Vinyl pressings
by Bob Marley · 1992
Why Should I / Exodus was first pressed on vinyl in 1992. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1992, 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.
12 TGX 3 A-1 [SNA Logo] MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGESide A runout etched
12 TGX 3 B-1 [SNA Logo] MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGESide B runout etched
TGX 3 A MIKE'S THE EXCHANGERunout A, variant 1
TGX 3 B MIKE'S THE EXCHANGERunout B, variant 1
TGX 3 A-1 [SNA logo] MIKE'S THE EXCHANGERunout, A side, etched/stamped, variant 2
TGX 3 B [SNA logo] MIKE'S THE EXCHANGERunout, B side, etched/stamped, variant 2
MIKE'S THE EXCHANGE TGX3 A-1Runout A
TGX 3 B MIKE'S THE EXCHANGERunout 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Europe | Tuff Gong 74321 12170 7First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1992 | Europe | Tuff Gong 74321 12170 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | France | Tuff Gong 864 638-7First year7" | 7" |
| 1992 | France | Tuff Gong 864 639-1 / Island Records 864 639-1First year12" | 12" |
| 1992 | Jamaica | Tuff GongFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | Jamaica | Tuff GongFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1992 | Jamaica | Tuff Gong7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| 1992 | Spain | Tuff Gong 74321 12170 1 3A / Tuff Gong 74321 121701First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1992 | UK | Tuff Gong 12 TGDJ 03First year12" | 12" |
| 1992 | UK | Tuff Gong TGX 3 / Island Records 864 638-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1992 | UK & Europe | Tuff Gong 12 TGDJ 3First year12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1992 | UK | Tuff Gong 12 TGX 3 / Island Records 864 639-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | UK | Tuff Gong TGX 3 / Tuff Gong 864 638-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Jamaica | Tuff Gong7", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
14 vinyl pressings of Why Should I / Exodus are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1992, in UK, Europe, France, Jamaica and more. One of them is Tuff Gong 12 TGX 3, released November 16, 1992.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12 TGX 3, TGX 3, 12 TGDJ 03, 74321 12170 7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12 TGX 3 A-1 [SNA Logo] MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGE and 12 TGX 3 B-1 [SNA Logo] MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGE. 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.
