Vinyl pressings
by Hugh Masekela · 1987
Tomorrow was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 7 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.
R / S Alsdorf 254573-1-ARunout side A, stamped, variant 1
R / S Alsdorf 254573-1-BRunout side B, stamped, variant 1
[stamped] R / S Alsdorf 254573-1-ARunout side A, variant 2
[stamped] R / S Alsdorf 254573-1-B [etched script] D 2Runout side B, variant 2
R / S Alsdorf 254573-1-ARunout side A, stamped
R / S Alsdorf 254573-1-BRunout side B, stamped
R / S Alsdorf 254573-1-A [etched script] 20-UKSide A runout
R / S Alsdorf 254573-1-B 22Side B runout
I-255GG-A-SH I Q B -26497-SH I △ I5464 I-ISide A etched
I-255GG-B-SHI Q B -26498-SH I △ I5464 I-X I-ISide B etched
SRC I-25566A - SR 12 1-1Side A etched
SRC I-25566 - BSR 12 1-1Side B etched
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Argentina | WEA 80653First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Australia | WEA 254573-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Canada | WEA 25 45731First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Europe | WEA 254 573-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Europe | WEA 254 573-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Europe | WEA 254 573-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Italy | WEA 25 4573-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | South Africa | WEA WIC 5095First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | US | Warner Bros. Records 1-25566 / Warner Bros. Records 9 25566-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | US | Warner Bros. Records 9 W1-25566 / Warner Bros. Records W1 25566First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | US | Warner Bros. Records 1-25566 / Warner Bros. Records 9 25566-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | US | Warner Bros. Records 1-25566LP, Album, Repress | LP, Album, Repress |
| 1988 | Spain | WEA 254 573-1LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Warner Bros. Records 1-25566 / Warner Bros. Records 9 25566-1LP, Album | LP, Album |
14 vinyl pressings of Tomorrow are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1987 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in Europe, US, Argentina, Australia and more. One of them is WEA 254 573-1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 254 573-1, 1-25566, 9 W1-25566, 80653) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, R / S Alsdorf 254573-1-A and R / S Alsdorf 254573-1-B. 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.
