Vinyl pressings
by Kool & The Gang · 1986
Holiday was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
1 pressing came out in 1986, 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.
888 - 712 - 1 - AS - REV - ES EMWEtched A side
888 - 712 - 1 - BS - REV - ES EMWEtched B side
STERLINGStamped A & B sides
888 712-1 (AS-REV)Label A side
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | US | Mercury 888 712-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | US | Mercury 888 712-112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1987 | Australia | Mercury 888 712-112", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Canada | Mercury PMSX 1212", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Canada | Mercury PMS 127" | 7" |
| 1987 | France | Mercury 888 712-77", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Germany | Metronome 888 751-77", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Germany | Metronome 888 751-112", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Netherlands | Mercury 888 712-112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1987 | Netherlands | Mercury 888 712-112" | 12" |
| 1987 | Netherlands | Mercury 888 712-77", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Spain | Mercury 888 712-77", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Spain | Mercury 888 712-112", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Spain | Mercury 888 712-77", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | US | Mercury 888 712-112", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM |
21 vinyl pressings of Holiday are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in US. One of them is Mercury 888 712-1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 888 712-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 888 - 712 - 1 - AS - REV - ES EMW and 888 - 712 - 1 - BS - REV - ES EMW. 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.
