Vinyl pressings
by W.A.S.P. · 1989
Mean Man was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
22 pressings came out in 1989, the album's first year, in 4 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.
CL 521 A - 1 - 1 - DA side runout
CL 521 B - 1 - 1 - DB side runout
CL 521AA side label
CL 521BB side label
D 12 CL 521 A-1-1-Side A runout, stamped
D 12 CL 521 B-1-1-1Side B runout, stamped
CLP+521+A ORLAKESide A Etchings
CLP+521+B ORLAKESide B Etchings
CLM-521-A ORLAKESide A runout, etched
CLM-521-B ORLAKESide B runout, etched
CLM 521ASide A label
CLM 521BSide B label
12CL 521 A -1-1-1Side A runout, variant 1
12CL 521 B -1-1-1Side B runout, variant 1
12CL 521 A-1-1-1 DSide A runout, variant 2
12Cl 521 B-1-1-1 DSide B runout, variant 2
D CL 521 A - 1 - 1 - Q2Runout variant 1 stamped side A
D CL 521 B - 1 - 1 - Q2Runout variant 1 stamped side B
CL 521 A - 1 - 1 - 1 DRunout variant 2 stamped side A
CL 521 B - 1 - 1 - 1 DRunout variant 2 stamped side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Europe | Capitol Records 060-20 3239 6First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | Europe | Capitol Records 006 20 3239 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Europe | Capitol Records 203239612", Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1989 | Italy | Capitol Records 06 2032397First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Italy | Capitol Records 06 2032397First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | Italy | Capitol Records 14 2032396First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1989 | Portugal | Capitol Records 2032396First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1989 | UK | Capitol Records 12CL 521First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | UK | Capitol Records CLP 521First year7", Shape, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", Shape, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1989 | UK | Capitol Records CLM 521First year7", Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1989 | UK | Capitol Records 12 CLG 521First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | UK | Capitol Records CL 521First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | UK | Capitol Records 12CLDJ 521First year12", 45 RPM, Advance, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Advance, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | Capitol Records CLP 521First year7", Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1989 | UK | Capitol Records 12CLDJ 521First year12", 45 RPM, Advance, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Advance, Promo · Promo |
23 vinyl pressings of Mean Man are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in UK, Europe, Italy, Portugal. One of them is Capitol Records CL 521, released February 20, 1989.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CL 521, 12CL 521, CLP 521, CLM 521) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, CL 521 A - 1 - 1 - D and CL 521 B - 1 - 1 - D. 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.
