A special part of collecting record is the study of the matrix codes. I’m not talking about the movie here, but about the small markings written or stamped between the label and the last, or run-off groove. It is used by the record plant technicians to mark information about the matrix, the stamper that created the record. Until the eighties these were regularly replaced (I thought they still were, but according to this article they are not), and each version had a different marking. Usually information about the mastering is added, and because this is different through time, and also depending on the record factory, lots of extra information can be found here.
Whenever a stamper needs to be replaced, a new cut needs to be made. This might mean a slight difference in sound, and sometimes ordering of the tracks. Also there is the possibility of censorship (for radio for instance), or some change for copyright reasons. For all these reasons these matrix codes are important for collectors. Sometimes to find the first pressing, sometimes to find the differences, but also for the peculiarities.
Some of these codes were show the initials of the technician of duty. And if that is a well known name, someone with a proven track record, again value is added. Also, there are instances where the codes were not written by the technician, but by request of the recording artist. Elvis Costello once released a UK copy of his second album with a promotional code, that when discovered allowed the owner to call a phone number to claim a prize.
And why am I writing about this, instead of the music? Well, first of all because I was not impressed with the music. This is a collector’s edition however, and on Discogs the run-off groove was mentioned. The symbols used there drew my attention, that’s all.