Vinyl pressings
by Aleem · 1984
Release Yourself was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 2 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
☆ NI-1241-A-RE SOUNDMAKERSRun-out area side A [hand-etched]
☆ NI-1241-B SOUNDMAKERSRun-out area side B [hand-etched]
NI 1241 ASLabel side A
NI 1241 BSLabel side B
NI-12411 JMKRunout
NI-12411-ASLabel
NI-1241-A-RE SOUNDMAKERSEtched Side A
NI-1241-BEtched Side B
NI 1241 ASA Side Label
NI 1241 BSB Side Label
NI-1241-A-RE SOUNDMAKERS ☆Run-out area side A [hand-etched + machine-stamped]
NI-1241-B SOUNDMAKERS ☆Run-out area side B [hand-etched + machine-stamped]
NI 1241 ASLabel side A
NI 1241 BSLabel side B
☆ NI-1241-A-RERunout A Side Etched
☆ NI-1241-BRunout B Side Etched
NI 1241 ASA Side Label
NI 1241 BSB Side Label
☆ NI-1241-A-RE SOUNDMAKERSRun-out area side A [hand-etched]
☆ NI-1241-B SOUNDMAKERSRun-out area side B [hand-etched]
NI 1241 ASLabel side A
NI 1241 BSLabel side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | UK | Streetwave MKHAN 26First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | US | NIA Records NI 1241First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1984 | US | NIA Records NI-12411-ASFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | US | NIA Records NI 1241First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | US | NIA Records NI 1241First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1984 | US | NIA Records NI 124112", Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1984 | US | NIA Records NI 1241First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1984 | US | NIA Records NI 1241First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1984 | US | NIA Records NI 1241First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | US | NIA Records NI 124112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| 2017 | Italy | NIA Records NI 201712", 45 RPM, Reissue | 12", 45 RPM, Reissue |
11 vinyl pressings of Release Yourself are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1984 and 2017.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in US, UK. One of them is NIA Records NI 1241.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use NI 1241, NI-12411-AS, MKHAN 26) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ☆ NI-1241-A-RE SOUNDMAKERS and ☆ NI-1241-B SOUNDMAKERS. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
