Vinyl pressings
by Heatwave · 1977
Always And Forever was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1977, 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.
GT - 236 A3 BILBORunout, A-side, etched, variant 1
GT - 236 B.5 BILBORunout, B-side, etched, variant 1
GT - 236 A3 BILBO 1 5 BRunout, A-side, etched/stamped, variant 2
GT - 236 B.5 BILBO 3 0 BRunout, B-side, etched/stamped, variant 2
GT 236-A-1 Ʊ ⋀Etched/stamped, runout, Side A
GT-236-B-4 A BILBO BOPPA! T.O. ⋀Etched/stamped, runout, Side B
GT-236.A-2 Utopia logo 3 6 VSide A etched & stamped
GT-236.B.5 BILBO D 1Side B etched & stamped
GT 236-A2 ƱA side - etched
GT 236 - B - 5 BILBOB side - etched
GT - 236 A3 BILBORunout, A-side, etched, variant 1
GT - 236 B5 BILBORunout, B-side, etched, variant 1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Australia | GTO GT 236First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | Ireland | GTO GT 236First year7" | 7" |
| 1977 | UK | GTO GT 236First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | UK | GTO GT 236First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | UK | GTO GT 236First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1977 | UK | GTO GT 236First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | UK | GTO GT 236First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Australia | GTO GT 2367", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1978 | UK | GTO GT 12 23612", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | UK | GTO GT 2367", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | UK | GTO GT 2367", Single | 7", Single |
| 1978 | UK | GTO GT 2367", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of Always And Forever are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1977 and 1978.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in UK, Australia, Ireland. One of them is GTO GT 236.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use GT 236) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, GT - 236 A3 BILBO and GT - 236 B.5 BILBO. 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.
