GREETINGS FROM ASBURY PARK, N.J.

US-only "longbox" edition (COL CK 31903), 198?: CD housed inside a 12-inch x 6-inch cardboard longbox. Same catalogue number as regular jewel case issues.

Japanese reissue (first pressing) (SONY SRCS 9466), 1999: "LP-style" packaging with unique wrap-around outer obi (replicated from the rare second 1975 Japanese vinyl issue of the album) and superb colour cardboard picture sleeve with postcard gatefold. Black disc with "red label" imprint.

       

[ GENERAL NOTE: In addition to "Greetings…", 1999 Japanese reissues of Bruce's albums up to and including "Nebraska" came with similar "LP-style" packaging that painstakingly recreated the original cover artworks. When the limited press run for these special editions was gone in a wink, Sony Japan followed them with a series of picture disc issues in standard jewel cases that carried the same catalogue numbers and also featured the obligatory obi strips; again ending with "Nebraska". Apparently, it was planned to put out the remainder of Springsteen's album catalogue ("Born In The U.S.A." through "The Ghost Of Tom Joad"; minus "Greatest Hits") with cardboard sleeves as well, but most likely due to a veto from Columbia in the US, that proposed second batch never materialized; even though all of said later albums are known to exist in this form as "promotional issues". ]

Japanese reissue (second pressing) (SONY SRCS 9466), 1999: Picture disc in standard jewel case; same catalogue number as the above cardboard version. Special obi strip forms part of a black-and-white spine image depicting three E Street Band members (Max Weinberg, Danny Federici and Steve Van Zandt) sitting on a bench in Central Park, circa 1979, when arranged in order with the other picture disc releases of “The Wild…”, “Born To Run”, “Darkness…”, “The River” and “Nebraska” (said image, however, remains incomplete due to this particular series having been discontinued after “Nebraska”).

European "enhanced packaging" reissue (COL 511300 2), 2003: Booklet features five additional photos not included with previous CD releases of the album.

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 721), 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl artwork (fold-out postcard sleeve and separate inner sleeve promoting other Columbia artists from that period); also featuring a miniature replica of the pink vertical obi used for initial vinyl pressings from Japan. Red disc with orange “Sony Music” logos.

                       

[ GENERAL NOTE: Japanese buyers purchasing a complete set of the 2005 "mini-LP" reissue series - which took in Bruce's back catalogue from "Greetings..." through "The Rising", minus "Tracks" - were rewarded with two exclusive, promotion-only "bonus" items; namely a miniature cardboard replica of the legendary alternate US promo "script cover" for "Born To Run" (without disc or obi), and a container box sporting the "Born To Run" artwork (designed to hold all 17 CD's as well as the script cover). In order to receive these premiums, customers had to collect special tokens - one of which was included with each title - and then send them back to a specific Sony Music address in Tokyo. The full series - minus promo items - was also released in Europe in the spring of 2008, carrying different catalogue numbers (all beginning with a 88697287 code) and lacking the silver outer stickers used for original Japanese issues. ]

Spanish reissue (SONY BMG 88697353962), 2008: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Disc comes in a “mini-LP”-style cardboard picture sleeve accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 42-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitve Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0129), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen reissue series that took in 18 CD albums and two DVD titles, which were available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera" between August and December 2012. Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat’s liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian. A very nicely designed cardboard outer slipcase to store all the CD's/DVD's in was issued alongside the first disc in the series, "Born In The U.S.A.".

 

THE WILD, THE INNOCENT & THE E STREET SHUFFLE

US-only “longbox” edition (COL CK 32432), 198?: CD housed inside a 12-inch x 6-inch cardboard longbox. Same catalogue number as regular jewel case issues.

Italian reissue (COL CDDEA 2223), 1991: Special pressing available exclusively with Italian magazine “Il Grande Rock”, issued by domestic publishing company DeAgostini. Both the booklet cover and disc (which was made in Austria) feature “Il Grande Rock” logo imprints.

Spanish reissue (CBS/SONY ROCK NO. 2), 1996: Special pressing available exclusively with Spanish magazine “Rock” (issued by domestic publishing company “Altaya”); featuring different/unique back cover artwork and CD design. Misprint of “Rosalita (Come Out Tonig)” on disc.

       

Brazilian reissue (COL 759.097/2-032363), 1997: Released in the "Light Price" series. Alternate packaging has part of the regular front cover photo obscured by a weird "brick wall" design, and totally different title graphics; the clear red CD tray also features a rather unusual gimmick of two small integrated LED's flashing intermittently. Highly collectable and very hard to find.

Japanese reissue (first pressing) (SONY SRCS 9467), 1999: "LP-style" cardboard packaging. Black disc with "red label" imprint.

Japanese reissue (second pressing) (SONY SRCS 9467), 1999: Picture disc in standard jewel case; same catalogue number as the above cardboard version. Special obi strip forms part of a black-and-white spine image depicting three E Street Band members (Max Weinberg, Danny Federici and Steve Van Zandt) sitting on a bench in Central Park, circa 1979, when arranged in order with the other picture disc releases of “The Wild…”, “Born To Run”, “Darkness…”, “The River” and “Nebraska” (said image, however, remains incomplete due to this particular series having been discontinued after “Nebraska”).

European "enhanced packaging" reissue (COL 511254 2), 2003: Booklet features full lyrics and five photos not included with previous CD releases of the album.

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 722), 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl artwork; also featuring a miniature replica of the white vertical obi used for initial vinyl pressings from Japan. Red disc with orange “Sony Music” logos.

Spanish reissue (SONY BMG 88697353942), 2008: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Disc comes in a “mini-LP”-style cardboard picture sleeve accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 42-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0133), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

BORN TO RUN

Original Japanese issue (CBS/SONY 35DP 21), 1983: The very first Bruce Springsteen compact disc ever manufactured and released anywhere in the world. Note that these initial pressings also saw further distribution in Japan after 1983 (presumably through 1986) with several obi strip variations, so the only way to positively detect a genuine first-run copy is to check the back of the obi, which of course must not list any other Springsteen albums available on CD. Later Japanese reissues eventually featured newly pressed discs and a different catalogue number (32DP 358).

               

US-only “longbox” edition (COL CK 33795), 198?: CD housed inside a 12-inch x 6-inch cardboard longbox. Same catalogue number as regular jewel case issues.

US "Mastersound" reissue (COL CK 52859), 1992: Way superior sound quality to earlier CD issues. First pressings (actually made in Japan) were withdrawn due to an indexing error (when skipping from track to track, each title starts at 0:00 although being already two seconds into the intro). Packaged in a lavish, 12-inch x 6-inch white longbox featuring embossed gold logos and a large fold-out lyric sheet inside. 24-carat gold-coated disc with black/grey LP cover graphics on face side comes housed inside an extra, standard-size jewel case without a booklet or insert. The first batch of corrected discs featured same catalogue number and packaging, while later pressings came in a 5-inch cardboard slipcase with normal booklet, and had a different catalogue number (COL CK 64406) assigned as well. Initially a US-only release, the "Mastersound" CD also was issued in Europe in late 1994 (COL 480416 2); overall packaging being similar to the aforementioned third American version.

               

US “Mastersound” promotional issue (COL CSK 4408), 1992: Special aluminium pressing that was issued exclusively as part of a mega-rare 3-disc promo set entitled “Mastersound: 10th Anniversary” (referring to the anniversary of the CD format itself), which also included Billy Joel’s “52nd Street” and Glenn Gould’s classical “Bach: The Goldberg Variations” album. The CD’s (all featuring standard jewel cases and booklets/inserts) came packaged inside a black cardboard outer slipcase with gold/white title lettering and “10th Anniversary” logo.

