Vinyl pressings
by Was (Not Was) · 1981
Out Come The Freaks was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 5 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.
12 WIP 6709 A-1U 2Stamped in runout, Side 1
12 WIP 6709 B-2U CStamped in runout, Side 2
12WIP 6709-APrinted on label, Side 1
12WIP 6709-BPrinted on label, Side 2
WIP 6709 A-2U GRAEME - SOUND CLINICA-side runout, variant 1
WIP 6709 B-1UB-side runout, variant 1
WIP 6709 A-2U 4 GRAEME - SOUND CLINIC 1A-side runout, variant 2
WIP 6709 B-1U G 1B-side runout, variant 2
WIP 6709 A-2U GRAEME - SOUND CLINICSide A runout
LPFBSide B runout
IS-49756-ZMI-1072-VI-S-WWI ━◁Runout side A etched
IS-49756-ZMI-1072-VII-S-WWI ━◁ #2Runout side B etched
ZMI 1072 VISLabel side A
ZMI 1072 VIISLabel side B
IS-49756-ZMI-1072-VI-S-JW1 #1 VANDS [0]]A side runout, etched, [stamped]
IS-49756-ZMI-1072-V II-S-JWI [0]B side runout, etched, [stamped]
ZMI 1072 VISA side label matrix
ZMI 1072 VIISB side label matrix
PRO-A1-961-A2 ɑ B-15833-A2A-Side Runout
PRO-A2-961-A1 ɑ B-15834B-Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | France | Ze Records 6313 199 / Island Records 6313 199First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1981 | Germany | ZE Records 103 218-100 / Island Records 103 218-100First year7" | 7" |
| 1981 | UK | ZE Records WIP 6709First year7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, White Label |
| 1981 | US | Island Records PRO-A-961First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Special Cut · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Special Cut · Promo |
| 1981 | US | Island Records IS 49756First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1981 | US | Island Records IS 49756 / ZE Records IS 49756First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | US | Island Records IS 49756 / ZE Records IS 49756First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Japan | Island Records 7S-58 / Polystar 7S-58First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1981 | Japan | Island Records 7S-58 / Polystar 7S-58First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | ZE Records 12WIP 6709 / Island Records 12WIP 6709First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | UK | ZE Records WIP 6709 / Island Records WIP 6709First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of Out Come The Freaks are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in UK, US, Japan, France and more. One of them is ZE Records 12WIP 6709, released July 1981.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12WIP 6709, WIP 6709, IS 49756, PRO-A-961) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12 WIP 6709 A-1U 2 and 12 WIP 6709 B-2U C. 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.
