Vinyl pressings
by Jethro Tull · 1987
Steel Monkey 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.
16 pressings came out in 1987, 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.
DM DS 109442 A - 2 / 9 - 87Runout stamped side A
DM DS 109442 B - 2 / 9 - 87Runout stamped side B
S 109 442 ALabel side A
S 109 442 BLabel side B
DM 609442 A-1 / 9-87Side A, runout
DM 609442 B-1 / 9-87Side B, runout
DM 609595 A-1 / 10-87Side A, runout
DM 609595 B-1 / 10-87Side B, runout
𝄢Side B, embossed on centre ring
DM DS 109442 A 1/9-87Runout A
DM DS 109442 B 1/9-87Runout B
TULLP + 3 + A ORLAKESide A, runout
TULLP + 3 + B ORLAKESide B, runout
TULLX3.A1 JA ∴Side A
TULLX3.B1 JASide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Australia | Chrysalis K-410 / Chrysalis TULL 3First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Canada | Chrysalis 43172First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Canada | Chrysalis 43172First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Europe | Chrysalis 109 442First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Europe | Chrysalis 609 442First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1987 | Europe | Chrysalis 609 595First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited |
| 1987 | Europe | Chrysalis 109 456 / Chrysalis 109 456-000First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | UK | Chrysalis TULL 3First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | US | Chrysalis VS4 43172First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1987 | UK | Chrysalis TULL P-3First year7", 45 RPM, Shape, Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", 45 RPM, Shape, Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1987 | UK | Chrysalis TULLX 3First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | Chrysalis TULL P-3First year7", Single, Shape, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", Single, Shape, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1987 | US | Chrysalis VAS 2796First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | Chrysalis VS4 43172First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | Chrysalis VS4 43172First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
16 vinyl pressings of Steel Monkey are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in Europe, UK, US, South Africa and more. One of them is Chrysalis 109 442.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 109 442, 609 442, 609 595, 109 456) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DM DS 109442 A - 2 / 9 - 87 and DM DS 109442 B - 2 / 9 - 87. 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.
