Vinyl pressings
by Blur · 2023
The Ballad Of Darren was first pressed on vinyl in 2023. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
16 pressings came out in 2023, the album's first year, in 6 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.
5054197660160 A3 BN96098-01 A2 = MATT @ METROPOLIS = 1TRunout side A, variant 1
5054197660160 B1 BN96098-01 B1 1TRunout side B, variant 1
5054197660160 A3 BN96098-01 A2 = MATT @ METROPOLIS = 1+TRunout side A, variant 2
5054197660160 B1 BN96098-01 B1 1=△Runout side B, variant 2
5054197660160 A3 BN96098-01 A2 = MATT @ METROPOLIS = V+ΛSide A
5054197660160 B1 BN96098-01 B1 V=VSide B
5054197660160 A3 BN 96098-01 A2 = MATT @ METROPOLIS = 1=VRunout side A, variant 1
5054197660160 B1 1=V BN 96098-01 B1Runout side B, variant 1
5054197660160 A3 BN 96098-01 A2 = MATT @ METROPOLIS = 1▽Runout side A, variant 2
5054197660160 B1 1- BN 96098-01 B1Runout side B, variant 2
5054197660160 A3 BN96098-01 A2 = MATT @ METROPOLIS =LP side A runout, variant 1
5054197660160 B1 BN96098-01 B1LP side B runout, variant 1
5054197660160 A3 VI^ BN96098-01 A2 = MATT @ METROPOLIS =LP side A runout, variant 2
5054197660160 B1 VIV BN96098-01 B1LP side B runout, variant 2
5054197660160 A3 BN96098-01 A2 = MATT @ METROPOLIS = 1TSide A
5054197660160 B1 BN96098-01 B1 1TSide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Argentina | Parlophone 541976601-6First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 2023 | Mexico | Warner Music Mexico 5054197660160First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 2023 | US | Parlophone 5054197660160First yearLP, Album · Colored vinyl | LP, Album · Colored vinyl |
| 2023 | Europe | Parlophone 5054197660160First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 2023 | Europe | Parlophone 505419766019 / Parlophone 5054197676208First yearLP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2023 | Europe | Parlophone 5054197660160First yearLP, Album, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2023 | Europe | Parlophone 5054197676208 / Parlophone 5054197660160First yearLP, Album, 7", 45 RPM, CD, Album, Deluxe Edition, All Media, Deluxe Edition, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, 7", 45 RPM, CD, Album, Deluxe Edition, All Media, Deluxe Edition, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2023 | Europe | Parlophone 5054197660160First yearLP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2023 | Europe | Parlophone 5054197660207First yearLP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2023 | UK | Parlophone 5054197669637First yearLP, Album, Numbered, Picture Disc · Numbered, Picture disc | LP, Album, Numbered, Picture Disc · Numbered, Picture disc |
| 2023 | US | Parlophone 5054197660160First yearLP, Album · Colored vinyl | LP, Album · Colored vinyl |
| 2023 | US | Parlophone 5054197660177First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 2023 | US | Parlophone 5054197660160 / Parlophone 50541972660191First yearLP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2023 | US | Parlophone 5054197660160First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 2023 | USA & Canada | Parlophone 5054197660160First yearLP, Album · Colored vinyl | LP, Album · Colored vinyl |
17 vinyl pressings of The Ballad Of Darren are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 2023 and 2024.
The earliest pressings are from 2023, in Europe, UK, US, USA & Canada and more. One of them is Parlophone 5054197660160, released July 21, 2023.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 5054197660160, 505419766019, 5054197676208, 5054197660207) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 5054197660160 A3 BN96098-01 A2 = MATT @ METROPOLIS = 1T and 5054197660160 B1 BN96098-01 B1 1T. 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.
