US
1987- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records MCA-23768
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM
James IngramBetter Way
Vinyl pressings
Better Way
by James Ingram · 1987
12 pressings4 countriesSoulFunk / Soul
Better Way 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.
How to spot a first pressing of Better Way
12 pressings came out in 1987, 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.
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records MCA-53125
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records L33-17338
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
- Runout / matrix
MCA 6967Label, both sides
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records MCA-53125
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records L33-17338
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
- Runout / matrix
MCA-6967-FDS-3 Future Disc ◈-P-◈"A" side runout, etched
MCA-6967-FDS-4 Future Disc ◈-P-◈"B" side runout, etched
MCA 6967Label, both sides
UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records MCAT 1182
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
MCAT 1182 A1 MT DB TAPE ONE 11 2
MCAT 1182 B1 MT DB TAPE ONE 11 1
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 12 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s12 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Australia | MCA Records 7-53125First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-53125First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | UK | MCA Records MCAT 1182First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | MCA Records MCA 1182First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | MCA Records WMCAT 1182First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | UK | MCA Records MCA 1182First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | UK | MCA Records MCAT 1182First year12", 45 RPM, Advance | 12", 45 RPM, Advance |
| 1987 | US | MCA Records L33-17338First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | MCA Records MCA-23768First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1987 | US | MCA Records MCA-53125First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | US | MCA Records MCA-53125First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | MCA Records L33-17338First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
Tracklist
- ABetter Way4:09
- BBad Guys4:30
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Better Way are there?
12 vinyl pressings of Better Way are listed here, from 4 countries.
When was Better Way first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in US, UK, Australia, Canada. One of them is MCA Records MCA-23768.
How do I tell if my copy of Better Way is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA-23768, MCA-53125, L33-17338, MCAT 1182) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Better Way on vinyl worth?
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.
