France
1981- Label and catalog number
- Motown M8-941 M1Vogue 542003
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
542003A ■ M.P.P.V.Side A
542003B ■ M.P.P.V.Side B
542003 ACenter Label A
542003 BCenter Label B
Billy PrestonThe Way I Am
Vinyl pressings
The Way I Am
by Billy Preston · 1981
15 pressings13 countriesRhythm & BluesSoulFunkFunk / Soul
The Way I Am was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of The Way I Am
14 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 12 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.
UK
April 1981- Label and catalog number
- Motown STML 12148Motown 0C 062-64 300
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
STML 12148 A - 1 GA side runout, variant 1
STML 12148 B - 1 GB side runout, variant 1
STML 12148 A-1 2 1A side runout, variant 2
STML 12148 B-1 G 1B side runout, variant 2
US
1981- Label and catalog number
- Motown M8-941M1
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
M8-941MIA-15D 2XM BAS JMSide A
M8-941MIA-15D 2XM BAS JMSide B
US
1981- Label and catalog number
- Motown M8-941 M1
- Format
- LP, Album, Promo
US
1981- Label and catalog number
- Motown M8-941 M1
- Format
- LP, Album, Promo
Australia
1981- Label and catalog number
- Motown M8941
- Format
- LP, Album, Mono
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 15 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s14 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Australia | Motown M8941First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1981 | Brazil | Motown 504.7167First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Canada | Motown M 941First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | France | Motown M8-941 M1 / Vogue 542003First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Germany | Motown 260·15·013First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Israel | Motown M8-941 M1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Mexico | Motown MOW 27First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Portugal | Motown IM-46045First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Spain | Motown 2-47.116First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | US | Motown M8-941M1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | US | Motown M8-941 M1First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | US | Motown M8-941 M1First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Venezuela | Motown LPS-99.385First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | UK | Motown STML 12148 / Motown 0C 062-64 300First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
Year unknown1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Italy | Motown 3C06464300LP, Album | LP, Album |
Tracklist
- A1Hope5:17
- A2Good Life Boogie4:17
- A3Keep On Truckin'4:26
- A4A Change Is Gonna Come3:56
- B1Lay Your Feelings On Me4:22
- B2I Won't Mistreat Your Love3:57
- B3Baby I'm Yours3:18
- B4Until Then3:35
- B5The Way I Am4:56
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Way I Am are there?
15 vinyl pressings of The Way I Am are listed here, from 13 countries.
When was The Way I Am first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in France, UK, US, Australia and more. One of them is Motown M8-941 M1.
How do I tell if my copy of The Way I Am is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use M8-941 M1, STML 12148, M8-941M1, M8941) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 542003A ■ M.P.P.V. and 542003B ■ M.P.P.V.. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Way I Am on vinyl worth?
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.