            

First Japanese “Mastersound” reissue (SONY SRCS 6765), 1994: Issued as part of Sony Japan's “Collectors Item Series”, this is the first of two different Japanese “Super Bit Mapping” remaster editions, which arguably sounds even one notch better than the above US pressing and features different packaging as well. Disc has a high-quality black-and-white reproduction of the full album cover shot alongside gold/black type on the non-playing side, and is housed inside a normal jewel case with booklet, but no back insert. Originally came shrinkwrapped with black obi strip. A real beauty, and pretty rare now, too.

       

Japanese reissue (SONY SRCS 7856), 1995: Japan-only release issued in a limited series featuring Springsteen's albums from "Born To Run" through "Tunnel Of Love". Special obi strip forms part of a four-colour spine image depicting the "Born To Run" front cover artwork against an American flag backdrop when all seven jewel cases are arranged in order; the CD itself is a picture disc with same design as the later 1999 reissue (see below).

Second Japanese “Mastersound” reissue (SONY SRCS 7907), 1995: “LP-style” package featuring a thick, oversized gatefold picture sleeve, obi strip and protective plastic slipcase. Released on par with the “Mastersound” issue of “Born In The U.S.A.” (see below), and equally hard to find.

       

Japanese reissue (first pressing) (SONY SRCS 8983), 1999: "LP-style" cardboard packaging again, and this issue also features the remastered "Super Bit Mapping" version of the album. Black disc with "red label" imprint.



Japanese reissue (second pressing) (SONY SRCS 8983), 1999: Picture disc in standard jewel case; same catalogue number as the above cardboard version. Special obi strip forms part of a black-and-white spine image depicting three E Street Band members (Max Weinberg, Danny Federici and Steve Van Zandt) sitting on a bench in Central Park, circa 1979, when arranged in order with the other picture disc releases of “The Wild…”, “Born To Run”, “Darkness…”, “The River” and “Nebraska” (said image, however, remains incomplete due to this particular series having been discontinued after “Nebraska”).

European "enhanced packaging" reissue (COL 511301 2), 2003: Booklet features five additional photos not included with previous CD releases of the album.

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 723), 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl artwork (gatefold picture sleeve with lyrics inside); also featuring a miniature replica of the red horizontal obi used for initial vinyl pressings from Japan. Red disc with orange “Sony Music” logos.

Japanese “30th Anniversary” remaster advance promotional CDR (SONY; no catalogue number), 2005: Plain slimline jewel case with no artwork.

“30th Anniversary Edition” 3-disc (CD + 2 DVD’s) box set, 2005 (Europe: COL 82876755892 / US: COL C3K 94175): De-luxe 10-inch x 6-inch longbox (originally shrinkwrapped with large red title/info sticker) containing newly remastered “Born To Run” CD album, DVD “Hammersmith Odeon, London ‘75” (complete November 18, 1975 London concert), DVD “Wings For Wheels: The Making Of ‘Born To Run’” (87-minute documentary, plus three “bonus” live songs performed in Los Angeles on May 1, 1973), and a 48-page booklet of previously unpublished photos from the era. All three discs come in cardboard gatefold picture sleeves, with the DVD packaging obviously being totally unique. The “Born To Run” CD is designed to look like a black vinyl LP featuring a red Columbia “label” imprint (reminiscent of Germany’s 2004 “Nebraska” reissue). Also released in Japan (SONY MHCP 930-2; featuring Japanese graphics on both the title sticker and the back of the box, an additional translated lyric sheet, extra type on the photo booklet cover, and a plain silver CD) and Australia (although no original pressings exist from that country, as European copies were imported instead). A stunning item in terms of both presentation and content.

   

Spanish reissue (SONY BMG 88697353932), 2008: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Disc comes in a “mini-LP”-style cardboard gatefold picture sleeve accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 42-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0120), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN

US-only "longbox" edition (COL CK 35318), 198?: CD housed inside a 12-inch x 6-inch cardboard longbox. Same catalogue number as regular jewel case issues.

Spanish reissue (CBS/SONY RCD001-2), 1991: Special Austrian export pressing issued for DeAgostini’s Spain-only series “Los Grandes Del Rock”.

Japanese reissue (SONY SRCS 7857), 1995: Japan-only release issued in a limited series featuring Springsteen's albums from "Born To Run" through "Tunnel Of Love". Special obi strip forms part of a four-colour spine image depicting the "Born To Run" front cover artwork against an American flag backdrop when all seven jewel cases are arranged in order; the CD itself is a picture disc with same design as the later 1999 reissue (see below).

Japanese reissue (first pressing) (SONY SRCS 9468), 1999: "LP-style" cardboard packaging. Black disc with "red label" imprint.



Japanese reissue (second pressing) (SONY SRCS 9468), 1999: Picture disc in standard jewel case; same catalogue number as the above cardboard version. Special obi strip forms part of a black-and-white spine image depicting three E Street Band members (Max Weinberg, Danny Federici and Steve Van Zandt) sitting on a bench in Central Park, circa 1979, when arranged in order with the other picture disc releases of “The Wild…”, “Born To Run”, “Darkness…”, “The River” and “Nebraska” (said image, however, remains incomplete due to this particular series having been discontinued after “Nebraska”).

Italian reissue (COL BMG 3), 2001: Special pressing issued with domestic magazine “L’Espresso”. Alternate cover design features the standard artwork inset on a black frame on front and no picture on rear.

European "enhanced packaging" reissue (COL 511255 2), 2003: Booklet features an additional band photo not included with previous CD releases of the album.

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 724), 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl artwork (including picture inner sleeve and separate lyric sheet); also featuring a miniature replica of the black vertical picture obi used for initial vinyl pressings from Japan. Red disc with orange “Sony Music” logos.

       

Spanish reissue (SONY BMG 88697353912), 2008: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Disc comes in a “mini-LP”-style cardboard picture sleeve accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 42-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

“The Promise: The ‘Darkness On The Edge Of Town’ Story” 6-disc (3 CD’s + 3 DVD’s [or BluRays]) box set (Europe/US: COL 88697 76525 2 [DVD issue] / COL 88697 78230 2 [BluRay issue]), 2010: Housed inside a solid, hard cardboard outer slipcase, this thoroughly breathtaking set comes as an elaborately designed and beautifully illustrated 80-page, 11-inch x 8-inch, ring-bound “pocket notebook” replica featuring facsimiles of Bruce’s original handwritten lyrics, production notes, “work sheets” and numerous other items related to the album’s recording sessions; with the six discs - the newly remastered “Darkness” CD, “The Promise” 2-CD collection of 1977/78 studio outtakes (also released separately), documentary DVD/BluRay “The Promise: The ‘Darkness On The Edge Of Town’ Story”, DVD/BluRay “Darkness On The Edge Of Town - Paramount Theatre, Asbury Park 2009” / “Thrill Hill Vault (1976 - 1978)” and DVD/BluRay “Houston ’78 Bootleg: House Cut”; all in individual cardboard picture sleeves - integrated into its pages. An extra, illustrated 12-page black-and-white lyric booklet for “The Promise” is also included as the only loose packaging element. Originally came sealed with a red info sticker on front and a removable tracklisting sheet detailing all contents glued to the back. The Japanese issue (SONY SICP 2971-6) added an integrated vertical obi strip that covered the entire rear side of the box and also contained a unique 46-page booklet translating Bruce’s essays as well as the lyrics to all songs (even including live tracks from the Houston DVD) found throughout the set.

                       

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0121), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

THE RIVER (2-CD Set)

Original Japanese issue (CBS/SONY 50DP 355-6), 1985: Came with extra 28-page booklet including a variety of unique photos and Japanese text throughout; later issues contained the standard lyric booklet only. Both versions originally featured obi strips.

       

US-only “longbox” edition (COL C2K 36854), 198?: CD‘s housed inside a 12-inch x 6-inch cardboard longbox. Same catalogue number as regular jewel case issues.

