UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- Mercury CAT510
- Format
- 10", 45 RPM
Curiosity Killed The CatFree
Vinyl pressings
Free
by Curiosity Killed The Cat · 1987
10 pressings5 countriesJazzdanceJazzPop
Free 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.
How to spot a first pressing of Free
10 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 5 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.
UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- Mercury CAT 5Mercury 888 784-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Paper Labels
- Runout / matrix
Townhouse 7 CAT-5 -A2 MT.Runout, hand-etched, side A
Townhouse 7 CAT-5 -B2 MT.Runout, hand-etched, side B
UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- Mercury CATX 5Mercury 888-784-1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
CATX-5-A2 MT TOWNHOUSESide A [Variant 1]
CATX-5-B2 MT TOWNHOUSESide B [Variant 1]
CATX-5-A2 MT. TOWNHOUSE 4Runout side A etched [Variant 2]
CATX-5-B-1 ✳ TOWNHOUSE 4Runout side B etched [Variant 2]
UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- Mercury CAT 5Mercury 888 784-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Silver Injection Labels, Solid Centre
- Runout / matrix
CAT - 5 - A1 3 MT TOWNHOUSE 2A side runout, etched/stamped
CAT - 5 - B2 MT TOWNHOUSE 1 0B side runout, etched/stamped
UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- Mercury CAT 5Mercury 888-784-7
- Format
- 7", Single · Silver Injection Labels
- Runout / matrix
CAT-5-A1 MT TOWNHOUSE 1 4Side A runout
CAT-5-B2 MT TOWNHOUSE 1Side B runout
UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- Mercury CATXDJ5
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
* CATX-5-A1 * MT. TOWNHOUSE 1Runout side A etched
CATX-5-B2. MT. TOWNHOUSE 1Runout side B etched
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 10 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Europe | Mercury 888 784-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Ireland | Mercury CAT 5 / Mercury 888 784-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Netherlands | Mercury 888 784-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Spain | Mercury 888 784-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | Mercury CAT510First year10", 45 RPM | 10", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | Mercury CAT 5 / Mercury 888 784-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | Mercury CATX 5 / Mercury 888-784-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | Mercury CAT 5 / Mercury 888 784-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | Mercury CATXDJ5First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | UK | Mercury CAT 5 / Mercury 888-784-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
Tracklist
- AFree
- BFree (Instrumental)
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Free are there?
10 vinyl pressings of Free are listed here, from 5 countries.
When was Free first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in UK, Europe, Ireland, Netherlands and more. One of them is Mercury CAT510.
How do I tell if my copy of Free is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CAT510, CAT 5, CATX 5, CATXDJ5) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Free on vinyl worth?
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.
