Vinyl pressings
by Rare Bird · 1973
Somebody's Watching was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. 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 1973, 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.
2383211 A//2▽420 11 4 DICKSide A runout, stamped - variant 1
2383211 B✶2▽420 11 3 DICKSide B runout, stamped - variant 1
2383211 A//2▽420 11 8 DICKSide A runout, stamped - variant 2
2383211 B✶2▽420 11 8 DICKSide B runout, stamped - variant 2
2383211 A//2▼420 11 5 DICKSide A runout, stamped
2383211 B★2▼420 11 2 DICKSide B runout, stamped
PD-6502-A-1A STERLING RLRunout side A, variant 1
PD-6502-B-1A STERLING RLRunout side B, variant 1
PD-6502-A-1A STERLING RL 22Runout side A, variant 2
PD-6502-B-1A 22 STERLING RLRunout side B, variant 2
PD-6502-A-1C MR Δ18508(1) STERLING RLRunout etching side A
PD-6502-B-1C MR Δ18508-X(1) STERLING RLRunout etching side B
PD-6502-A-1C MR Δ18538(1) STERLING RLRunout, A side
PD-6502-B-1C MR Δ18538-X(1) STERLING RLRunout, B side
(PD 6502 A)Label, A side
(PD 6502 B)Label, B side
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Canada | Polydor 2383 211First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | France | Polydor 2383 211First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | France | Polydor 2383 211 / Polydor 2383-211First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | South Africa | Polydor 2383 111First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | UK | Polydor 2383-211 / Polydor 2383 211First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | UK | Polydor 2383-211LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1973 | UK | Polydor 2383-211 / Polydor 2383 211First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 6502 / Polydor 2383 111First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 6502First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 6502 / Polydor 2383 111First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
10 vinyl pressings of Somebody's Watching are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in UK, US, Canada, France and more. One of them is Polydor 2383-211.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2383-211, PD 6502, 2383 211, 2383 111) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2383211 A//2▽420 11 4 DICK and 2383211 B✶2▽420 11 3 DICK. 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.