Japanese reissue (SONY SRCS 7858-9), 1995: Japan-only release issued in a limited series featuring Springsteen's albums from "Born To Run" through "Tunnel Of Love". Special obi strip forms part of a four-colour spine image depicting the "Born To Run" front cover artwork against an American flag backdrop when all seven jewel cases are arranged in order; the CD's themselves are picture discs with same design as the later 1999 reissue (see below).

Japanese reissue (first pressing) (SONY SRCS 9469/70), 1999: "LP-style" cardboard packaging including picture inner sleeves. Black discs with "red label" imprints.

Japanese reissue (second pressing) (SONY SRCS 9469/70), 1999: Picture discs in standard thick jewel case; same catalogue number as the above cardboard version. Special obi strip forms part of a black-and-white spine image depicting three E Street Band members (Max Weinberg, Danny Federici and Steve Van Zandt) sitting on a bench in Central Park, circa 1979, when arranged in order with the other picture disc releases of “Greetings…”, “The Wild…”, “Born To Run”, “Darkness…” and “Nebraska” (said image, however, remains incomplete due to this particular series having been discontinued after “Nebraska“).

       

European "enhanced packaging" reissue (COL 511302 2), 2003: Booklet features three additional photos not included with previous CD releases of the album.

Spanish reissue (COL 511302 2), 2005: Spain-only “25th anniversary” edition in cardboard outer slipcase which also features a prominent ad for the “Devils & Dust” album imprinted on front. Same catalogue number as the 2003 European “enhanced packaging” reissue.

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 725-726), 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl release (including picture inner sleeves and 4-page lyric insert); also featuring a miniature replica of the white vertical obi used for initial vinyl pressings from Japan. Red discs with orange “Sony Music” logos.

               

Spanish reissue (SONY BMG 88697353892), 2008: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Discs come in a “mini-LP”-style cardboard picture sleeve accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 52-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0119), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

NEBRASKA

Original Japanese pressing (CBS/SONY 32DP 357), 1985: The very first CD release of "Nebraska" anywhere in the world. Extremely hard to find now, these long-deleted initial copies included an extra 28 seconds of synthesizer coda on "My Father's House" due to a different mastertape used; making for a total playing time of 5:35 instead of the standard 5:07. Came with red obi strip.

South African reissue (CDCOL 5066), 1986: Different/unique back cover artwork with tracklisting in black type on a white background.

Japanese export pressing for Europe (CDCBS 25100/DIDP 10040 [CK 38358]), 198?: Contains the 5:35 version of "My Father's House"; disc states "Made in Japan". No barcode on back insert. Note that later (barcoded) CD pressings distributed within Europe were manufactured in Austria and bear the same catalogue number as original Japanese export copies, but include the regular 5:07 "My Father's House".

Japanese export pressing for US (COL CK 38358/DIDP 20040), 198?: Also contains the longer mix of "My Father's House" (whereas subsequent US copies pressed domestically featured the standard 5:07 version); disc states "Made in Japan".

US-only "longbox" edition (COL CK 38358), 198?: CD housed inside a 12-inch x 6-inch cardboard longbox. Same catalogue number as regular jewel case issues.

Japanese reissue (SONY 25DP 5246), 1988: Again includes the longer 5:35 mix of "My Father's House".

Italian reissue (COL DE 34006), 1993: Special pressing available exclusively with Italian magazine “The Best Music Collection”, issued by domestic publishing company DeAgostini. Both the booklet cover and disc (which was made in Austria) feature “The Best Music Collection” logo imprints.

Japanese reissue (SONY SRCS 7860), 1995: Japan-only release issued in a limited series featuring Springsteen's albums from "Born To Run" through "Tunnel Of Love". Special obi strip forms part of a four-colour spine image depicting the "Born To Run" front cover artwork against an American flag backdrop when all seven jewel cases are arranged in order; the CD itself is a picture disc with same design as the later 1999 reissue (see below). Note that this particular pressing also contains the extended "My Father's House".

Japanese reissue (first pressing) (SONY SRCS 9471), 1999: "LP-style" cardboard packaging including a picture inner sleeve. Features the regular 5:07 mix of "My Father's House". Black disc with "red label" imprint.



Japanese reissue (second pressing) (SONY SRCS 9471), 1999: Picture disc in standard jewel case; same catalogue number as the above cardboard version. Special obi strip forms part of a black-and-white spine image depicting three E Street Band members (Max Weinberg, Danny Federici and Steve Van Zandt) sitting on a bench in Central Park, circa 1979, when arranged in order with the other picture disc releases of “The Wild…”, “Born To Run”, “Darkness…”, “The River” and “Nebraska” (said image, however, remains incomplete due to this particular series having been discontinued after “Nebraska”).

European "enhanced packaging" reissue (COL 511303 2), 2003: Slightly different type layout on front cover; booklet features one additional photo not included with previous CD releases of the album.

German reissue (COL 511303 2), 2004: Released as part of a special series called "The Vinyl Classics"; put together in collaboration with German weekly magazine "Der Spiegel" and also featuring landmark albums by numerous other major Sony artists such as Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson and Billy Joel. Silver die-cut cardboard slipcase depicts a small inset of the "Nebraska" cover photo as well as a red "Spiegel Edition" logo and includes the revised 2003 "enhanced packaging" booklet; the disc itself is designed to look like a black vinyl record with red Columbia "label". Note that a similar pressing was also released in the UK the following year (see below).

               

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 727), 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl release (including picture inner sleeve with lyrics); also featuring a miniature replica of the integrated vertical picture obi used for initial vinyl pressings from Japan. Red disc with orange “Sony Music” logos.

       

UK reissue (COL 511303 5), 2005: Released as part of the “Vinyl Classics” series, and executed in a similar fashion to Germany’s 2004 “Spiegel Edition” reissue with only minor differences (most notably the cut-out “window” being on the left side of the outer slipcase and an obvious absence of the “Spiegel” logo). Discs were “made in the EU”.

Spanish reissue (SONY BMG 88697354032), 2008: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Disc comes in a “mini-LP”-style cardboard picture sleeve accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 42-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0122), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

BORN IN THE U.S.A.

US-only test pressing (COL CK 38653), 1984: Along with a compilation called "The Edison CD Sampler", “Born In The U.S.A.” - quite appropriately - was the very first compact disc ever manufactured in the United States (at the "Digital Audio Disc Corporation" plant located in Terre Haute, Indiana). Featuring standard overall artwork apart from a special commemorative sticker on front of the jewel case, these non-commercial test pressings came with unique red lettering on the face side, and were exclusively given away to attendees of the plant's grand opening on September 21, 1984. Matrix number imprinted on the disc’s inner rim is DIDP-20095. Extremely rare. Note that identically-looking CD’s used for official US “Born In The U.S.A.” album sales awards were in fact unplayable “dummy” copies that did not contain any music.

       

Original Japanese issue (CBS/SONY 35DP 164), 1984: Rare first pressing with unique rear design. Box-style obi featuring a small black-and-white cover inset of "Born To Run" (the only other Springsteen album available on CD at that point) on back.

               

US-only "longbox" edition (COL CK 38653), 1986: CD housed inside a 12-inch x 6-inch cardboard longbox. Same catalogue number as regular jewel case issues.

Original Canadian issue (COL CK 38653), 1986: Unique colour graphic disc with red stripes on a white background.

US Pink Floyd mispressing, 198?: Mispressing of Pink Floyd’s “The Final Cut” CD which features correct packaging, disc graphics and catalogue number (COL CK 38243), but actually plays the entire “Born In The U.S.A.” album instead.

Japanese reissue (SONY SRCS 7861), 1995: Japan-only release issued in a limited series featuring Springsteen's albums from "Born To Run" through "Tunnel Of Love". Special obi strip forms part of a four-colour spine image depicting the "Born To Run" front cover artwork against an American flag backdrop when all seven jewel cases are arranged in order; the CD itself is a picture disc.

