Metabolis' Collection

3-inch CD

There is nowhere else you can go to see and hear the amazing stories and songs that form the history of Earth, Wind & Fire. The story is told by the people who created it, live it and made it happen.

Not sure what year this Box Set was reissued. Looks like early 80s.

This US Columbia 7-inch uses the runout TI ZSS 157630-IE, identifying a Terre Haute pressing. ZSS 157630 is the Columbia matrix number for this single, TI denotes the Terre Haute, Indiana plant, and IE indicates early metalwork from the first mother and E stamper. This places the record in an early pressing batch with typically strong Columbia 45 quality.

This Spanish CBS 7-inch uses the runout 6553 - A0, where 6553 is the matrix number tied to the catalogue and A0 indicates the first Spanish lacquer cut for side A. Spanish CBS used A0/B0 codes for early lacquers in the 1970s, so this pressing comes from an early Madrid mastering batch.

This Australian CBS 7-inch uses the runout D MX188154 BA222533-1. MX188154 is the EMI Australia matrix number used because EMI handled lacquer cutting for CBS at the time, D identifies the EMI cutting room, and BA222533-1 is the CBS catalogue number with -1 indicating the first lacquer cut. This places the record in an early Australian pressing batch using EMI Sydney metalwork.

Picture disc!

Missing obi.

This US CBS 12-inch uses the runout XSS-165778-1C TML-M-X. XSS-165778 is the Columbia matrix number, TML-M indicates a Mastering Lab cut from the middle console, 1C shows the first lacquer and third stamper, and X is a Columbia plating code. This is an early US pressing using high-quality TML mastering.

This Australian CBS 12-inch single was pressed at EMI’s Homebush plant in Sydney. The MX matrix (MX188152) identifies EMI/YPRD mastering, and the D prefix indicates EMI plating. BA12007-1 shows the first lacquer for the Australian edition.

Gold For Promotion Only stamp on jacket.

Gold promo stamp on rear of cover. The gold sticker on the cover is flush in the top left of this cover as opposed to the pictured one.

This US Columbia 12-inch promo uses the runout XSS-168132-1D TML-M. XSS-168132 is the Columbia matrix number, TML-M indicates a Mastering Lab cut from the middle console, and 1D shows the first lacquer and fourth stamper. This is an early US pressing with high-quality TML mastering, and the cover has a gold FOR PROMOTION ONLY stamp.

Caras/Chispa - Faces/Sparkle (Red Vinyl!) I haven't seen this for less than US$30.

This UK CBS 12-inch uses the runout CBS S-12-8982 A1, where the matrix matches the catalogue number and A1 indicates the first UK lacquer cut for side A. This places the record in the earliest UK pressing batch for this title.

"Marcus" faintly written in pen on A side. Sleeve ringwear.

Gold For promotion only stamp on back of cover.

In original cover, though the sticker has come loose and been sticky taped back on. The UK pressing of this also has the track Something Special on the B side.

This UK CBS 12-inch uses the runout CBS A 13 1959 A1 TIMTOM. The matrix matches the catalogue number, A1 indicates the first UK lacquer cut, and TIMTOM is the signature of mastering engineer Tim Young. This is an early UK pressing with high-quality Tim Young mastering.

promo only remixed extended version double A sided 12 single release for club use only. Although listed on the label as 5:40, the actual time is 6:03. Gold promo sticker on back of cover. Sticker on front reading Earth, Wind & Fire - Special Remixed E

Sticker on shrinkwrap

This UK CBS 12-inch uses the runout TA 3887 A1 A TIMTOM TOE-TAPPER!, where TA 3887 is the matrix number, A1 indicates the first UK lacquer cut, A marks the first metal part group, and TIMTOM is the signature of mastering engineer Tim Young. The TOE-TAPPER! etching is one of his occasional custom inscriptions, making this an early UK pressing with high-quality Tim Young mastering.

Gold Property of CBS, Demonstration Only, Not For Sale stamp on rear of cover.

Writing on cover.

This US Columbia 12-inch uses the runout HERBIE JR XSS-176354-1A G1. HERBIE JR is the signature of Columbia mastering engineer Herbie Jr, XSS-176354 is the Columbia matrix number, 1A indicates the first lacquer cut, and G1 identifies pressing at the Columbia Carrollton, Georgia plant. This is an early US pressing with Herbie Jr mastering.

Gold promo stamp on back cover over the barcode.

Gold promo stamp on rear of cover, over the barcode.

Gold promo stamp covering barcode on back cover.

Sticker on cover Megamixed by DAKEYNE of DMC LTD Remixer of the year Disco international poll 1989.

Hole punched top left corner of cover.

This US Columbia 12-inch promo uses the runout XSS-73396A VA IGI A, where XSS-73396A is the Columbia matrix number, VA marks the lacquer and plating batch, IGI identifies pressing at the Indianapolis plant, and A indicates the first metal part group. All mixes on this promo feature M.C. Hammer.

This US Reprise 12-inch promo uses the runout TRO A1-C725-SR1, where TRO is a Reprise mastering code, A1 indicates the first lacquer cut, C725 is an internal Reprise matrix number, and SR1 identifies pressing at Specialty Records.

Bend in top right corner of cover.

This US Kalimba Records 12-inch promo uses the runout OASIS KRPRO 0001-1A. OASIS identifies lacquer cutting at Oasis Mastering in Burbank, California, and KRPRO 0001-1A is the Kalimba promo matrix with 1A indicating the first lacquer cut.

This US Columbia LP uses the runout PAL 31702-1H TML=M. PAL 31702 is the Columbia matrix number, 1H indicates the first lacquer and eighth stamper, and TML=M shows the record was cut at The Mastering Lab in Los Angeles using their M lathe.

