Vinyl pressings
by Colonel Abrams · 1987
How Soon We Forget was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. 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 1987, 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-6937-FW2 HERbiE Jr [smiley]Side A runout groove, etched
MCA-6938-FW2 HERbiE Jr [smiley]Side B runout groove, etched
MCA 6937Side A label
MCA 6938Side B label
MC 23520REESide A label
MC 23520REESide B label
MCAX 1179ASide A Label
MCAX 1179BSide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Australia | MCA Records 0-23763First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1987 | Europe | MCA Records 258 241-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Germany | MCA Records 258 280-0First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Jamaica | MCA Records MCA-53121First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | South Africa | MCA Records LMCM 23763First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | UK | MCA Records MCAX 1179First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Partially Mixed | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Partially Mixed |
| 1987 | UK | MCA Records MCAT 1179First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | MCA Records MCA 1179First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | MCA Records MCAT 1179First year12", 45 RPM, Single, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, Single, White Label |
| 1987 | US | MCA Records MCA-23763First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1987 | US | MCA Records MCA-53121First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | US | MCA Records MCA-53121First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | MCA Records MCA-53121First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
13 vinyl pressings of How Soon We Forget are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in US, UK, Australia, Europe and more. One of them is MCA Records MCA-23763.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA-23763, MCA-53121, MCAX 1179, MCAT 1179) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MCA-6937-FW2 HERbiE Jr [smiley] and MCA-6938-FW2 HERbiE Jr [smiley]. 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.
