Vinyl pressings
by DJ Quicksilver · 1997
Free was first pressed on vinyl in 1997. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1997, the album's first year, in 3 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.
12 TIV 77 A-01-01- 1Runout stamped, side A
12 TIV 77 B-1-1- 1Runout stamped, side AA
12TIV-77 ASide A label
12TIV-77 AASide AA label
12 TIV 77 A-01-01- 1A side runout stamped
12 TIV 77 B-1-1-AA side runout stamped
12TIVDJ 77-AA side label
12TIVDJ 77-AAAA side label
UD 009 A1Side A runout etched
DOS 050-B1Side B runout etched
UD 009-A1OTHER SIDE
UD 009-B1THIS SIDE
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Germany | Dos Or Die Recordings DOS 050 / Dos Or Die Recordings 8812913First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1997 | Germany | Underdog UD 009-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1997 | Germany | Underdog UD 012-1 / Dos Or Die RecordingsFirst year12", Limited Edition · Limited | 12", Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1997 | Germany | Dos Or Die Recordings DOS 054First year12" | 12" |
| 1997 | Germany | Dos Or Die Recordings DOS 054 / UnderdogFirst year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1997 | Germany | Dos Or Die Recordings DOS 050 / UnderdogFirst year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1997 | Spain | CNR Music 4900268 / 4Fit 4900268First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1997 | UK | Positiva TIVLH 77First year7", 45 RPM, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Jukebox |
| 1997 | UK | Positiva 12TIVDJ 77First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1997 | UK | Positiva 12TIV-77 / EMI 7243 8 84514 6 8First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of Free are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1997, in UK, Germany, Spain. One of them is Positiva 12TIV-77, released August 25, 1997.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12TIV-77, TIVLH 77, 12TIVDJ 77, DOS 050) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12 TIV 77 A-01-01- 1 and 12 TIV 77 B-1-1- 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.
