Vinyl pressings
by Buddy Holly · 1983
For The First Time Anywhere was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 7 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.
MCA 3255-W2 KPG/MCA ◈-P-◈Runout A, variant 1
MCA 3256-W2 KPG/MCA ◈-P-◈ ||Runout B, variant 1
MCA 3255-W2 KPG/MCA ◈-P-◈ IRunout A, variant 2
MCA-3256-W2 KPG/MCA ◈-P-◈IIRunout B, variant 2
MCA 3255-W1 KPG/MCA 3Side A - Etched
MCA 3256-W1 KPG/MCA 4Side B - Etched
◈-P-◈Both Side, Stamped
MCA3255Side A, label
MCA 3255-W1 KPG/MCA ⧈-G-⧈ 3Side A runout, variant 1
MCA 3256-W1 KPG/MCA ⧈-G-⧈ 4Side B runout, variant 1
MCA 3255-W1 KPG/MCA ⧈-G-⧈ 2Side A runout, variant 2
MCA 3256-W1 KPG/MCA ⧈-G-⧈ 2Side B runout, variant 2
MCM 1002 A-2Side A runout, variant 1
MCM 1002 B-2Side B runout, variant 1
MCM 1002 A·2 BILBO TAPE ONE ⋀Side A runout, variant 2
MCM 1002 B2 ⋀Side B runout, variant 2
MCA 27059-A MCA3255.W1 KA6/MCASide A runout
MCA 27059-B MCA3255.W1Side B runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-27059First yearLP, Album · Colored vinyl | LP, Album · Colored vinyl |
| 1983 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-27059First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Europe | MCA Records MCA - 205 351First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Germany | MCA Records 205 351First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Italy | MCA Records MCMP 31026First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1983 | Italy | MCA Records BH 1First yearLP, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1983 | Japan | MCA Records VIM-4088 / MCA Records VIM-4088 (M)First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Japan | MCA Records VIM-4088First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | UK | MCA Records MCM 1002 / MCA Records MCA 27059First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1983 | UK | MCA Records MCL 1712First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1983 | US | MCA Records MCA-27059First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1983 | US | MCA Records MCA-27059First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | US | MCA Records MCA - 27059First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | South Africa | MCA Records PPL 162LP, Album | LP, Album |
14 vinyl pressings of For The First Time Anywhere are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in US, UK, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is MCA Records MCA-27059.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA-27059, MCA - 27059, MCM 1002, MCL 1712) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MCA 3255-W2 KPG/MCA ◈-P-◈ and MCA 3256-W2 KPG/MCA ◈-P-◈ ||. 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.
