL-876580-A DMM SP1-3 MASTERDISK-BK SPAR 0- △18331-X B-29223-A. 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.
