Vinyl pressings
by Iggy Pop · 1986
Shades 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.
10 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 4 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.
AM 374 A/1 ∇ 420 T 1 1 3 JARunout stamped/etched side A, variant 1
AM 374 B // 1 ∇ 420 T 1 1Runout stamped side B, variant 1
AM 374 A/1 ∇ 420 T 1 1 2 JARunout stamped/etched side A, variant 2
AM 374 B // 1 ∇ 420 T 1 1Runout stamped side B, variant 2
AMY374A//1∇420T 1 2 JA 1Side A runout, stamped/etched
AMY374B//1∇420T 11 1Side B runout, stamped/etched
AMY 374 ASide A label
AMY 374 BSide B label
AMY374A// 1∇420T 1 1 JA 2Side A runout, stamped/etched
AMY374B// 1∇420T 1 1 2Side B runout, stamped
AMY 374 ASide A label
AMY 374 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia | A&M Records K-263First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Australia | A&M Records K-263First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Germany | A&M Records 392 181-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Germany | A&M Records 390 181-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Germany | A&M Records 390 181-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint |
| 1986 | UK | A&M Records AMY 374First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | A&M Records AMS 374 / A&M Records AM 374First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | A&M Records AM 374DJFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | UK | A&M Records AMY 374First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK & Europe | A&M Records AM 374First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
10 vinyl pressings of Shades are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK & Europe, UK, Australia, Germany. One of them is A&M Records AM 374.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AM 374, AMY 374, AMS 374, AM 374DJ) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AM 374 A/1 ∇ 420 T 1 1 3 JA and AM 374 B // 1 ∇ 420 T 1 1. 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.
