Collectors' F.A.Q.

Question

From: Nina, San Francisco

I'm considering buying the Papaya remixes CD over the Internet, but the seller isn't sure if it's authentic. She says the CD itself is gold in color. Can you tell me if the original Papaya CD should be gold or silver?

Matt McGee: Papaya is not an official release, it's a bootleg, so no matter what color the CD, it's not "authentic." See this column for more details.

If you're wondering whether or not it's a CD-R, silver CDs are original pressings and gold CDs are CD-Rs.

Questions

Buying / Selling / Collecting

• Where can I buy U2 collectibles?
• Are there any books specifically related to collecting rare U2 material?
• How can I tell if a vinyl single is an original or a re-issue?
• Any thoughts on the value of autographed items?
• I have an autographed item. How can I obtain a Certificate of Authenticity for it?
• How would I value several U2 books and concert programs?
• I have a few items that I don't see listed in your guide. Why not?
• In your Price Guide, what is meant by the term 'stretch sleeve'?
• Do you have listings for test pressings of U2 albums?
• How much are old magazines featuring U2 worth?
• What does LC 0407 mean on U2's Island Records releases?

Bootlegs/Unofficial Items

• I have an album with a song called "Womanfish" on it. Is this worth anything?
• How much would you price the U-2000 box set?
• I have an album called "Another Time, Another Place." Does it have any value?
• How can I tell if a CD I'm thinking about buying is a bootleg?
• I'm considering buying the "Papaya" CD. Can you tell me if it's authentic?
• What is this "black box" of CD singles?
• I have a box with Achtung Baby and an interview CD. How much is it worth?
• I have a record with "Salome" on one side and some rap music on the other. What is this?
• I recently bought some sort of "Lemon" 12-inch single with the catalog number "fruit01". Is this an original pressing?
• I have an interview picture disk. Does this have any value?

Specific Collectibles

• How many U2 albums were released on the 8-track format?
• How rare and how valuable is a lithograph of The Joshua Tree album photo?
• Do you have any idea how many numbered copies of U2-3 are still in circulation?
• How can I tell if my copy of U2-3 (and other early singles) is an original?
• If the U2: 3 cassette single wasn't released until 1985, how come it says it was released in 1979?
• What's the value of the Japanese vinyl of the "Boy" album?
• I recently bought a U2 live record from the BBC. What is this?
• How much is my War tour programme worth?
• Is it true that current European-bought CDs of Under a Blood Red Sky will be the unedited version?
• Why is my "Unforgettable Fire" picture disc turning brown?
• I have a Russian Greenpeace album with U2 on it. How much is this worth?
• I love the live version of "With or Without You" in Rattle and Hum. Is there anyplace I can hear that other than in the movie?
• Regarding the nude photo of Adam, how many different versions of Achtung Baby were released?
• I just bought a used copy of Achtung Baby on CD that came in a cardboard case. Do you know the difference between this version and one in a plastic case?
• I have a picture disk from the Zoo TV tour which lists the tour dates on one side of the vinyl. What is this?
• What's the value of an acetate copy of "Mysterious Ways"?
• What's the value of the 12" promo vinyl version of Melon?
• I found a "Mofo" 12-inch single that seems to cost a lot. Can you tell me if it's worth the money?
• Is there any way to determine the value of old issues of Propaganda magazine?
• How much is an RIAA Award worth?
• Have you ever heard of "A Dialog with U2 - Live Under a Blood Red Sky," and is it a collectible?
• Here are a couple questions and answers about the "Another Day" single
• I recently acquired an Achtung Baby promotional fold out map of Berlin. My questions are....
• I have a New Year's Day 2000 remix by Ferry Corsten. What is this?