Record of the Week: Geography CD

Here is an examination of Front 242's first album as issued on CD format. Later I will spotlight vinyl and cassette releases.

First we have the original CD by RRE, contrasted with the North American release on Wax Trax. Both issues are almost identical, aside from the differences with the label information presented on the artwork.
The cover art is a single piece of glossy paper on the RRE version, and is more glossy and folds out booklet style on the Wax Trax version.
The CD is also subtly different. On the RRE version, the 242 numbers are "clear", whereas they are colored white on the Wax Trax CD.
The track listings are the same.
The RRE version has the catalogue number CD MK 1.
The Wax Trax version has the catalogue number WAXCD 034
Note that discogs also lists a German release on the Animalized label (if you have one for sale let me know!)

Geography RRE CD (front artwork)

Geography RRE CD (back artwork)

Geography RRE CD (jewel case insert)

Geography RRE CD (note "242" is clear)

The Wax Trax version:

Geography Wax Trax CD (front artwork)

Geography Wax Trax CD (back artwork)

Geography Wax Trax CD (booklet foldout)

Geography Wax Trax CD (jewel case insert)

Geography Wax Trax CD (note "242" in white")

After signing with Epic/Sony, the 242 catalogue was reissued with bonus material and new artwork. This updated version was also re-released on RRE.

The differences here again are a little more noticeable. Both designs feature the "blue 242 Sphere". The blues on the Epic/Sony version are somewhat more of a pale blue in hue.

This time, the RRE version has a glossy insert, whereas the Epic/Sony is a firmer, almost cardboard paperstock.

The RRE CD itself is printed white, with black lettering and artwork printed on the disc. 

The Epic/Sony version is "clear" and simply has the artwork printed directly on the disc itself.

The back jewel case inserts are noticeably different. The RRE version simply has the song titles across the entire back. The Epic/Sony listings are shorter, giving more room to promote the other catalogue releases.

The catalogue number for the RRE version is again MK 1 CD.

The Epic/Sony catalogue number is EK 52408.

Note that discogs also has a bootleg version listed as "First Town Records". (If you have one for sale let me know!)

Geography RRE CD reissue (note that "Geography" has a light blue background)

Geography RRE CD reissue (back artwork)

Geography RRE CD reissue (jewel case insert)

Geography RRE CD reissue (black art on white cd)

The Epic/Sony version:

Geography Epic/Sony CD (note that "Geography" has a white background)

Geography Epic/Sony CD reissue (back artwork)

Geography Epic/Sony CD reissue (jewel case insert)

Geography Epic/Sony CD reissue (note black artwork printed directly on disc)

Flash-forward to 2004 and Front 242 reissued Geography yet again on the Alfa Matrix/Art & Strategy label. This was an exciting release as it came in a special limited numbered edition with bonus material.

First we have the digipak version.

The artwork is almost the same as the original versions, with the exception of the side color bars are of slightly different hues. The CD itself is strikingly different. The digipak version has the added track "He Runs Too Fast For Us" listed, but also has the hidden tracks "Ethics" "Principles" and "Body To Body."

It has the catalogue number AM 1030CD.

Geography Alfa Matrix CD reissue digipak (front artwork)

Geography Alfa Matrix CD reissue digipak (back artwork)

Geography Alfa Matrix CD reissue digipak (folded out with CD)

The numbered limited edition is beautiful! You can tell a lot of time, energy, and love went into the design and presentation.

The package consists of a "DVD-style" box. Disc 1 presents the original Geography album (remastered) along with the 13th track "He Runs Too Fast For Us."

Disc 2 has unreleased pre-242 material from Daniel B's Prothese, and Patrick/Jean-Luc's Underviewer. Instrumental and 2-Track versions are included and some live cuts complete this glimpse into the early days of 242.

In addition, this package comes with a lavish 12 page booklet with "the story" behind the early days of Front 242, early artwork, and some of the genesis and stories behind the songs.

(Someday I will likely spotlight this booklet itself!)

This limited edition has the catalogue number AM 1030CDLTD

Reportedly only 6200 copies were issued. My particular copy is #6073.

Geography Alfa Matrix Limited Edition double CD set (front artwork; note  reversed Noir image and slight color sidebar differences)

Geography Alfa Matrix Limited Edition double CD set (back artwork)

Geography Alfa Matrix Limited Edition double CD set (Disc 1 tray)

Geography Alfa Matrix Limited Edition double CD set (Disc 2 tray)

Geography Alfa Matrix Limited Edition double CD set (booklet)