Vinyl pressings
by Horslips · 1979
Short Stories / Tall Tales was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1979, the album's first year, in 5 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.
MOO 19–A–HS–I–A STERLING TB[intertwined]Side A runout etched, except "STERLING" stamped
MOO 19–B–HS–I–B STERLING TB[intertwined]Side B runout etched, except "STERLING" stamped
T SRM-1- 3809-A CTH-1 STERLINGVariant 1 - Etched Side A, except STERLING stamped
o T\ SRM-1- 3809-B CT-2 STERLINGVariant 1 - Etched Side B, except STERLING & o stamped
\T SRM-1- 3809-A CTH-1 STERLINGVariant 2 - Etched Side A, except STERLING stamped
T \ SRM-1- 3809-B CT-2 STERLING 4Variant 2 - Etched Side B, except STERLING & 4 stamped
SRM-1- 3809-A-1B STERLING A4 1ƧA-side runout, variant 1
SRM-1- 3809-B - 1B STERLING B3 1ƧB-side runout, variant 1
SRM-1-3809-A-1B STERLING A3 1SA-side runout, variant 2
SRM-1-3809-B-1B STERLING B4 1SB-side runout, variant 2
SRM-1-3809-CP-A-7-RE-1 STERLINGSide A runout, variant 1
SRM-1-3809-BX STERLINGSide B runout, variant 1
P SRM-1- 3809 - CP-A- 7-RE-1 STERLING 1Side A runout, variant 2
SRM-1- 3809 - B X STERLING PSide B runout, variant 2
SRM-1- 3809-A MASTERDISK Aw A-1Etched Side A, except MASTERDISK stamped
SRM-1- 3809-B MASTERDISK A-1Etched Side B, except MASTERDISK stamped
P SRM-1-3809-CP-A-7-RE-1 STERLING 1 A2Side A runout
T1 ̶S̶R̶M̶-̶3̶ SRM-1-3809-B CT1 STERLING C3Side B runout
SRM-1-3809-ASide A label
SRM-1-3809-BSide B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Canada | Mercury SRM 1-3809First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Germany | Mercury 9111 059First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Ireland | Horslips Records MOO 19First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Netherlands | Mercury 9111 059First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | US | Mercury SRM 1-3809 / Mercury 9110.140First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | US | Mercury SRM 1-3809 / Mercury SRM-1-3809First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | US | Mercury SRM 1-3809 / Mercury 9110.140First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | US | Mercury SRM 1-3809First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | US | Mercury SRM 1-3809First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | UK | Mercury 9100 070LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Germany | Mercury 9111 059LP, Album | LP, Album |
11 vinyl pressings of Short Stories / Tall Tales are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1979 and 1980.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in Ireland, US, Canada, Germany and more. One of them is Horslips Records MOO 19.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MOO 19, SRM 1-3809, 9111 059) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MOO 19–A–HS–I–A STERLING TB[intertwined] and MOO 19–B–HS–I–B STERLING TB[intertwined]. 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.
