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Black Sabbath Paranoid Alternate Format Discography

Original vinyl

A first UK pressing of Paranoid [Vertigo 6360 011], provided it is in decent nick, will set you back upwards of £100 online. The non-laminated gatefold sleeve mentions 'Management/Jim Simpson, Big Bear, Birmingham', a partnership that would dissolve during the making of the album, and wouldn't appear on subsequent pressings.

This is the version that collectors covet, and the most eagle-eyed among them have also noticed on some versions of the disc itself that there is no track separator between 'Hand Of Doom' and 'Rat Salad'. No reflection on sound quality, though, as this initial incarnation still stands up very well if you can get your hands on a copy that hasn't been played to death.

First CD

Castle Communications' 1986 release [NELCD 6003], like many an early CD, arrived with pre-emphasis applied. It invariably gets the vote from lovers of the smaller format ahead of the US Warners incarnation, released across the Pond the same year [3104-2]. The UK release also offers a bonus track in the form of a live rendition of the 18-minute medley 'Wicked World', first featured on the 1980 live album Live At Last.

Deluxe reissue

A three-disc reissue of the album [Sanctuary 1782444] added quadraphonic remixes on a DVD (allowing "I am Irronn Maaan!" to roar at suitably equipped listeners from the speaker they least expect), and a further CD of instrumental versions and readings of 'Paranoid' and 'Planet Caravan' with earlier versions of the lyrics.

This was partly superseded seven years later by a Super Deluxe Edition [Rhino R2 556692] which threw in two 1970 live sets, from Montreux and Brussels respectively. These offer the extra historical intrigue of featuring embryonic versions of several tracks, such as the 'Walpurgis' version of 'War Pigs'. A book, poster and a replica tour guide are included.

Audiophile vinyl

There have been several LP reissues of Paranoid but the remastered 180g version released in 2024 [Sanctuary BMGRM054LP] is as good as any, while the Record Store Day reissue from [BMGCAT899LP] is limited edition but still widely available – mint copies are still on sale via Discogs for under £30. It is said to be that rare thing: an LP pressed on coloured vinyl (red with black splatter, pictured above) which still delivers the audio goods handsomely.