Vinyl pressings
by EPMD · 1989
The Big Payback was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
5 pressings came out in 1989, the album's first year, in 2 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.
FRE-80135XCentre label side X
FRE-80135YCentre label side Y
FRE · 80135-X MASTERDISK HwFull inscription side X
FRE - 80135-Y MASTERDISK HwFull inscription side Y
FRE·80135-X MASTERDISK HWSide A runout
FRE-80135-Y MASTERDISK HWSide B runout
FRE-80135XA-side label
FRE-80135YB-side label
SBUK.17.(T).X1 ADRENALINA-side runout
SBUK.17.(T).XX1 ADRENALINB-side runout
SBUK 17 XA Side Runout Groove
SBUK 17 XXB Side Runout Groove
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | UK | Sleeping Bag Records SBUK 17First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | Sleeping Bag Records SBUK 17 (T)First year12", White Label | 12", White Label |
| 1989 | US | Fresh Records FRE-80135First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1989 | US | Fresh Records FRE-80135First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | US | Fresh Records FRE-8013512", Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1989 | UK | Sleeping Bag Records SBUK 17TFirst year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | US | Fresh Records FRE-8013512", 33 ⅓ RPM, Repress | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Repress |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | UK | Mr Bongo MRB71977", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
| 2021 | UK | Mr Bongo MRB71977", Reissue, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", Reissue, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 2022 | UK | Mr Bongo MRB7197TO7", 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Fresh Records FRE-8013512", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Repress, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Repress, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Promo |
11 vinyl pressings of The Big Payback are listed here, from 2 countries, released between 1989 and 2022.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in US, UK. One of them is Fresh Records FRE-80135.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FRE-80135, SBUK 17T, SBUK 17, SBUK 17 (T)) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, FRE-80135X and FRE-80135Y. 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.
