Vinyl pressings
by Willie Nelson · 1985
Half Nelson 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.
10 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 8 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.
P (T) AL-39990-1-H dennySide A runout - variant 1
P (T) BL-39990-2-B R dennySide B runout - variant 1
P (T) AL-39990-1-B denny JWMSide A runout - variant 2
P (T) BL-39990-2-B R dennySide B runout - variant 2
AL-39990 1-F C G1 denny C1Side A runout
BL-39990-2D C G1 R denny C1Side B runout
AL 39990Side A label
BL 39990Side B label
CBS 26596 A2Side A runout
CBS 26596 B1Side B runout
AL-39990 EL C 138.644 A 1-1-7Variant 1, runout etched side A
BL-39990 EL C 138.644 B 1-1-7Variant 1, runout etched side B
AL-39990 EL C 138.644 A 1-1-3Variant 2, runout etched side A
BL-39990 EL C 138.644 B 1-1-8Variant 2, runout etched 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Australia | CBS SBP 8116First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1985 | Australia | CBS SBP 8116First yearLP, Album, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Brazil | CBS 138644 / Discos CBS 138.644First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1985 | Europe | CBS CBS 26596 / CBS 26596First yearLP, Album, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Album, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1985 | Greece | CBS CBS 26596 / CBS 26596First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1985 | Mexico | Columbia CLS-5842First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1985 | UK | CBS CBS 26596 / CBS 26596First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1985 | US | Columbia FC 39990First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1985 | US | Columbia FC 39990First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1985 | Canada | Columbia FC 39990First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
10 vinyl pressings of Half Nelson are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in US, UK, Canada, Australia and more. One of them is Columbia FC 39990.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FC 39990, CBS 26596, SBP 8116, 138644) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, P (T) AL-39990-1-H denny and P (T) BL-39990-2-B R denny. 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.