This Japanese pressing has a paper insert that lists the EWF discography up to Open Our Eyes so it can be assumed this wasn't pressed in 72. I have no idea whether this is a reissue, or whether this was the first pressing of the album in Japan.

This US Columbia LP reissue uses the runout P AL-32194-1AF XG IT. P AL-32194 is the Columbia matrix number, 1AF indicates the first lacquer with AF stamper code, XG identifies Columbia’s Georgia metalwork chain, and IT shows the lacquer was cut at Columbia’s New York mastering studio.

Cover in terrible condition. Only example of Australian pressing I've seen for this album.

Rock Best 100 on obi.

This US Warner Bros. 2LP set uses the runout 1 2LS-2798 40816-1A. The material contained in this two-record set was previously released as individual Warner Bros. albums, Earth, Wind & Fire (WS 1905) and The Need Of Love (WS 1958). The 2LS/2WS catalogue series indicates a Warner reissue or compilation, and the 40816-1A code shows a dedicated first lacquer cut for the 1974 compilation rather than reused original metal parts.

This US Columbia LP uses the runout PAL-32712-IK. The IK stamper code and the presence of a barcode indicate a later Columbia repress, and the 32712 catalogue number without a KC/PC prefix confirms it is not a 1974 first pressing. This seems to be a reissue, likely from the 1980s.

Head To The Sky (Quadraphonic). This US Columbia LP uses the runout P X D P 0 AL-32194-1B 12. The P X D P 0 sequence identifies Columbia’s quad cutting chain, AL-32194 is the Columbia matrix number, 1B indicates the first lacquer and second stamper, and the lacquer was cut at Columbia’s New York mastering studio.

This US Columbia LP uses the runout PAL-32712-ID AZ. The ID stamper code indicates later Columbia metalwork, and AZ shows the lacquer was cut at Allen Zentz Mastering in Los Angeles. This is a later repress rather than a 1974 first pressing. Original insert included.

Several tracks crossed out in blue biro on the back.

Not For Sale: Sample Record ink stamped on record label and back of cover.

The obi features All 'N All as the latest album so this was pressed in 1977 or after. The picture is really bad, but the cover is perfect except for a small dent on one corner.

Could be 80s reissue?

The TML-M inscription indicates that the lacquer was cut at The Mastering Lab using their Master Scully lathe, representing the primary lacquer from a simultaneous cutting session. The PAL 33695 code identifies the Columbia matrix for the side, confirming it as an original Columbia mastering. The IF code points to Santa Maria metalwork, meaning the record was pressed at Columbia’s Santa Maria plant. These details show that this is an early, high-quality US pressing made from first-generation TML lacquer work.

Ink promo stamp on rear of cover.

Gold obi intact.

Spine has been worn through in the middle. Other than that, all in great condition. Clean insert, and obi intact.

Missing obi.

The runout inscription TI PAL-34905-1AB indicates that this copy was pressed at Columbia’s Terre Haute plant, as the TI prefix is the standard identifier for Terre Haute metalwork. The PAL prefix shows that this is the lacquer for side A and confirms that the disc uses Columbia’s original matrix sequence for the album. The 1AB suffix suggests an early stamper generation, meaning the record was pressed from relatively fresh metal parts. Terre Haute pressings of All ’N All are known for consistent quality and clean high-frequency detail, making this variant a desirable early US copy. The presence of the original insert and poster further supports that this is a well-preserved example of an early pressing.

The Australian pressing of All 'N All doesn't include a poster unlike the US version.

UK Picture disc.

Obi intact, as well as clean insert and a Sony mail in card of some kind.

Nice Price reissue. No gatefold.

Picture disc!

Promo stamp is in ink, and on the A side label.

Printed on the record label is Promotion Only Not For Sale. Also has a gold promo stamp on rear of cover.

Has original 30 x 40 poster and obi. Poor picture, but condition is mint.

Has original 30 x 40 poster and obi.

Missing the original poster.

Released for EWF's 1980 tour of Argentina. I've noticed there are also identical releases entitled En Brazil and En Mexico.

Has original 30 x 40 poster.

On the Australian cover of Faces, the group name text is in White, as opposed to black like the European copies (as shown).

Limited edition picture disc.

This Dutch CBS pressing uses the runout code PA1 - 37548 IAC, which identifies an early Haarlem production. PA1 denotes the first lacquer and stamper from the primary CBS Holland cutting room, 37548 is the US matrix number carried over for catalog continuity, and IAC is the Haarlem plating line and stamper batch code indicating an early A group mother and C stamper. This places the record in the first Dutch pressing batch, known for heavier vinyl and strong CBS Holland pressing quality.

Mail in card, original booklet and insert all in mint condition.

Mail in card, original booklet and insert all in mint condition.

This is a Half Speed Mastered extended range recording.

Ink promo stamp on B side of record.

Has purple sticker on front cover at top right listing four tracks from the album.

As seen on T.V.

Gold Promotion Only Not For Sale stamp on rear of cover.

Has an Our Price 6.99 sticker on the front.

Round sticker on front cover Features the sizzling street beat hit System Of Survival plus Evil Roy, You And I.

No runout inscription at all on the record.

Gold sticker at top right on back cover FACTORY SEALED FOR YOUR PROTECTION. Apparently the Herbie Jr in the runout groove indicates the record was cut by Herbie Herb Powers Jr.

Sticker on front cover "Give the gift of music"

DAMONT in the runout indicates the record was cut by Damont Audio Ltd.

180g pressing. The first EWF LP I've bought brand new :)

2015 Record Store Day Picture Disc Reissue

Sticker on plastic sleeve states "Premium Vinyl Pressing HQ-180 RTI Record Technology". Includes poster. 40th Anniversary limited edition on gold translucent vinyl.