Japanese “CD Club” reissue (SONY FCCP 40192), 199?: Picture CD widely identical to SRCS 7861, but issued without obi and featuring an extra “The CD Club” logo imprint on the disc.

Japan-only “Mastersound” reissue (SONY SRCS 7908), 1995: Remastered with “Super Bit Mapping” technology and boasting superior sound to previous CD issues. “LP-style” packaging (as found on the 1999 Japanese reissues of Bruce’s first six albums) drawn from the original album cover artwork, and also featuring the obligatory obi strip. These sold out incredibly fast and are very hard to find now.

       

Japanese reissue (SONY SRCS 8984), 1999: Promotional pressing with “LP-style” cardboard packaging. Black disc featuring "red label" design and an orange "Sample" imprint on the inner plastic ring. Extremely rare.

Mexican reissue (COL CDSXX 486450), 1999: Gold-coated (but probably not remastered) disc in unique “Lo Mejor Del Siglo XX“ cardboard slipcase. Comes with 2-page insert only.

       

Spanish reissue (COL 42-086334-1), 199?: Standard CD (with regular overall packaging) housed in unique “El Arte De Bruce Springsteen” cardboard slipcase.

       

Taiwanese issue (COL CD 86304), 199?: Official release with obi featuring Chinese graphics; discs were pressed in Austria. Note that there also is a more recent Taiwanese pirate CD of the album (sporting completely different artwork) in circulation.

Second Mexican reissue (COL CDMI 499106), 2000: Unique back cover listing song titles in both English and Spanish; colour graphic disc features red and white stripes. Basic 2-page front insert, again with bilingual album tracklist. Hard to find.

       

European "enhanced packaging" reissue (COL 511256 2), 2003: Slightly different type layout on front cover and alternate back cover design (which has "Darlington County" misspelt as "Darlington Country"); booklet features one additional photo not included with previous CD releases of the album.

Japanese promotional CDR (SONY MHCP 728), 2005: Odd pressing distributed to promote Sony Japan’s 2005 “mini-LP” cardboard reissue of the album (see below). Plain slimline jewel case with no artwork.

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 728), 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl release (including picture inner sleeve and separate lyric sheet); also featuring a miniature replica of the white vertical obi used for initial vinyl pressings from Japan. Red disc with orange “Sony Music” logos. Not to be confused with the abovementioned, promotional 1999 version.

                       

Spanish reissue (SONY BMG 88697353922), 2008: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Disc comes in a “mini-LP”-style cardboard picture sleeve accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 42-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0118), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND LIVE / 1975-85 (3-CD Box Set)

Original Japanese issue (CBS/SONY 75DP 700-2), 1986: Standard thick jewel case with gold box obi and additional, 66-page black-and-white booklet containing unique photos, English song lyrics and a discography.

       

First US reissue (COL C3K 40558), 1992: Repackaged in 12-inch x 6-inch longbox with a close-up of the regular front cover shot, and entirely different title graphics designed to look like a concert ticket.

Japanese reissue (SONY SRCS 7862-64), 1995: Japan-only release issued in a limited series featuring Springsteen's albums from "Born To Run" through "Tunnel Of Love". Special obi strip forms part of a four-colour spine image depicting the "Born To Run" front cover artwork against an American flag backdrop when all seven jewel cases are arranged in order; the CD's themselves are picture discs.

First European reissue (COL 450227 2), 199?: "Unboxed" set in standard thick triple jewel case with miniature version of the regular booklet; tracklisting on back cover features misspellings of "4th Of July, Ashbury Park (Sandy)" and "Caddillac Ranch". Same catalogue number as original European pressings.

Japanese reissue (SONY SRCS 8985-7), 1999: Promotional pressing with “LP-style” cardboard packaging. Black discs featuring "red label" design and orange "Sample" imprints on the inner plastic rings. Extremely rare.

European reissue (COL 508125 2), 2002: Repackaged in 10-inch x 6-inch "book-pack"-style longbox with standard cover artwork; contains an accordingly adjusted version of the regular booklet.

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 729-733), 2005 (5-CD Box Set): “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl release (including miniature outer box, picture inner sleeves, regular colour lyric booklet, additional bilingual lyric booklet with black-and-white cover, and even a separate info sticker as found on the front of US LP sets); also featuring a miniature replica of the red/gold vertical obi used for initial vinyl pressings from Japan. Interestingly, this is a 5-disc set as opposed to all previous international format releases of the album, which consisted of just 3 CD‘s. Not to be confused with the abovementioned, promotional 1999 version.

               

               

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0135), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

TUNNEL OF LOVE

US-only "longbox" edition (COL CK 40999), 1987: CD housed inside a 12-inch x 6-inch cardboard longbox. Same catalogue number as regular jewel case issues.

German picture disc (CBS 460270 9), 1988: One of the very first picture CD's ever issued (as part of a series that also included special editions of albums by fellow Columbia artists Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, George Michael and Terence Trent D’Arby; each one limited to a reported 10,000 copies), this has become surprisingly hard to find these days. Disc sports a mediocre-quality reproduction of the familiar LP front cover graphics, and originally came sealed in a blister pack with common booklet. Also issued in Holland and Japan; the latter version featuring a different catalogue number (CBS/SONY 30DP 900) and standard jewel case packaging with obi strip. All picture disc copies, however, were pressed in Germany.

       

Second Brazilian issue (COL 752.298/2-460270), 199?: Rare re-release featuring unique blue disc graphics and alternate back cover artwork.

       

Japanese reissue (SONY SRCS 7865), 1995: Japan-only release issued in a limited series featuring Springsteen's albums from "Born To Run" through "Tunnel Of Love". Special obi strip forms part of a four-colour spine image depicting the "Born To Run" front cover artwork against an American flag backdrop when all seven jewel cases are arranged in order; the CD itself is a picture disc.

Japanese reissue (SONY SRCS 9486), 1999: Promotional pressing with “LP-style” cardboard packaging. Black disc featuring "red label" design and an orange "Sample" imprint on the inner plastic ring. Extremely rare.

European "enhanced packaging" reissue (COL 511304 2), 2003: Booklet features six additional photos not included with previous CD releases of the album.

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 734), 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl release (including picture inner sleeve with lyrics); also featuring a miniature replica of the integrated vertical picture obi used for initial vinyl pressings from Japan. Red disc with orange “Sony Music” logos. Not to be confused with the abovementioned, promotional 1999 version.

               

Spanish reissue (SONY BMG 88697353972), 2008: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Disc comes in a “mini-LP”-style cardboard picture sleeve accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 42-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0126), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

HUMAN TOUCH LUCKY TOWN
humantouch.jpg (13680 Byte)

US-only "Human Touch" (COL CK 53000) and "Lucky Town" (COL CK 53001) "longbox" editions, both 1992: CD's housed inside 12-inch x 6-inch cardboard longboxes. Same catalogue numbers as regular jewel case issues.

                      

European 2-CD promotional box set (COL SAMPCD 1630), 1992: Superb item limited to a reported 2,000 copies. Beautiful de-luxe dark mahogany wooden casket with hinges and an engraved brass plaque on lid contains regular commercial Austrian pressings of both CD's, standard booklets and an individually numbered Sony certificate. Originally handed out in a plain cardboard box carrying a barcode sticker with catalogue number.

            

UK-only picture discs (COL 471423 9 / COL 471424 9), both 1992: Discs feature high-quality reproductions of the respective album front cover designs, although with smaller title graphics. Originally came shrinkwrapped with regular booklets and white "limited edition" stickers.

       

Misprinted South African "Human Touch" (COL CDASF 3423) and "Lucky Town" (COL CDASF 3424) issues, both 1992: Original issues of both albums from South Africa were misprinted, messing up the song orders on either disc (see scans below for details). These errors were eventually corrected on later pressings, which carried identical catalogue numbers.

