UK
1981- Label and catalog number
- Polydor POSP 251
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Solid Centre, German Pressing
- Runout / matrix
POSP *** 251 S1-4 STRAWBERRY ½ SPEED A 1Side A runout
POSP 251 S2-24 STRAWBERRY 1 BSide B runout
RainbowCan't Happen Here
Vinyl pressings
Can't Happen Here
by Rainbow · 1981
13 pressings8 countriesHard RockRock
Can't Happen Here was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. 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 Can't Happen Here
12 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 7 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
1981- Label and catalog number
- Polydor POSP 251Polydor 2095 381
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · UK Pressing
- Runout / matrix
POSP 251 A // 4 ▽ E STR - 1 ½ SPEED 4Variant 1, Stamped runout, side A
POSP 251 B // 4 ▽ E STR - 1 4Variant 1, Stamped runout, side B
POSP 251 A // 3 ▽ E STR - 1 ½ SPEED 4Variant 2, Stamped runout, side A
POSP 251 B // 4 ▽ E STR - 1 4Variant 2, Stamped, runout side B
UK
1981- Label and catalog number
- Polydor POSP 251
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Large Centre Hole, German Pressing
- Runout / matrix
POSP 251 S1-4 - ½ SPEED •STRAWBERRY•Stamped in runout side A
POSP 251 S2-3 •STRAWBERRY•Stamped in runout side B
UK
1981- Label and catalog number
- Polydor POSP 251Polydor 2095 381
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Large Centre Hole
UK
1981- Label and catalog number
- Polydor POSP 251Polydor 2095 381
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · UK Pressing, Polydor Sleeve
- Runout / matrix
POSP 251 A // 3 ▽ E STR 1 • STRAWBERRY • ½ SPEED 1Side A runout
POSP 251 B // 3 ▽ E STR 1 1 1 • STRAWBERRY •Side B runout
Germany
June 1981- Label and catalog number
- Polydor 2095 381
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
2095 381 S 1 320 C 1Runout side A, variant 1
2095 381 S 2 320 B 1Runout side B, variant 1
2095 381 S 1 320 B 1Runout side A, variant 2
2095 381 S 2 320 A 1Runout side B, variant 2
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 13 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s13 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Australia | Polydor 2095 381First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Belgium | Polydor 2095 381First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Ireland | Polydor POSP 251 / Polydor 2095 381First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Japan | Polydor 7DM0020First year7", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Spain | Polydor 20 95 381First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | UK | Polydor POSP 251First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Polydor POSP 251 / Polydor 2095 381First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Polydor POSP 251First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Polydor POSP 251 / Polydor 2095 381First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Polydor POSP 251 / Polydor 2095 381First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | US | Polydor PRO 15612", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Remastered, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Remastered, Stereo · Promo |
| 1981 | Germany | Polydor 2095 381First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Japan | Polydor 7DM0020First year7" | 7" |
Tracklist
- ACan't Happen Here
- BJealous Lover
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Can't Happen Here are there?
13 vinyl pressings of Can't Happen Here are listed here, from 8 countries.
When was Can't Happen Here first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in UK, Germany, Japan, Australia and more. One of them is Polydor POSP 251.
How do I tell if my copy of Can't Happen Here is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use POSP 251, 2095 381, 7DM0020, 20 95 381) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, POSP *** 251 S1-4 STRAWBERRY ½ SPEED A 1 and POSP 251 S2-24 STRAWBERRY 1 B. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Can't Happen Here 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.
