Vinyl pressings
by U2 · 2004
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb was first pressed on vinyl in 2004. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
2 pressings came out in 2004, 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.
U214A-3 Ⓐ MISS YOU SUGARRunout Side A
U214B-3 Ⓐ ✳Runout Side B
U 214 / 986 817-2 ALabel side A
U 214/986 817-2 BLabel side B
U214A-3 A MISS YOU SUGARSide A runout
U214B A *Side B runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Europe | Island Records U2 14First yearLP, Album, White Label · Colored vinyl | LP, Album, White Label · Colored vinyl |
| 2004 | Europe | Island Records U2 14 / Island Records 986 817-2LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 2004 | Europe | Island Records U2 14 / Island Records 986 817-2First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Europe | Island Records 986 817-2LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| 2016 | Europe | Island Records 986 817-2LP, Album, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2017 | Europe | Island Records 986 817-2LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2017 | Europe | Island Records U 214 / UMC U 214LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 2019 | USA & Europe | Island Records U 214 / UMC U 214LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Worldwide | Universal Music Recordings 6553272 / Island Records 6553272LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo, LP, Album, Stereo, LP, Stereo, LP, Stereo, Box Set, Limited Edition · Limited | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo, LP, Album, Stereo, LP, Stereo, LP, Stereo, Box Set, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 2024 | Worldwide | Island Records 00602465532982 / Universal Music Recordings 6553298LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered |
| 2024 | Worldwide | Island Records 6553301 / Universal Music Recordings 00602465533019LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl |
11 vinyl pressings of How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 2004 and 2024.
The earliest pressings are from 2004, in Europe. One of them is Island Records U2 14, released November 22, 2004.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use U2 14) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, U214A-3 Ⓐ MISS YOU SUGAR and U214B-3 Ⓐ ✳. 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.
