Vinyl pressings
by Amazulu · 1986
Montego Bay was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
20 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 8 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.
12 IS 293 A-1 U-1-1-X1 G.D. - SOUND CLINICRunout A variant 1
12 IS 293 B-1 U-1-2-X1Runout B variant 1
12 IS ●● 293 A-1U-1- 1 1 X1 G.D.- SOUND CLINICRunout A variant 2
12 IS ●● 293 B-1U-1-1 1Runout B variant 2
IS 293 A-4U-1-1 — x 1Side A runout stamped, variant 1
IS 293 B -1U-1-1 — 4Side B runout stamped, variant 1
IS 293 A-3U-1-2-4Side A, runout stamped, variant 2
IS 293 B-1U-1-1-21Side B, runout stamped, variant 2
IS 293 A-4U-1-1 — 1Runout side A stamped, Variant 1
IS 293 A-4U-1-3 — 1 GD - SOUNDCLINICRunout side A stamped, Variant 2
IS 293 B -1U-1-1 — 10Runout side B stamped, Variant 1 & 2
IS 293-ALabel side A
IS 293 A-1U-1-2⥛1 G.D.-SOUND CLINICSide A runout stamped/etched, variant 1
IS 293 B-1U-1-1⥛X1Side B runout stamped, variant 1
IS 293 A-1U-1-3⥛3 G.D.―SOUND CLINICSide A, stamped/etched runout, variant 2
IS 293 B-1U-1-2⥛1Side B, stamped runout, variant 2
12 IS DJ 293 A-1 U-1-1-X1 G.D. - SOUND CLINICStamped + Etched Side A
12 IS DJ 293 B-1 U-1-2-X1Stamped 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia | Island Records IS 293First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Australia | Island Records IS 293First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Canada | Island Records IS 1122 / Island Records IS-1122First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Canada | Island Records 97052First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | Island Records 108 473First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Germany | Island Records 608 473First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Ireland | Island Records IS 293First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | South Africa | Island Records ISS 293First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Island Records 12 IS 293 / Island Records 12IS293First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | Island Records IS 293First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | Island Records ISS 293 / Island Records IS 293First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Special Edition | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Special Edition |
| 1986 | UK | Island Records IS 293First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | Island Records ISD 293 / Island Records IS 284First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1986 | UK | Island Records 12 IS DJ 293First year12", 45 RPM, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1986 | UK | Island Records IS 293 / Island Records 12 IS 293First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
20 vinyl pressings of Montego Bay are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, US, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Island Records 12 IS 293.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12 IS 293, IS 293, ISS 293, ISD 293) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12 IS 293 A-1 U-1-1-X1 G.D. - SOUND CLINIC and 12 IS 293 B-1 U-1-2-X1. 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.