       


Scandinavian 2-CD slipcase reissue (COL 473881 2), 1993: Rare set of both albums in cardboard outer slipcase, sold in Scandinavian record stores during Springsteen’s 1993 European tour. CD’s are regular Austrian pressings with standard packaging and catalogue numbers.

Japanese "Human Touch" (SONY SRCS 9472) and "Lucky Town" (SONY SRCS 9473) reissues, both 1999: Promotional pressings with “LP-style” cardboard packaging. Black discs featuring "red label" design and orange "Sample" imprints on the inner plastic rings. Extremely rare.

       

Japanese “Human Touch” (SONY MHCP 735) and “Lucky Town” (SONY MHCP 736) reissues, both 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl releases (including picture inner sleeves with lyrics); also featuring integrated vertical picture obis. Disc design is similar to standard 1992 European pressings (i. e. "Human Touch" having a black surface with red title graphics and "Lucky Town" having a red surface with black title graphics). Not to be confused with the abovementioned, promotional 1999 versions.

               

               


Spanish “Human Touch” (SONY BMG 88697353952) and “Lucky Town” (SONY BMG 88697354002) reissues, both 2008: Spain-only releases published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Discs come in “mini-LP”-style cardboard picture sleeves accompanied by unique, fully illustrated 42-page hardcover booklets (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

       


Italian “Human Touch” (COL 12SC0131) and “Lucky Town” (COL 12SC0132) reissues, both 2012: Italy-only releases published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipaks feature unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

IN CONCERT / MTV PLUGGED

Original European issue (COL 473860 2), 1993: Pressed for 90 days only, as were all other formats of the album. This first version carried a red “Limited Edition 1993 European Tour” sticker on front of the jewel case and had tour dates imprinted on the back insert (a later “Nice Price” reissue with same catalogue number featured neither the sticker nor the dates; click here for a direct comparison of the two different back covers). Also released in Japan (SONY SRCS 8455) and the US (COL CK 68730), though not before 1997.

Japanese reissue (SONY SRCS 9476), 1999: Promotional pressing with “LP-style” cardboard packaging. This apparently was part of a special promo-only set also including the regular 1999 “mini-LP” reissues of Bruce’s first six albums plus the “Chimes Of Freedom” EP in a plastic container box (which is virtually impossible to find), although a few copies have also turned up individually. Black disc with "red label" design and an orange "Sample" imprint on the inner plastic ring. Extremely rare.

Brazilian reissue (COL 2-068730), 2001: Released as part of the "Gravacoes Ao Vivo" live albums series. Unique cardboard slipcase.

       

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 737), 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original Europe-only vinyl release (including two lyric inner sleeves despite this being a single CD); also featuring an integrated vertical picture obi. Red disc with orange “Sony Music” logo. Not to be confused with the abovementioned, promotional 1999 version.

               

Spanish reissue (SONY BMG 88697354022), 2008: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Disc comes in a “mini-LP”-style cardboard picture sleeve accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 42-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

 

GREATEST HITS

Australian issue (COL 478555 2), 1995: Unique black-and-white picture disc. Same catalogue number as standard European pressings.

Japanese promotional box set (SONY SRCS 7631), 1995: De-luxe black box with silver type on lid (no obi); containing a sealed promo copy of the CD album, a Zippo lighter with “Greatest Hits” logo and a special 12-page booklet. Mega-rare.

       

South African issue (CDCOL 3975 D), 1995: Standard silver disc (not featuring the black/grey screen printing of the cover shot found on most other original CD pressings) with incorrect album title "Greatest Hits Vol. 1".

US promotional issue (COL ACK 67060), 1995: Special edition in oversized, glossy gatefold digipak sporting the album's familiar front/back designs; inside holds the standard booklet and features a unique, multi fold-out paper insert depicting full-colour artwork of 13 UK single picture sleeves (including the live "Born To Run" which is in fact not on the album). The actual disc - identical to normal commercial issues - is stored behind a pocket-like cardboard panel on the right half of the inner fold, which is imprinted with a 1978-era outdoor shot of Springsteen sitting on the hood of a Corvette and can be snapped up to reveal the very same image again underneath the CD. Pressed solely in the US, although copies were also distributed in Europe.

Austrian 2-CD (export) reissue (COL 478555 6), 1996: Special limited edition combining the standard “Greatest Hits” CD and the “Missing” 4-track bonus EP. Slimline double case features regular overall "Greatest Hits" packaging, while reverse side of the back insert is imprinted with tracklisting and recording details for the “Missing” disc as well as a small reproduction of the single's cover shot. Judging from the French-language sticker on front of the jewel case, this set appears to have been made especially for distribution in France, although mid-priced copies were also available in Austria in late 1996.

French reissue (COL 478555 9), 199?: Standard CD (with regular overall packaging) housed in unique “Best Of Bruce Springsteen” outer cardboard slipcase made exclusively for the French market.

      

Brazilian reissue (COL 2-067060), 2001: “Best Of The Best/Gold” series edition in blue die-cut cardboard slipcase. The actual inner jewel case features a different back cover and houses a unique black disc with gold title lettering.

               

German reissue (COL 478555 7), 2002: Standard 1995 Austrian pressing repackaged in special cardboard outer slipcase (carrying the abovementioned catalogue number, although the CD itself features its original 478555 2 code) for Sony’s “The Best Of The Best/Platinum” series.

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 738), 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl release (gatefold picture sleeve and two picture inner sleeves with lyrics, despite this being a single CD); also featuring a red horizontal obi similar to the one used for the “Born To Run” reissue from this series. The CD itself is a picture disc.

       

Indian reissue (SONY 88697 55901 2), 2009: Released in Sony India’s “The #1 Collection” series with alternate cover artwork and disc design.

               

Spanish reissue (SONY BMG 88697353882), 2009: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Disc comes in a “mini-LP”-style cardboard gatefold picture sleeve accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 50-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

 

THE GHOST OF TOM JOAD

Austrian advance promotional issue (COL SAMPCD 3066), 1995: Promotional advance copy of the CD in anonymous white cardboard sleeve featuring no type whatsoever; also exported to several other countries including the UK, where it was distributed alongside a lovely, ribbon-bound promo lyric booklet. Disc has full tracklisting and bears a "For Promotion Only - Not For Sale" imprint.

Austrian promotional box set (no individual catalogue number), 1995: Made especially for domestic distribution in extremely limited quantities. Black cardboard box with title sticker includes a copy of the standard CD, a large spiral-bound booklet consisting of photocopied lyrics, plus a German-language paperback edition of John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes Of Wrath". Very rare.

French promotional box set (no individual catalogue number), 1995: Completely different to the above Austrian set, but equally hard to locate. Colour cardboard box with unique design and title graphics includes the full CD, a French-language info sheet, a paperback edition of John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes Of Wrath", and a VHS video cassette of John Ford's film adaptation starring Henry Fonda (both the book and video are in French as well).

“Australian Tour Edition” 2-CD set (COL 481650 9), 1997: Issued to coincide with Bruce’s visit in Australia during the “Solo Acoustic Tour” and containing both the “Tom Joad” album and the “Missing” 4-track EP. Discs are housed inside a solid multi-fold-out digipak with regular front design and unique rear graphics; inside panels feature two different duotone "Tom Joad"-era outdoor shots of Springsteen, the complete Australian tour itinerary plus the standard lyric booklet in a special pocket. Originally came shrinkwrapped with a white "limited edition" sticker.

               

“Japanese Tour Edition” 2-CD set (SONY SRCS 8244-5), 1997: Another combination of the “Tom Joad” album and the “Missing” EP, which was not issued individually in Japan. Trifold cardboard digipak different to the above Australian edition includes a full-size sticker of the “Missing” single artwork (as known from the standard European releases) as well as a unique booklet containing lyrics in English and Japanese, tour dates and assorted set lists; plus a special fold-out insert featuring Japanese text and English lyrics to the four songs on the EP. Came with integrated vertical obi strip.

