Vinyl pressings
by Jules Shear · 1985
Steady was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. 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 1985, the album's first year, in 8 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.
[2005657 crossed out] -A1-C 2005567 ARunout side A, stamped, etched
[2005657 crossed out] -B1-C 2005567 BRunout side B, stamped, etched
EA 196ALabel side A
EA 196BLabel side B
SPRO - 1 - 9341 - Z - 1Runout Side A
SPRO - 1 - 9341 - Z2Runout Side B
B-8259- S-45-501778-Z2 #1 [Artisan Sound logo]A side runout
B-8259- S-45-501778-Z2 #2 [Artisan Sound logo]B side runout
501778A and B labels identical
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Australia | EMI America AMI-1497First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Australia | EMI America AMI-1497First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Brazil | EMI America 31C 006 200556First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Canada | EMI America B-8259First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Ecuador | EMI America 109-0068First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Europe | EMI America 1A 006-20 0556 7 / EMI America 1A 006 20 0556 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | EMI America 1C K 052-20 0556 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | Italy | EMI America 06 2005567First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | UK | EMI America EA 196 / EMI America ea 196First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | US | EMI America B-8259First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | US | EMI America SPRO-9341First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Single · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Single · Promo |
| 1985 | US | EMI America P-B-8259First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
12 vinyl pressings of Steady are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in Europe, UK, US, Australia and more. One of them is EMI America 1A 006-20 0556 7.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 1A 006-20 0556 7, 1C K 052-20 0556 6, EA 196, B-8259) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, [2005657 crossed out] -A1-C 2005567 A and [2005657 crossed out] -B1-C 2005567 B. 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.
