Nirvana

Sliver

NOTES

First Pressing
The original Sliver 7" release came on blue marble and black vinyl, both packaged in foldover sleeves that included Singles Club forms. Neither the labels nor sleeves mentioned Erika Records at this stage. Sub Pop estimates that about 3,000 copies were made on blue marble vinyl, while the black version likely had between 3,500 and 4,000 copies.

Variant 1b
This pressing includes additional versions with first pressing labels (still omitting Erika Records):

• Clear Pink Vinyl: This darker pink variant, compared to second pressing pink vinyl, usually came with foldover sleeves. Some included Singles Club forms, while others were made without.
• White Vinyl: Exceptionally rare and highly collectible, this version had first pressing labels but was packaged in second pressing glossy sleeves featuring Erika Records credits. These pressings were reportedly made in limited quantities, primarily for the band and Sub Pop staff. They were sold mainly in a Los Angeles record store. Prices hovered between $400–500 for years but spiked after a decade of scarcity, especially post-2018.
• Clear Blue Vinyl: Often confused with the opaque blue first pressing, this variant is transparent with shades ranging from blue to teal. These also had first pressing labels but typically came in second pressing sleeves. This version was later paired with the red-and-white splatter Bleach LP.
• Red Vinyl: Long rumored to exist, a red variant finally appeared in 2008. Initially mistaken for a darker pink, it was confirmed as a unique pressing with a reddish hue.

Second Generation Pressings

These introduced glossy, sealed sleeves (many with Erika Records credits on both the labels and sleeves). New color options emerged, including black, light blue with marbling, orange marble, peach, yellow, clear blue/teal, pink, pink marble, and clear vinyl. 

Third Generation Pressings
These pressings featured black Sub Pop labels introduced in the late '90s and full sleeves. Label variations included song titles in uppercase, mixed case, or a combination of both. Many pressings used a mix of older and newer lacquers, some marked “GOLDEN” in the trail-off wax.

Fourth Generation Pressings
These are nearly identical to the third generation, with the main difference being the foldover sleeves made from thick cardstock. Some sleeves included barcodes, while others didn’t.

Fifth Generation Pressings
For this generation, Sub Pop brought back the yellow labels, with the band name in a larger font. Thick-stock sleeves were retained, and exclusives emerged.

Sixth Generation Pressing
In 2015, Newbury Comics released 1,000 split blue/pink vinyl copies.

Seventh Generation Pressing
Another Newbury Comics run of split blue/clear and split clear/pink (500 copies each).

Eighth Generation Pressings
In 2021, Jackpot Records released 1,000 silver vinyl copies.

The Sliver 7" remains a collector’s dream, with its abundance of unique variants ensuring there’s something for every type of Nirvana fan.

MATRIX