US
December 1974- Label and catalog number
- MPS Records MC 25351BASF MC 25351
- Format
- LP, Album
Vinyl pressings
The Way We Are
by George Shearing · 1974
18 pressings8 countriesAfro-Cuban JazzJazz-FunkRhythm & BluesJazz
The Way We Are was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. 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 The Way We Are
4 pressings came out in 1974, 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.
US
1974- Label and catalog number
- MPS Records MC 25351BASF MC 25351
- Format
- LP, Album
US
1974- Label and catalog number
- MPS Records MC 25351BASF MC 25351
- Format
- LP, Album · PRC pressing
- Runout / matrix
MC-25351-A-1-1-1 2 P 0666 493 =2 S1 320 PRCSide A etched; 2, 0666 493 =2 S1 320 stamped
MC-25351-A-1-1 2 0666 493 2 S2 Ⓟ1974 320 PRCSide B etched; 2 0666 493 2 S2 Ⓟ1974 320 stamped
MC 25351 ASide A Label
MC 25351 BSide B Label
Germany
1974- Label and catalog number
- MPS Records 0666 493BASF 0666 493
- Format
- LP, Album, Promo
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 18 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s12 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Germany | MPS Records 0666 493 / BASF 0666 493First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | US | MPS Records MC 25351 / BASF MC 25351First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | MPS Records MC 25351 / BASF MC 25351LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
| 1974 | US | MPS Records MC 25351 / BASF MC 25351First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | MPS Records MC 25351 / BASF MC 25351LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
| 1974 | US | MPS Records MC 25351 / BASF MC 25351First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Argentina | BASF 20018LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Germany | MPS Records 21 22309-4 / BASF 21 22309-4LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Germany | MPS Records 21 22309-4 / BASF 21 22309-4LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Japan | MPS Records UXP-7-P / BASF UXP-7-PLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Japan | MPS Records ULS-6062-P / BASF MP-13LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | UK | MPS Records BAP 5059 / BASF BAP 5059LP, Album | LP, Album |
1980s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Mexico | Jazz Unlimited Special Series JUN-5030LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
Year unknown5 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | MPS Records 68 095 / Carinia Records 68 095LP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | Germany | MPS Records 68.095 / MPS Records MPS 15.434LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | Netherlands | MPS Records 5C 064D-99418 / Delta 5C 064D-99418LP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | Netherlands | MPS Records 5C 064D-99418 / Delta 5C 064D-99418LP, Album, Reissue, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Reissue, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| ? | US | MPS Records MC 25351 / BASF MC 25351LP, Album | LP, Album |
Tracklist
- A1The Way We Were2:34
- A2Do You Know The Way To San Jose?5:49
- A3Killing Me Softly1:51
- A4The World Is A Ghetto4:35
- A5Superstar5:27
- B1Eleanor Rigby4:03
- B2Brian's Song2:30
- B3Aquarius3:26
- B4You Are The Sunshine Of My Life4:01
- B5Alone Again (Naturally)4:38
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Way We Are are there?
18 vinyl pressings of The Way We Are are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1974 and 1987.
When was The Way We Are first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in US, Germany. One of them is MPS Records MC 25351, released December 1974.
How do I tell if my copy of The Way We Are is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MC 25351, 0666 493) 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 The Way We Are 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.
