US
1989- Label and catalog number
- D.J. International Records DJ997
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM
- Runout / matrix
DJ-997-A LA SSRunout side A
DJ-997-B LA SSRunout side B
Joe SmoothThey Want To Be Free
Vinyl pressings
They Want To Be Free
by Joe Smooth · 1989
10 pressings4 countriesHouseElectronic
They Want To Be Free was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. 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 They Want To Be Free
1 pressing came out in 1989, the album's first year. 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.
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 10 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | US | D.J. International Records DJ997First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1989 | US | D.J. International Records DJ 99712", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
1990s8 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | France | Disques Dreyfus 877 055-1 / D.J. International Records 877 055-112", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1990 | France | Disques Dreyfus 877 054-77", Single | 7", Single |
| 1990 | France | Disques Dreyfus 877 055-1 / D.J. International Records 877 055-112", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1990 | France | Disques Dreyfus 877 054-77", Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1990 | UK | CBS XPR 149412", White Label, Promo · Promo | 12", White Label, Promo · Promo |
| 1990 | Europe | CBS 655740 6 / D.J. International Records 655740 612", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1990 | UK | D.J. International Records 655740 7 / CBS 655740 77", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | UK | CBS 655740 812" | 12" |
Tracklist
- A1They Want To Be Free (Strauss In The House Mix)
- A2They Want To Be Free (Club Dub Of Strauss In The House Mix)
- A3They Want To Be Free (LP Version)
- B1They Want To Be Free (Smooth Dub)
- B2They Want To Be Free (The Julian "Jumpin'" Perez Mix)
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of They Want To Be Free are there?
10 vinyl pressings of They Want To Be Free are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1989 and 1990.
When was They Want To Be Free first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in US. One of them is D.J. International Records DJ997.
How do I tell if my copy of They Want To Be Free is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use DJ997) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DJ-997-A LA SS and DJ-997-B LA SS. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is They Want To Be Free 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.
