Vinyl pressings
by The B-52's · 1979
Rock Lobster = ロック・ロブスター was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
3 pressings came out in 1979, the album's first year. 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.
ILPS-9580-A-4S 2S 5Side A runout, variant 1
ILPS-9580-A-1S 2S 5 09-Z1Side B runout, variant 1
ILPS-9580-A-4S 2S 4Side A runout, variant 2
ILPS-9580-A-1S 2S 2 Z-6Side B runout, variant 2
ILPS-9580-A4SSide A label
ILPS-9580-A1SSide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Japan | Island Records ILR-20656First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | Japan | Island Records PRP-1062First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | Japan | Island Records ILR-20656First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Europe | Island Records 608 32912", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | Island Records 108 3297", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Ireland | Island Records BFT 17", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Spain | Island Records F-608.32912", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1986 | Spain | Island Records A-108.3297", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Spain | Not On Label A-108.3297", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Philippines | Island Records DS-080 / Island Records 12 BFT 112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited |
| 1986 | UK | Island Records 12 BFT 112", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | Island Records BFT 17", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | Island Records BFTD 17", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited |
| 1986 | UK | Island Records BFTL 17", 45 RPM, Shape, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc | 7", 45 RPM, Shape, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc |
| 1986 | UK | Island Records BFTP 17", 45 RPM, Shape, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc | 7", 45 RPM, Shape, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc |
| 1986 | UK | Island Records BFTR 17", 45 RPM, Shape, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc | 7", 45 RPM, Shape, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc |
16 vinyl pressings of Rock Lobster = ロック・ロブスター are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1979 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in Japan. One of them is Island Records ILR-20656.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ILR-20656, PRP-1062) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ILPS-9580-A-4S 2S 5 and ILPS-9580-A-1S 2S 5 09-Z1. 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.
