Vinyl pressings
by The Damned · 1985
Is It A Dream was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1985, 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.
GRIM 3 A // 3 ∇ 420 R 1 1 2Side A runout, variant 1
GRIM 3 B // 3 ∇ 420 R 1 1 1 0Side B runout, variant 1
GRIM 3 A // 3 ∇ 420 R 1 1 1Side A runout, variant 2
GRIM 3 B // 3 ∇ 420 R 1 1 1Side B runout, variant 2
GRIM 3 T A//3 ▽ 4 2 0RVariant 1 side A runout
GRIM 3 T B//3 ▽ 4 2 0RVariant 1 side B runout
GRIM 3 T A//3 ▽ 4 2 0 R 1 1 1 1Variant 2 side A runout, stamped
GRIM 3 T B//3 ▽ 4 2 0 R 1 1 2Variant 2 side B runout, stamped
GRIM 3 xxxxx A // ∇ 420 R 111Side A runout
GRIM 3 B // 3 ∇ 420 R 1115Side B runout
GRIMT · 3 A1 1 ΛSide A runout
GRIMT · 3 B1 ΛSide B runout
GRIM 3 A // 3 ∇ 420 R 1 1 2Side A runout, stamped
GRIM 3 B // 3 ∇ 420 R 1 1 1 0Side B runout, stamped
R/S Alsdorf 258767-0 A 4Runout side A stamped, 4 etched
R/S Alsdorf 258767-0 B DRunout side A stamped, D etched
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Australia | MCA Records 7-12779First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Germany | MCA Records 258 926-7 / MCA Records 258 926-7 ⓃFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Spain | MCA Records 25 8926-7First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1985 | Spain | MCA Records 25 8926-7First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1985 | UK | MCA Records GRIM 3First year7", 45 RPM, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1985 | Zimbabwe | MCA Records LMCS 33First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Europe | MCA Records 258 925-0First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | UK | MCA Records GRIM 3First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Australia | MCA Records 0-12780First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | UK | MCA Records GRIMT 3 / MCA Records GRIM T 3First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | UK | MCA Records GRIM 3First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | UK | MCA Records GRIMT 3First year12", Single, White Label | 12", Single, White Label |
| 1985 | South Africa | MCA Records LMCS 33First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
13 vinyl pressings of Is It A Dream are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, Europe, Australia, South Africa and more. One of them is MCA Records GRIM 3, released September 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use GRIM 3, GRIMT 3, 258 925-0, 0-12780) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, GRIM 3 A // 3 ∇ 420 R 1 1 2 and GRIM 3 B // 3 ∇ 420 R 1 1 1 0. 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.
