Vinyl pressings
by Squeeze · 1980
Pulling Mussels (From The Shell) 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.
12 pressings came out in 1980, 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.
AMS.7523. A 2 1 tone ∴ [or ᐱ]Runout side A, etched / stamped, variant 1
AMS.7523. B 1 ∴ [or ᐱ] °◡°Runout side B, etched / stamped, variant 1
AMS ⦁ 7523⦁ A-2 tone 2Runout side A, etched / stamped, variant 2
> °◡° stamped): AMS ⦁ 7523 ⦁ B-4 > °◡°Runout side B, etched / stamped, variant 2
AMS . 7523 . A2 toneRunout, A-side, etched
⋀Runout, A-side, stamped
AMS . 7523 . B-3Runout, B-side, etched
AMS 7523-A-1 toneSide A runout - variant 1
AMS 7523-B-3Side B runout - variant 1
AMS 7523-A-1 tone Λ 1 0Side A runout - variant 2
AMS 7523-B-3 5 ΛSide B runout - variant 2
AMS 7523-A1 tone ∴Side A
AMS-7523-B-3 2 ∴Side B
AMS 7523-A2 tone ∴Side A
AMS-7523-B-3 D ∴Side B
MX-56419Side A label
MX-56420Side B label
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 | A&M Records K7920 / A&M Records AMS-7523First year7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1980 | Australia | A&M Records K7920 / A&M Records AMS-7523First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Europe | A&M Records AMS 7670First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Ireland | A&M Records AMS 7523First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Italy | A&M Records AMS 7670First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1980 | Netherlands | A&M Records AMS 7670First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1980 | New Zealand | A&M Records K 7290First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1980 | UK | A&M Records AMS 7523First year7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1980 | UK | A&M Records AMS 7523First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | UK | A&M Records AMS 7523First yearSingle, 7", Promo · Promo | Single, 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | UK | A&M Records AMS 7523First year7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1980 | UK | A&M Records AMS 7523First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
12 vinyl pressings of Pulling Mussels (From The Shell) are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in UK, Australia, Europe, Ireland and more. One of them is A&M Records AMS 7523.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AMS 7523, K7920, AMS 7670, K 7290) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AMS.7523. A 2 1 tone ∴ [or ᐱ] and AMS.7523. B 1 ∴ [or ᐱ] °◡°. 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.
