Vinyl pressings
by Eric Clapton · 1984
Backtrackin' was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
18 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 12 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.
NO. 314 VOL1 A11 ERIC - 1 - A…Runout A side, variant 1
NO. 315 B1. ERIC CLAPTON. ERIC - 1 - BRunout B side, variant 1
NO. 316A1ERIC - 1 - C…Runout C side, variant 1
NO. 317B1. ERIC - 1 - D…..Runout D side, variant 1
ERIC - 1 A4 PAG BSide A, variant 1
ERIC - 1 B4 PAG ASide B, variant 1
ERIC - 1 C4 PAG DSide C, variant 1
ERIC - 1 D4 PAG DSide D, variant 1
821 938 - 1 S 1 = 2 | 115 | 320 | V3 | 1Runout groove side A stamped
821 938 - 1 S 2 | 114 | 320 | V3 | 1ARunout groove side B stamped
821 939 - 1 S 1 | 115 | 320 | V3 | 1Runout groove side C stamped
821 939 - 1 S 2 | 320 | V3 | 1ARunout groove side D stamped
821 939-2Disc Two
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australasia | RSO 821 937-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | Australasia | RSO 821 937-1First yearLP, Compilation, Mispress | LP, Compilation, Mispress |
| 1984 | France | RSO 821 937-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | Germany | RSO 821 937-1 YFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | Germany | RSO 821 937-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | Germany | RSO 821 937-1 YFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | Greece | RSO 821 937-1 / RSO 821937-1First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1984 | Greece | RSO 821 937-1First yearLP, Compilation, White Label | LP, Compilation, White Label |
| 1984 | Greece | Polydor 821 937-1LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1984 | Japan | RSO 35MW 0040/1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | Japan | RSO 35MW 0040/1First yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Netherlands | Polydor 821 937-1 yFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | New Zealand | RSO 821 937-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | Portugal | Polygram Discos SARL 821 937-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | South Africa | RSO DPOL 554First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Spain | Polydor 821 937-1 A1LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Europe | Polydor 821 937-1LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
28 vinyl pressings of Backtrackin' are listed here, from 14 countries, released between 1984 and 1991.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, Australasia, France, Germany and more. One of them is Starblend ERIC 1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ERIC 1, 821 937-1, 821 937-1 Y, 35MW 0040/1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, NO. 314 VOL1 A11 ERIC - 1 - A… and NO. 315 B1. ERIC CLAPTON. ERIC - 1 - B. 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.
