Vinyl pressings
by Xena · 1983
On The Upside was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1983, 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.
EMDS-6541-A HERbiE JR :v) ANgiE "ON ThE UpsidE iT's FREsh" "MixoLogisTs Rocks N.Y."Etchings side A
EMDS-6541-B HERbiE JR :v) "Rub A Dub" "IT's SmokiNg"Etchings side B
MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORKMachine stamp both sides
EMS-4541-A MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAyNE NEW YORK HERBIE-JR :-)A-Side Runout
EMS-4541-BB-Side Runout
IP 120.19.001-A-3 SSTRunout side A
IP 120.19.001-B Made in Germany SSTRunout 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Canada | Blackout BXD 015First year12" | 12" |
| 1983 | Germany | Emergency Records 100·19·001First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1983 | Netherlands | Break Records 308337First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Netherlands | Break Records 308337First year12" | 12" |
| 1983 | UK | Streetwave MKHAN 2First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | US | Emergency Records EMDS 6541First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1983 | US | Emergency Records EMDS 6541First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | Emergency Records EMS 4541First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | Emergency Records EMDS 654112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1983 | Germany | Emergency Records 120·19·001First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | France | Jonathan 8178061 / Barclay 817 806-112", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | France | Jonathan 817 806-77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Netherlands | Break Records 83377", Single | 7", Single |
| 1984 | France | Jonathan 81780677", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
14 vinyl pressings of On The Upside are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in US, UK, Germany, Canada and more. One of them is Emergency Records EMDS 6541.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EMDS 6541, EMS 4541, MKHAN 2, 120·19·001) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EMDS-6541-A HERbiE JR :v) ANgiE "ON ThE UpsidE iT's FREsh" "MixoLogisTs Rocks N.Y." and EMDS-6541-B HERbiE JR :v) "Rub A Dub" "IT's SmokiNg". 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.
