CD "Editions"

[Guitarmarama]

Well, you know how there are 1st editions, 2nd editions, etc for books? Well, is there a similar sort of system for CD's? I see these codes on the side all the time, such as "Atlantic 5050466-7452-2-4" on my The Darkness - Permission To Land CD. I'm using this code as an example, but I'm curious anyway as to what the numbers mean on all CD's?

[WoWo]

They are a catalogue number, they are not like as an ISBN number on books which is a standard system but are normally in some format relevant to the record company. So for example I have 2 CD's on my desk one has the number TDSAN 004 and the other 488661 6.

[Greedyfly]

Generally when they have different cat numbers it is because of re-release or they have a slight variation on tracks etc... Sometimes it will be a specila edition like including a dvd or a different cover - for example: Rachel Stevens has just re-released her album Funky Dory the only difference to it is that it has a new cover and 1 new track. Cat numbers are used universally. Same number for the same product will be used all over.

[Greedyfly]

You can track any album by its catalogue number or its barcode as they are generally unique. Although you do sometimes come across duplicate numbers every now and then - but it is rare and when you do the old version of that number is usually discontinued.