Vinyl pressings
by John Klemmer · 1981
Hush was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 5 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.
5E-527-A2-SP SP TML-X 1-1 SM2-3Runout side A, variant 1
5E-527-B4-SP [SRC logo] TML-X 1-1Runout side B, variant 1
5E-527-A2-SP SP TML-X 1-1Runout side A, variant 2
5E-527-B4-SP [SRC logo] TML-X 1-1SM1-3Runout side B, variant 2
5E-527-A (AR)A Side Label
5E-527-B (AR)B Side Label
5E-527-A2-SP SP TML-X 1- B-15619-SP SPARA Side Etch
5E-527-B3-AR ɑ B-15620-B3B Side Etch exc "ɑ" stamp
5E-527-A1-AR a TML-M B-15619A-Side Runout Etching
5E-527-B1-AR a TML-M B-15620B-Side Runout Etching
5E-527-AA-Side Label
5E-527-BB-Side Label
Å MX198459 5E527-1Side 1 runout stamped
Å MX198460 5E527-2Side 2 runout stamped
MX198459Side 1 label
MX198460Side 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Australia | Elektra 5E-527First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Canada | Elektra X5E-527First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Canada | Elektra X5E-527First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Japan | Elektra P-11021EFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Japan | Elektra P-11021EFirst yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Panama | Elektra 5E-527First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | US | Elektra 5E-527First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | US | Elektra 5E-527First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1981 | US | Elektra 5E-527First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | US | Elektra 5E-527First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | US | Elektra 5E-527First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
11 vinyl pressings of Hush are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in US, Australia, Canada, Japan and more. One of them is Elektra 5E-527.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 5E-527, X5E-527, P-11021E) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 5E-527-A2-SP SP TML-X 1-1 SM2-3 and 5E-527-B4-SP [SRC logo] TML-X 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.