               

Japanese reissue (SONY SRCS 9474), 1999: Promotional pressing with “LP-style” cardboard packaging. Black disc featuring "red label" design and an orange "Sample" imprint on the inner plastic ring. Extremely rare.

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 739), 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl release (including picture inner sleeve with lyrics); also featuring a white/pink horizontal obi. Disc design is widely identical to standard worldwide pressings. Not to be confused with the abovementioned, promotional 1999 version.

       

German reissue (COL 82876867462), 2006: Released exclusively to the domestic market as part of a special series called "The Vinyl Classics"; put together in collaboration with German weekly magazine "Der Spiegel" and also featuring landmark albums by numerous other major Sony artists. Silver die-cut cardboard slipcase depicts a small inset of the "Ghost" cover artwork as well as a red "Spiegel Edition" logo; the disc itself is designed to look like a black vinyl record with red Columbia "label".

Spanish reissue (SONY BMG 88697353992), 2008: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Disc comes in a “mini-LP”-style cardboard picture sleeve accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 42-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0125), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

TRACKS (4-CD Box Set)

Original Japanese issue (SONY SRCS 8801/4), 1998: Includes an additional, unique 42-page booklet with song lyrics, liner notes and a chronicle in Japanese that reportedly features several factual errors. The extra production expenditure probably was responsible for "Tracks" seeing a belated release in the country on November 26, 1998; more than two weeks after it had hit stores in the rest of the world.

Japanese reissue (SONY SICP 52-55), 2001: Standard thick quadruple jewel box fitting into an outer cardboard slipcase that came sealed in a protective plastic bag with silver/black sticker on front. Like the abovementioned original Japanese version, this rarely-seen reissue also contains two different booklets (64 and 60 pages, respectively) which of course were adjusted for the smaller packaging size.

 

18 TRACKS

French “book-pack” edition (COL 494200 9), 1999: Limited France-only release in a very nice fold-out cardboard cover with unique 48-page booklet (containing an exclusive Springsteen interview in French and song lyrics) inside, which features numerous errors (the lyrics/credits for "Brothers Under The Bridges [83]" instead of the 1995 "Brothers Under The Bridge"; incomplete lyrics for "The Fever"; the "Sad Eyes" lyrics for "Part Man, Part Monkey", plus several misspelt song titles in the interview text). Also of interest is the fact that, while most of the photos were taken from the regular "Tracks" artwork, there is a totally unique shot of Bruce from the "Human Touch" era to be found on page 20. The actual CD - stored in a plain white cardboard pocket behind the booklet - was pressed in Austria and carries the regular European catalogue number (494200 2), which is different to the one listed on the cover spine. Originally came shrinkwrapped with a white, French-language sticker.

Brazilian reissue (COL 110042/2-494200), 2001?: Rare pressing for the Brazil-only “XXI Vinteum/Os Maiores Sucessos Do Século“ CD series (which took in a total of 40 albums by both international and domestic artists) with alternate cover artwork and unique disc design.

       

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 740), 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl release (including two picture inner sleeves with lyrics, despite this being a single CD); also featuring a white/pink horizontal obi. The CD itself is a picture disc.

           

Spanish reissue (SONY BMG 88697353982), 2008: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Disc comes in a “mini-LP”-style cardboard picture sleeve accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 50-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

 

LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY (2-CD Set)

[ GENERAL NOTE: A prime example for sloppy and careless packaging, back covers of all original worldwide pressings listed the tracks previously aired on HBO's "Live In New York City" TV special ("My Love Will Not Let You Down" through "American Skin") numbered as 1 to 13, and then went on to mention the "6 additional performances" not broadcast without any track numbering at all, failing to list "Born To Run" completely. However, Disc One actually contains 11 songs, with the remainder found on Disc Two, but none of this was being acknowledged on the initial artwork, and neither the packaging nor the screen printing on the original first disc itself had "Born To Run" (track 11) mentioned. On Disc Two, "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out", "Land Of Hope And Dreams" and "American Skin" are numbered 11 to 13 (instead of 1 to 3), and the remaining six songs are unnumbered. This whole mess - obviously a result of the Springsteen camp's original plan to make "Live In New York City" a single-CD album containing the HBO material only, and having added "Born To Run" as well as the other "bonus tracks" at the eleventh hour due to massive fan protests - was eventually corrected with later reissues, which at last featured proper and complete tracklists on both the back cover and booklet. ]

Original pressings (Europe: COL 500000 2 / US: COL C2K 85490), 2001: Withdrawn first issues which do not include “Born To Run”. Same catalogue numbers as the respective corrected versions.

"Super Audio CD" reissue (Europe: COL 500000 6 / US: COL C2S 085490), 2002: Limited release on this fairly new format which was developed by Sony and provides hi-end “Multichannel Stereo“ sound. It is of note that, apart from being considerably more expensive than standard CD’s, SACD’s can only be played on special machines.

       

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 741-2), 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl release (trifold picture sleeve and three plain red inner sleeves, despite this being a double CD set); also featuring a white/pink horizontal obi. Disc design is different to standard worldwide issues (yellow screen printing instead of black, and alternate "star" layout).

       

       

Spanish reissue (SONY BMG 88697354012), 2008: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Discs come in a “mini-LP”-style cardboard trifold picture sleeve accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 52-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

 

THE RISING

US advance promotional issue (COL ACK-86600), 2002: Copy-protected disc (unplayable on PC’s or Mac’s) in stickered black die-cut cardboard sleeve; distributed as part of a rare US press kit from Springsteen’s publicists “Shore Fire Media” that also contained various info sheets related to the “Rising” album and tour plus complete song lyrics inside a glossy black paper file.

       

US “longbox” edition (COL 30C 86600), 2002: US-only issue housed inside a 12-inch x 5-inch cardboard longbox.

       

Standard European issues (COL 508000 2), 2002: Additional booklets with lyric translations to French, German, Italian or Spanish were included with copies distributed in the respective countries.

Taiwanese issue (COL 508000 2), 2002: Official Sony Music Asia release with superb wrap-around picture obi (see scan below), standard booklet and special insert featuring Chinese song lyric translations. Same catalogue number as regular European pressings. Note that there also is a Taiwanese pirate CD of the album in circulation.

Limited “book-pack” edition (Europe: COL 508000 9 / US: COL CK 86820), 2002: Standard CD album housed inside a 40-page hardcover booklet with extra photos and reprints of Bruce’s handwritten lyrics. Most international issues came sealed with a red sticker, while the very interesting French release had a different, large artwork/info sticker attached to the shrinkwrap that covered the package’s entire front side (see scan below right).

               

US “longbox” edition (COL 30C 86820), 2002: US-only reissue of the above book-pack version housed inside a 12-inch x 5-inch cardboard longbox.

"Tour Edition" (COL 508000 3), 2003: Released in Australia and Europe with identical catalogue numbers. Standard CD album packaged together with an exclusive 5-track bonus DVD featuring the MTV Video Music Awards performance of "The Rising", the video clip for "Lonesome Day", plus three more live songs ("Waitin' On A Sunny Day", "Mary's Place" and "Dancing In The Dark") from the October 2002 Barcelona broadcast. It is of note that the Australian DVD is coded for Region 4 (PAL system), but still can be played on any computer DVD-ROM drive. Similar overall packaging for either version has both discs housed in a standard jewel box, fitting into an extra cardboard outer slipcase. An interesting, promotion-only variant of the slipcase from Austria features a special front imprint referring to the impressive number of 4 billion CD’s manufactured at Sony’s Anif (Salzburg) pressing plant as of April 2003, rather than the standard “Tour Edition With Bonus DVD” blurb (see scan below center).

          

Japanese reissue (SONY MHCP 743), 2005: “LP-style” cardboard packaging based on the original US vinyl release (including two picture inner sleeves with lyrics, despite this being a single CD); also featuring a white/pink horizontal obi. Disc design is widely identical to standard worldwide pressings.

