Vinyl pressings
by Jaki Graham · 1986
Breaking Away 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.
12 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 9 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.
EMC 3514 A-1U-1-1-1 JASide A runout, variant 1
EMC 3514 B-1U-1-1-1 JASide B runout, variant 1
EMC 3514 A-1U-1-1-X1 JASide A runout, variant 2
EMC 3514 B-1U-1-3-1 JASide B runout, variant 2
2406221-A1Side A, stamped
2406221-B1Side B, stamped
1C 064-24 0622 1 ASide A label
1C 064-24 0622 1 BSide B label
EMC 3514 A-1U-1-1-1 JASide A runout, variant 1
EMC 3514 B-1U-1-1-1 JASide B runout, variant 1
EMC 3514 A-1U-1-1-X1 JASide A runout, variant 2
EMC 3514 B-1U-1-3-1 JASide B runout, variant 2
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 | Argentina | EMI 58486First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1986 | Australia & New Zealand | EMI EMC 240622First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Australia & New Zealand | EMI EMC 240622First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Europe | EMI 064 24 0622 1 / EMI 24 0622 1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | EMI 064 24 0622 1 / EMI 24 0622 1First yearLP, Album, Misprint | LP, Album, Misprint |
| 1986 | Italy | EMI 64 2406221First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Japan | EMI EMS-91193First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Japan | EMI EMS-91193First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Philippines | EMI EMC 3514 / EMI 24 0622 1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Portugal | EMI 24 0622 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Spain | EMI 064 24 0622 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | UK | EMI EMC 3514 / EMI 24 0622 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
12 vinyl pressings of Breaking Away are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, Australia & New Zealand, Europe, Italy and more. One of them is EMI EMC 3514.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EMC 3514, EMC 240622, 064 24 0622 1, 64 2406221) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EMC 3514 A-1U-1-1-1 JA and EMC 3514 B-1U-1-1-1 JA. 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.
