Vinyl pressings
by Julian Lennon · 1985
Because 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.
20 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 17 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.
EMI 5538 A-1-1-2-X1Machine stamped in run-out area A-side. Variant 1
EMI 5538 B-1-1-2-7Machine stamped in run-out area B-side. Variant 1
EMI 5538 A-1-1-3-4 DMachine stamped in run-out area A-side. Variant 2
EMI 5538 B-1-1-2-x1 DMachine stamped in run-out area B-side. Variant 2
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 EMI-1660First year7", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Australia | EMI EMI1660First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Brazil | EMI 31 C 052 2009617First year12" | 12" |
| 1985 | Brazil | EMI 31 C 052 200961ZFirst year12" | 12" |
| 1985 | France | EMI 2009617First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | EMI 1C 006-20 0961 7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Ireland | EMI EMI 5538First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Italy | EMI 06 2009617First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Japan | EMI EMS-17606First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Japan | EMI EMS-17606First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Mexico | EMI SEC 312First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Netherlands | EMI 1A 006-20 0961 7 / EMI 006 20 0961 7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | New Zealand | EMI EMI 5538First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Peru | EMI 01.21.2566First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | Portugal | EMI 2009617First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
24 vinyl pressings of Because are listed here, from 19 countries, released between 1985 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, Philippines, Australia, Brazil and more. One of them is EMI EMI 5538, released November 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EMI 5538, EMI-73-X-322, EMI1660, 31 C 052 2009617) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EMI 5538 A-1-1-2-X1 and EMI 5538 B-1-1-2-7. 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.
