Vinyl pressings
by Cuba Gooding · 1983
Happiness Is Just Around The Bend 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.
9 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 4 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.
SWRL-2214-A MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK Herbie Jr :v) ☆PRESSED AT SOUNDMAKERS,☆N.J.Side A - runout
SWRL-2214-B MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK Herbie Jr :v) ☆PRESSED AT SOUNDMAKERS,☆N.J.Side B - runout
MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK HERBIE JR :v) SWRL-2214-A ✩PRESSED AT SOUND MAKERS,✩N.J.A-Side Runout Etching
SWRL-2214-B MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK HERBIE JR :v) ✩PRESSED AT SOUND MAKERS,✩N.J.B-Side Runout Etching
LONX 41 A//1∇420 R 11 1A side runout, stamped
LONX 41 B//1∇420 R 11 1B side runout, stamped
LON 41 A//1▽420 R 1 1 1Side A stamped runout
LON 41 B//2▽420 R 1 1 2Side B stamped runout
ZPMSC 10451Side A label
ZPMSC 10452Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | France | London Records 810 269-1First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | France | London Records 810.233-7 / London Records 810 233-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | South Africa | London Records TOS 1470First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | US | Streetwise SWRL 2214First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1983 | US | Streetwise SWRL 2214First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | Streetwise SWRL-1114First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | US | Streetwise SWRL 221412", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1983 | US | Streetwise SWRL-1114First year7", Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LONX 41First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LON 41 / London Records 810 233-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
10 vinyl pressings of Happiness Is Just Around The Bend are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in US, UK, France, South Africa. One of them is Streetwise SWRL 2214.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SWRL 2214, SWRL-1114, LONX 41, LON 41) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SWRL-2214-A MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK Herbie Jr :v) ☆PRESSED AT SOUNDMAKERS,☆N.J. and SWRL-2214-B MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK Herbie Jr :v) ☆PRESSED AT SOUNDMAKERS,☆N.J.. 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.
