Vinyl pressings
by Deborah Harry · 1987
Free To Fall 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.
12 pressings came out in 1987, 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.
CHS 123093 A // 4 ▽ 420 PRunout side A stamped, variant 1
CHS123093B // 2 ▽ 420 PRunout side B stamped, variant 1
CHS 123093 A // 3 ▽ 420 P 1 2Runout side A stamped, variant 2
CHS123093B // 1 ▽ 420 P 3Runout side B stamped, variant 2
CHS 3093 - A2. Noel MTRunout side A, variant 1
CHS 3093 - B1 MTRunout side B, variant 1
CHS 3093 - A1. Noel MTRunout side A, variant 2
CHS 3093 - B1 MTRunout side B, variant 2
CHSP+3093+A2Runout, side A (etched)
CHSP+12+3093+BRunout, side B (etched)
CHS-3093-A1 Noel MTRunout, etched, side A
CHS-3093-B1 MTRunout, etched, side B
CHS 3093 - A1 11Runout etched side A
CHS 3093 - B2 1Runout etched side B
CHS 12 3093-ASide A label
CHS 12 3093-AASide 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 | Festival Records X 14474 / Festival Records X-14474First year12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1987 | Europe | Chrysalis 108 989First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Germany | Chrysalis 608 989First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Ireland | Chrysalis CHS 3093First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | South Africa | Chrysalis PD 2509First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 12 3093First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 3093First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | Chrysalis CHSP 3093First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1987 | UK | Chrysalis CHS G 3093First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 12 3093First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 3093First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Australia | Chrysalis K-225First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
12 vinyl pressings of Free To Fall are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in UK, Australia, Europe, Germany and more. One of them is Chrysalis CHS 12 3093.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CHS 12 3093, CHS 3093, CHSP 3093, CHS G 3093) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, CHS 123093 A // 4 ▽ 420 P and CHS123093B // 2 ▽ 420 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.
