Vinyl pressings
by Hubert Kah · 1986
Tensongs was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. 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 1986, the album's first year, in 6 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.
DMM B-4658 A-1/4-86 CRunout side A, stamped variant 1
DMM B-4658 B-1/4-86 CRunout side B, stamped variant 1
DMM B-4658 A-1/4-86 C IIRunout side A, stamped variant 2
DMM B-4658 B-1/4-86 C IIIRunout side B, stamped variant 2
MCF 3354 A//1 ∇ 420 T BILBO TAPEONEA-side runout
MCF 3354 B//1 ∇ 420 T BILBO TAPEONEB-side runout
MCF 3354AA-side label
MCF 3354BB-side label
MCF 3354 A // 1 ∇ 420 TRunout Stamp Side A
MCF 3354 B // 1 ∇ 420 TRunout Stamp Side B
830 354-1.1Label Side A
830 354-1.2Label Side B
DM 207813 A-1/6-86Side A
DM 207813 B-1/6-86Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Europe | Curb Records 830 354-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Europe | Ariola 207 813First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | France | Curb Records 540137First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Germany | Bertelsmann Club 32426-9LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1986 | Italy | Curb Records CUR 20551First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | UK | MCA Records MCF 3354First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | UK | MCA Records MCF 3354First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Germany | Blow Up INT 145.515First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Japan | CBS/Sony 28AP 3230First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Japan | CBS/Sony 28AP 3230First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Germany | Blow Up INT 145.515LP, Album, Special Edition | LP, Album, Special Edition |
11 vinyl pressings of Tensongs are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in Germany, UK, Japan, Europe and more. One of them is Blow Up INT 145.515, released July 14, 1986.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use INT 145.515, MCF 3354, 28AP 3230, 830 354-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DMM B-4658 A-1/4-86 C and DMM B-4658 B-1/4-86 C. 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.