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Spanish reissue (SONY BMG 88697353872), 2008: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Disc comes in a “mini-LP”-style cardboard picture sleeve accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 42-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0127), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

THE ESSENTIAL BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

"Limited Edition" 3-CD set (Europe: COL 513700 9 / US: COL C2K 90773), 2003: Original pressings include a bonus collector's disc with 12 "rare" tracks; six of them previously unreleased: From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come) / The Big Payback / Held Up Without A Gun (live) / Trapped (live) / None But The Brave / Missing / Lift Me Up / Viva Las Vegas / County Fair / Code Of Silence (live) / Dead Man Walkin' / Countin' On A Miracle (acoustic). The accompanying 44-page booklet is marred by numerous errors including partially incorrect song lyrics, Danny Federici and Garry Tallent getting mixed up in the caption for the 1978 E Street Band group shot, and an omission of Clarence Clemons from the players' credits for "Badlands". International issues feature a variety of different front cover stickers, the largest of which (obscuring half of Bruce's face) can be found on the French version pictured below.

European promotional issue (COL SAMPCD 13575 2), 2003: Complete 3-CD set with standard overall artwork apart from an "Advance Copy, For Promotion Only" imprint in white lettering on the lower left half of the front inlay. The abovementioned special catalogue number is found on the outer packaging only, while discs inside are regular 513700 9 stock copies. No booklet included.

US-only "longbox" edition (COL 30C 90773), 2003: Full 3-CD set housed inside a 12-inch x 5-inch cardboard longbox.

US mispressing (COL C2K 90773), 2003: First disc plays the songs from Michael Jackson's "Number Ones" hits compilation, which was released by Sony around the same time as "Essential".

European 2-CD set (COL 513700 2), 2003: Second pressing (minus the bonus disc) in slimline double jewel case.

US/Australian “Limited Edition 3.0” reissue (both COL 88697 30989 2), 2008: Reissue of the original 2003 3-CD set (including the “rarities” bonus disc) in “eco-friendly” cardboard digipak with altered front cover artwork and different/unique rear design.

Japanese “Limited Edition 3.0” reissue (SONY SICP 2527-9), 2009: Large brown/black back obi covering the digipak’s entire rear side features liner notes and tracklistings in Japanese; otherwise packaging is widely identical to the above US/Australian versions.

 

DEVILS & DUST

European 2-disc (audio CD + DVD) set (COL 520000 2), 2005: Slim double jewel case with transparent sticker on front. Interestingly, the “explicit lyrics” in the song “Reno” are not mentioned anywhere on the package. Discs were pressed in Austria, featuring black/grey screen print on the CD and a pale reproduction of the “cattle skulls” image on the DVD.

US 2-sided Dual Disc issue (COL CN 93900), 2005: Curved jewel box housed inside an extra clear plastic outer slipcase carrying a “Dual Disc” logo; back insert mentions the “adult imagery” of the “Reno” lyrics. Disc surface is blank on either side, with just the inner rings (brown and black, respectively) providing basic info on CD or DVD content.

               

US-only "longbox" edition (COL DDC 93900), 2005: Regular Dual Disc issue housed inside a 12-inch x 5-inch cardboard longbox.

       

US promotional issue (COL CSK 55416), 2005: Standard one-sided audio CD (no DVD content) in regular jewel case with lyric booklet. Oddly, neither the cover nor the disc itself are bearing any promo markings whatsoever.

       

European 2-sided Dual Disc issue (COL 520000 7), 2005: Released four months after the album had first come out in its original double-disc form (featuring separated audio and DVD contents) throughout Europe. Note that four different additional languages - French, German, Italian and Spanish - can be selected for the DVD side‘s main menu navigation (click here to view a screenshot of the French menu as an example), and that there are also subtitles available in these languages translating Bruce’s individual song introductions. Similar packaging to US issue.

Spanish 2-disc (audio CD + DVD) reissue (SONY BMG 520000 2), 2009: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Other than their earlier CD-only titles that featured “mini-LP” cardboard sleeves, this set came in its standard, original jewel case packaging, but again was accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 44-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0130), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian. Note that this is a standard audio CD that doesn't feature any of the album's original DVD content.

 

HAMMERSMITH ODEON, LONDON ’75

2-CD set (Europe: COL 82876779952 / US: COL C2K 677995), 2006: Marks the first - and, so far, only - release of a complete Bruce Springsteen concert on an official CD. Overall cover artwork is similar to the DVD of the same title that was included with the 2005 “Born To Run” 30th anniversary box set, but features two additional colour live shots inside the booklet. Also issued in Japan (SONY MHCP 1040-1) with white obi strip.

 

WE SHALL OVERCOME: THE SEEGER SESSIONS

2-sided Dual Disc issues (Europe: COL 82876828762 / US: COL 82876 82867 2), 2006: Both pressings housed in largely similar fold-out digipaks.

2-disc (audio CD + DVD) set (Europe: COL 82876830742 / Japan: SONY SICP 1080-1), 2006: Widely identical packaging to the abovementioned Dual Disc variant; the Japanese version additionally featured a beige vertical obi strip and came shrinkwrapped with a blue/white info sticker.

US-only “longbox” edition (COL DDC 82876 82867 2-LB), 2006: Regular Dual Disc issue housed inside a 12-inch x 5-inch cardboard longbox.

       

US promotional issue (COL 82876 83568 2), 2006: Standard one-sided audio CD (no DVD content) in regular jewel case with artwork insert. Both the back cover and the disc itself feature “Promotional - Not For Sale” markings.


“American Land Edition” 2-disc (audio CD + DVD) reissue (Europe: COL 886970091626 / US: COL 82876 88231 2), 2006: Expanded version containing three additional songs (“How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live”, “Bring ‘Em Home” and “American Land”), separated CD audio tracks of “Buffalo Gals” and “How Can I Keep From Singing” (previously available as part of the original version’s DVD portion only) plus extra video content featuring an extended, 40-minute cut of the album sessions documentary as well as music videos for “American Land” and “Pay Me My Money Down” and two live clips (“How Can A Poor Man…” and “Bring ‘Em Home”). Fold-out digipak is similar to the first release, but came shrinkwrapped with a large “American Land Edition” sticker on front; revised booklet features additional photos, lyrics for the extra tracks and new liner notes by Dave Marsh. An odd Canadian mispressing exists with the DVD playing 18 video clips by Swedish pop duo Roxette (from their 2006 Capitol Records release “Roxette’s Hits - The Videos!”) despite correct packaging.

 

LIVE IN DUBLIN

2-CD set (Europe: COL 88697095822 / US: COL 886970958226), 2007: Regular issue in fold-out digipak. The Japanese version (SONY SICP 1453-4) featured a white vertical obi strip.

3-disc (2 audio CD’s + DVD) set (Europe: COL 88697108762 / US: COL 886971013924), 2007: Combo of the double CD album and full-length “Live In Dublin” DVD (which was issued as a separate, standalone release as well) in trifold digipak. Again, the Japanese issue (SONY SICP 1474-6) came with white vertical obi strip.

Spanish 3-disc (2 audio CD's + DVD) reissue (SONY BMG 88697108762), 2009: Spain-only release published as part of an exclusive Springsteen CD album reissue series available with special Sunday editions of Catalonian newspaper “El Periódico”. Other than their earlier CD-only titles that featured “mini-LP” cardboard sleeves, this set came in the standard, original digipak, but again was accompanied by a unique, fully illustrated 52-page hardcover booklet (shown below) containing Spanish text written by domestic Springsteen expert Salvador Trepat.

