Vinyl pressings
by Robert Palmer · 1980
Looking For Clues was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
39 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year, in 14 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.
12 WIP 6651 A - 1U 3 1 GRAEMESide A runout, stamped, etched [GRAEME]
12 WIP 6651 B - 1U 4 1Side B runout, stamped
12WIP 6651-ASide A label
12WIP 6651-BSide B label
WIP 6651 A-1U () GRAEME-SOUNDCLINICSide A, variant 1
WIP 6651 B-1U 1 1 1Side B, variant 1
WIP 6651 A-1U 4 GRAEME -SOUND CLINIC 1Side A runout, stamped/etched, variant 2
WIP 6651 B-1U G 1Side B runout, stamped/etched, variant 2
WIP 6651 A-1U 10 GRAEME-SOUND CLINIC 1Side A runout
WIP 6651 B-1U 6 1Side B runout
WIP 6651-ASide A label
WIP 6651-BSide B label
WIP 6651 A-1 U GRAEME - SOUNDCLINICRunout side A variant 1
WIP 6651 B-2URunout side B variant 1
WIP 6651 A-1U S2 GRAEME - SOUNDCLINIC 1Runout side A variant 2
WIP 6651 B-2U 7 2Runout 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.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Australia | Island Records K-8100 / Island Records WIP 6651First year7" | 7" |
| 1980 | Australia | Island Records K-8100First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Bolivia | Ariola ASS-1117 / Ariola ASS - 1117First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Canada | Island Records IS 49620First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1980 | Canada | Island Records IS 49620First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | France | Island Records 6010 305First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Germany | Island Records 600 278 / Island Records 600 278-213First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Germany | Island Records 102 483 / Island Records 102 483 - 100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | Hansa 600 278-213 / Island Records 600 278-213First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Germany | Island Records 102 483 / Island Records 102 483 - 100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Guatemala | Island Records I-141First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Ireland | Island Records WIP 6651First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Island Records 102.483First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Island Records 102.483First year7", Single · Colored vinyl | 7", Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Island Records 600 278First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | Island Records GS 451597", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
45 vinyl pressings of Looking For Clues are listed here, from 16 countries, released between 1980 and 1981.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in UK, US, Australia, Bolivia and more. One of them is Island Records 12WIP 6651.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12WIP 6651, WIP 6651, WIP 6651 DJ, IS49620) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12 WIP 6651 A - 1U 3 1 GRAEME and 12 WIP 6651 B - 1U 4 1. 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.
