Vinyl pressings
by Caron Wheeler · 1990
UK Blak was first pressed on vinyl in 1990. 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 1990, 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.
PT 43720 A - 2U -1-1 COPYMASTERS.MILESSide A runout stamped / etched
PT 43720 B - 2U - 1 - 1Side B runout stamped
PT 43720 A‡Side A label
PT 43720 B‡Side B label
PB 43719 A-1U-1-1 MILES. COPYMASTERSSide A runout
PB 43719 B-1U-1-1Side B runout
PT43722 A - 1U - 1 - 1 POUNDA COPYMASTERSSide A runout stamped / etched
PT43722 B - 1U - 1 - 1Side B runout stamped
PT 43722 A‡Side A label
PT 43722 B‡Side B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Europe | RCA PB 43719 / RCA PB43719First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | Germany | RCA PT 43720First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1990 | Italy | RCA PB 43719First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | Spain | RCA PB 43719First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1990 | Spain | RCA PT 43720 (3A)First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1990 | UK | RCA PT 43720First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1990 | UK | RCA CARON 10First year12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1990 | UK | RCA PB 43719First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | UK | RCA PT 43722First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1990 | UK | RCA PT 43722DJFirst year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1990 | US | EMI USA V-56202First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1990 | US | EMI USA SPRO 04708 / EMI USA SPRO 04709First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1990 | US | EMI USA SPRO 4704First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
13 vinyl pressings of UK Blak are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1990, in UK, US, Europe, Germany and more. One of them is RCA PT 43720.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PT 43720, PB 43719, PT 43722, CARON 10) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, PT 43720 A - 2U -1-1 COPYMASTERS.MILES and PT 43720 B - 2U - 1 - 1. 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.
