Vinyl pressings
by The Housemartins · 1986
Sheep was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 3 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.
GOD 9 A // 1∇420 VSide A runout variant 1
GOD 9 B // 1∇420 VSide B runout variant 1
GOD 9 A // 2 ▽ 420 VSide A runout variant 2
GOD 9 B // 2 ▽ 420 VSide B runout variant 2
GOD9 A // 2∇420 RSide Arunout, stamped variant 1
GOD9 B // 1∇420 RSide B runout, stamped variant 1
GOD9 A//2 ∇ 420 RSide A runout variant 2
GOD9 B//2 ∇ 420 RSide B runout variant 2
GOD 9 A // 2∇420 V 1Side A runout
GOD 9 B // 2∇420 V 1Side B runout
GOD9A//1▽420R 11 4Runout side A
GOD9 B//1▽42 0V 1Runout side B
GODX9A//2▽420 R 11 1Side A, runout, stamped, variant 1
GODX9B//2▽420 R 11 1Side B, runout, stamped, variant 1
GODX9A//2▽420 R 11 2Side A, runout, stamped, variant 2
GODX9B//1▽420 R 11 3Side B, runout, stamped, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia | Chrysalis K-9959 / Go! Discs GOD 9First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | New Zealand | Chrysalis K9959First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1986 | UK | Go! Discs GODX 9First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Go! Discs GOD 9First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Go! Discs GODX 9First year12", 45 RPM, Advance | 12", 45 RPM, Advance |
| 1986 | UK | Go! Discs GODD 9 / Go! Discs GOD 9First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Go! Discs GOD 9First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Go! Discs GODD 9First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Go! Discs GODD 9First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Go! Discs GOD P 9First year7", Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1987 | Europe | Go! Discs 108 990 / Chrysalis 108 9907", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Europe | Go! Discs 608 990 / Chrysalis 608 99012", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
12 vinyl pressings of Sheep are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, Australia, New Zealand. One of them is Go! Discs GODD 9, released February 24, 1986.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use GODD 9, GOD 9, GOD P 9, GODX 9) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, GOD 9 A // 1∇420 V and GOD 9 B // 1∇420 V. 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.
