Vinyl pressings
by Glenn Frey · 1988
Soul Searchin' was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
19 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 15 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.
MCA 7822 SS1 DMM STERLING TJ M1SF1-R EDP JPSide A etched Variant 1
MCA 7823 SS1 DMM STERLING TJ EDP M1SF1 SMGSide B etched Variant 1
MCA 7822 SS1 DMM STERLING TJ M1SF1SM5 EDPSide A etched Variant 2
MCA 7823 SS1 DMM STERLING TJ J2P EDP M1SF1 SM1Side B etched Variant 2
MCA 7822 SS 1 DMM STERLINGT1 4 M/SF&SM/ EDPSide A etched
MCA 7823 SS 1 DMM STERLINGT1 2 EDP M/SF/SMBSide B etched
MCA 7822Side A label
MCA 7823Side B label
MCF 3429 A-1U-1-2 Stu Tape1Runout side A
MCF 3429 B-1U-1-1 Stu Tape1Runout side B
MCF 3429 ALabel side A
MCF 3429 BLabel side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Argentina | WEA 80772First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Australia | MCA Records 6239-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Brazil | MCA Records 670.4227First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-6239First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-6239LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1988 | Europe | MCA Records 255 390-1 / MCA Records MCA 6239First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Europe | MCA Records MCA 06239First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Europe | MCA Records MCA 06239First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Greece | MCA Records 255 390-1LP, Album, White Label, Test Pressing, Promo · Test pressing, Promo | LP, Album, White Label, Test Pressing, Promo · Test pressing, Promo |
| 1988 | Greece | MCA Records 255 390-1 / MCA Records 255390-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1988 | Japan | MCA Records 23P1-2158First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Mexico | MCA Records LCA-6774First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | South Africa | MCA Records LMCA 6239First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | South Korea | MCA Records MCA-6239 / Oasis Records OLM-3091First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Spain | MCA Records 255 390-1 / MCA Records MCA 6239First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
23 vinyl pressings of Soul Searchin' are listed here, from 15 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in US, UK, Argentina, Australia and more. One of them is MCA Records MCA-6239.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA-6239, MCF 3429, 80772, 6239-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MCA 7822 SS1 DMM STERLING TJ M1SF1-R EDP JP and MCA 7823 SS1 DMM STERLING TJ EDP M1SF1 SMG. 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.
