Vinyl pressings
by Wire · 1986
Snakedrill 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.
7 pressings came out in 1986, 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.
12 MUTE 53 A¹ Sound Clinic ARunout side A, variant 1 [hand-etched]
12 MUTE 53 B2 PAG Sound Clinic ARunout side B, variant 1 [hand-etched]
12 MUTE 53 A¹ Sound Clinic BRunout side A, variant 2 [hand-etched]
12 MUTE 53 B2 PAG Sound Clinic ARunout side B, variant 2 [hand-etched]
MLP-1-73273 G-1 E a B-27563 G1 ∆16623 1-1Runout side A [Etched]
MLP-2-73273 G-1 E a B-27564-G1 ∆16623-X 1-1Runout side B [Etched]
MASTERED BY CAPITOLRunout sides A and B [Stamped]
MLP-73273-1-ALabel side A
MLP-1-73273 AL-SP G-1 [Allied Records "a" logo] B-27563-G1 ∆16623 1̶-̶2̶ 0-1 MASTERED BY CAPITOL ERunout side A
MLP-2-73273 AL-SP G-1 [Allied Records "a" logo] B-27564-G1 ∆16623-X SP 0-1 1̶-̶2̶ 0-1 MASTERED BY CAPITOL ERunout side B
MLP-73273-1-ALabel side A
MLP-73273-1-BLabel side B
MLP-73273-A 1A 2ZSide 1-A
MLP-1-73273 G-1 E MASTERED BY CAPITOL AL-SP a[looks like a "stamped balloon"] B-27563-G1 ∆16623 1̶-̶2̶ 0-1Runout side A
MLP-2-73273 G-1 E MASTERED BY CAPITOL AL-SP a[looks like a "stamped balloon"] B-27564-G1 SP 0-1 ∆16623-X 1̶-̶2̶Runout side B
MLP-73273-1-ALabel side A
MLP-73273-1-BLabel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Canada | Enigma MLP-73273First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1986 | Canada | Enigma MLP-73273First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1986 | Canada | Enigma MLP-73273First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1986 | France | Mute 080277 / Virgin 08027712", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1986 | US | Enigma MLP-73273First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1986 | US | Enigma MLP-73273First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mini-Album, EP | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mini-Album, EP |
| 1986 | UK | Mute 12MUTE5312", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1986 | Germany | Mute INT 126.856 / Mute 12 MUTE 53First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Germany | Mute 12685612", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1986 | UK | Mute 12MUTE53First year12", EP, 45 RPM | 12", EP, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | France | Mute 80277 / Virgin 8027712", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Mute 12 MUTE 53LP, Single Sided, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Single Sided, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
12 vinyl pressings of Snakedrill are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, US, Germany, Canada. One of them is Mute 12MUTE53, released November 1986.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12MUTE53, MLP-73273, INT 126.856) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12 MUTE 53 A¹ Sound Clinic A and 12 MUTE 53 B2 PAG Sound Clinic A. 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.
