Vinyl pressings
by Kelly Price · 1998
Friend Of Mine was first pressed on vinyl in 1998. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1998, the album's first year, in 4 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.
314-572 331-1 A -HS A&M MASTERING AG >:|Runout A etched, except A&M Mastering
314-572 331-1 B -HS A&M MASTERING AG >:|Runout B etched, except A&M Mastering
Island Kelly Price "Friend" - ASide A
Island Kelly Price "Friend" - BSide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | France | Island Black Music 2948First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1998 | Jamaica | Island RecordsFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1998 | UK | Island Black Music 572 441-1 / T-Neck 572 441-1First year12" | 12" |
| 1998 | UK | Island Black Music 572 457-1 / Island Records 12 IS 723First year12" | 12" |
| 1998 | UK | Island Black Music 12 IS 723DJFirst year12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1998 | US | Island Black MusicFirst year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1998 | US | Island Black Music 314-572 331-1DJ / Unity In The Community 314-572 331-1DJFirst year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1998 | US | Island Black Music 314-572 331-1 / T-Neck 314-572 331-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1998 | US | Island Black Music 314-572 330-7 / T-Neck 314-572 330-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1998 | UK | Not On Label PU00112", Test Pressing, Unofficial Release, White Label · Unofficial, Test pressing | 12", Test Pressing, Unofficial Release, White Label · Unofficial, Test pressing |
| 1999 | UK | Redfire Promotions D1257412", Single Sided, White Label | 12", Single Sided, White Label |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Island Black Music PR 12786012", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
12 vinyl pressings of Friend Of Mine are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1998 and 1999.
The earliest pressings are from 1998, in US, UK, Jamaica, France. One of them is Island Black Music 314-572 331-1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 314-572 331-1, 314-572 330-7, 314-572 331-1DJ, 572 441-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 314-572 331-1 A -HS A&M MASTERING AG >:| and 314-572 331-1 B -HS A&M MASTERING AG >:|. 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.