Italian 2-CD "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0134), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

MAGIC

Standard issue (Europe / US: COL 88697170602), 2007: Excellent packaging features a glossy cardboard gatefold picture sleeve and beautiful 20-page lyric booklet. Contains hidden track "Terry’s Song" (neither listed on the back cover nor on the disc itself) following "Devil’s Arcade" as the actual closer after a 10-second digital pause. Originally came shrinkwrapped with red info sticker; note that catalogue number is identical for both European and US issues. Variations on the Japanese pressing (SONY SICP 1570) include an integrated vertical obi strip, a silver outer sticker, and an additional 16-page booklet of translated song lyrics.

        

“Longbox" edition, 2007: Regular issue housed inside a 12-inch x 5-inch cardboard longbox; released in the US (COL 30C 88697 17060 2-LB) and Mexico (COL 88697 17060 24).

Argentine issue (SONY BMG 8869 717060-2), 2007: Alternate packaging features the CD placed on a clear tray on the right half of the inner gatefold, rather than using the standard (and less convenient) slide-in “pocket”.

Australian advance promotional CDR (SONY BMG; no catalogue number), 2007: Stickered white cardboard sleeve.

Japanese advance promotional CDR (SONY; no catalogue number), 2007: Plain slimline jewel case with no artwork. A notable feature unique to this promo is that the disc has the album’s hidden 12th track numbered without listing a song title for it.

Indian reissue (SONY 88697 66871 2), 2010: Released in Sony India’s “The #1 Collection” series with standard jewel case packaging featuring alternate cover artwork and disc design.

               

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0128), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

WORKING ON A DREAM

Standard CD issue (Europe / US: COL 88697 41355 2), 2009: Digipak with 24-page lyric booklet. The Japanese issue (SONY SICP 2136) additionally featured an integrated vertical obi strip and extra booklet with lyric translations.

Argentine CD issue (SONY BMG 8869 741355-2), 2009: Alternate packaging features the disc placed on a clear tray on the right half of the inner gatefold, rather than using the standard slide-in cardboard “pocket”.

2-disc (audio CD + DVD) set (Europe / US: COL 88697 43931 2), 2009: Oversized 6-inch x 5.5-inch trifold digipak with integrated, non-detachable lyric booklet. Copies produced in Germany feature a permanent “FSK 0” logo imprint on the front cover (which implies that the DVD content is exempt from classification) and carry a different catalogue number of COL 88697 46242 2.

French 3-disc (2 audio CD’s + DVD) set (COL 88697 43931 2), 2009: Limited France-only release with same overall packaging and catalogue number as the regular 2-disc version, but additionally including an exclusive spoken-word/music bonus CD entitled “Bruce Springsteen: Sa Story Musicale Par Antoine De Caunes”, which came in a separate, unique colour cardboard picture sleeve (shown below).

       

Mexico-only "longbox" edition (COL 88697 41355 24), 2009: Regular CD issue housed inside a 12-inch x 5-inch cardboard longbox.

Japanese advance promotional CDR (SONY SDCI 80725), 2009: Issued in plain slimline jewel case without artwork. Note that this disc’s catalogue number is identical to the Japanese 1-track promo CDR single of "Working On A Dream".

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0124), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

THE PROMISE (2-CD Set)

Standard issue (Europe/US: COL 88697 76177 2), 2010: Standalone release of the double-CD collection of 1977/78 studio outtakes also included in the 6-disc “Darkness” box set. While the box version featured a standard-sized cardboard gatefold picture sleeve, this issue utilizes a 5.5-inch x 5-inch digipak, with a permanently integrated (non-removable) lyric booklet inside. One thing the two variants do have in common, however, is “The Way” (not listed on any of the album’s artwork elements) tacked onto the end of the second CD as a “hidden” bonus track, following the final “regular” song, “City Of Night”, after a 20-second digital pause without track separation. The Japanese pressing (SONY SICP 2977-8) came with a black vertical obi strip.

Australian issue, 2010: Released as both a “limited-edition” digipak similar to the above European/US versions (COL 88697 76177 2) and in a regular double jewel case with separate lyric booklet (COL 88697 80720 2).

Italian "Bruce Springsteen Definitive Collection" reissue (COL 12SC0123), 2012: Italy-only release published as part of another Springsteen CD album/DVD reissue series available with weekly editions of domestic newspaper "Corriere Della Sera". Exclusive, oversized (6 inches square) fold-out digipak features unique inner artwork and booklet, adapting Salvador Trepat's liner notes from the earlier Spanish "El Periódico" reissues translated to Italian.

 

WRECKING BALL

Standard issue (Europe / US: COL 88691 94254 2), 2012: Regular 11-track release in CD-sized digipak. The Japanese issue (SONY SICP 3461) came with a black vertical obi strip and also contained an extra lyric translation booklet.

"Special Edition" (Europe / US: COL 88691 94836 2), 2012: Oversized 6-inch x 5.5-inch fold-out digipak with larger lyric booklet. Contains two bonus tracks (“Swallowed Up [In The Belly Of The Whale]” and “American Land”) not included on the standard CD or vinyl releases. The Japanese issue (SONY SICP 3460) came with a red vertical obi strip and also added an extra lyric translation booklet.

      

UK advance promotional CDR (COLUMBIA; no catalogue number), 2012: "Watermarked" promo issue of the standard 11-track album with basic title insert featuring a typo of "You’ve Got It All". Both the inserts and discs were individually numbered and also carried the recipients’ names as well as the respective media they represented, thus making all distributed copies "traceable".

 

COLLECTION 1973-2012

US advance promotional issue (COL 88765 45602 2), 2013: Given out exclusively to $ 1,500 ticket holders at the “MusiCares Person Of The Year” tribute event held in Los Angeles on February 8, 2013 (which honoured Springsteen for both his artistic achievements and philanthropic efforts) as part of a special “gift bag” that, alongside numerous cosmetic products and gift vouchers, also contained a Various Artists “2013 Grammy Nominees” promo CD including “We Take Care Of Our Own”. Black-and-white cardboard picture sleeve. The compilation eventually saw a widespread commercial release in both Australia and Europe (with identical catalog number COL 88765 453852 9 and fold-out cardboard packaging) to tie in with Bruce’s tours of these continents later the same year. Featured tracks: Rosalita (Come Out Tonight) / Thunder Road / Born To Run / Badlands / The Promised Land / Hungry Heart / Atlantic City / Born In The U.S.A. / Dancing In The Dark / Brilliant Disguise / Human Touch / Streets Of Philadelphia / The Ghost Of Tom Joad / The Rising / Radio Nowhere / Working On A Dream / We Take Care Of Our Own / Wrecking Ball.

 

HIGH HOPES

Standard issue (Europe / US: COL 88843 01546 2), 2014: Regular CD issue in digipak. The Japanese issue (SONY SICP 4070) came with a black vertical obi strip and also contained an extra lyric translation booklet.

2-disc (CD + DVD) edition (Europe / US: COL 88843 01546 2), 2014: Regular CD album (standard packaging) sealed together with a 12-track bonus DVD containing the complete “Born In The U.S.A.” album live performance from the June 30, 2013 “Hard Rock Calling” show in London, England. DVD comes inside a separate cardboard picture sleeve. Copies distributed in Germany feature an “FSK 0” sticker on the CD album’s front cover, implying that the DVD content is “exempt from classification”. Note that the catalogue number is identical to the standard single-disc version. The Japanese issue (SONY SICP 4080-81) came with a large, multi-coloured obi covering the digipak’s entire rear side, and again contained the extra lyric translation booklet.

      

 

THE ALBUM COLLECTION VOL. 1, 1973-1984 (8-CD Box Set)

Standard issue (Europe / US: COL 88875 01414 22), 2014: Box set of Springsteen's first seven albums ("Greetings..." through "Born In The U.S.A.") in remastered form, with "mini-LP" cardboard replicas of the original U.S. picture and inner sleeves, and also containing a 70-page hardcover booklet. The Japanese issue (SONY SICP 4351-8) featured a large white outer obi.