Vinyl pressings
by Madness · 1981
Grey Day 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.
29 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 14 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.
BUY 112 A-2, ARUNA-side runout, variant 1
BUY 112 B-1, PLAY QUIETLYB-side runout, variant 1
BUY 112 A-2, ARUNA-side runout, variant 2
BUY 112 B-2, PLAY QUIETLYB-side runout, variant 2
BUY.IT.112.A1 EG BILBO.TA1PE.LONDONA-Side Runout Etching
BUY.IT.112.B1 STIFF IS WONDERFUL A BILBO BOPPA! EGB-Side Runout Etching
BUY 112 A-2, ARUNA-side runout (variant 1)
BUY 112 B-2, PLAY QUIETLYB-side runout (variant 1)
BUY-112-A1 C ARUNA-side runout (variant 2)
BUY-112-B2 "PLAY QUIETLY"B-side runout (variant 2)
BUY.IT.112.A1 EG BILBO.TA1PE.LONDONRunout Side A
BUY.IT.112.B1 EG STIFF IS WONDERFULL A BILBO BOPPA!Runout Side B
BUY 112 A-1, ARUNA-side runout, etched. Variant 1
BUY 112 B-1, PLAY QUIETLYB-side runout, etched. Variant 1
BUY 112 A-1, ARUNA-side runout, etched. Variant 2
BUY 112 B-2, PLAY QUIETLYB-side runout, etched. Variant 2
BUY 112 A-2, ARUNA-side runout, etched. Variant 1
BUY 112 B-1, PLAY QUIETLYB-side runout, etched. Variant 1
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 | Stiff Records K-8298 / Stiff Records BUY-112First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1981 | Belgium | Stiff Records BUY 112First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | France | Stiff Records 101471 / Vogue 101471First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Germany | Stiff Records 6.13 096 / Stiff Records 6.13096First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Germany | Stiff Records 6.13 096 / Stiff Records 6.13096First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Ireland | Stiff Records BUY 112First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1981 | Italy | Stiff Records ZPGSF 33419First year12", Mini-Album, Stereo | 12", Mini-Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Japan | Stiff Records VIP-5912First year12", EP | 12", EP |
| 1981 | Japan | Stiff Records VIPX-1581 / Stiff Records STIFF-1581First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Japan | Stiff Records VIPX-1581 / Stiff Records STIFF-1581First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Japan | Stiff Records VIP-5912First year12", EP, Promo · Promo | 12", EP, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Stiff Records BUY 112First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1981 | New Zealand | Stiff Records BUY 112First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1981 | Scandinavia | Stiff Records GREY DAY 1First year12", Mini-Album, Compilation | 12", Mini-Album, Compilation |
| 1981 | Scandinavia | Stiff Records BUY 112First year7", Single, Stereo | 7", Single, Stereo |
31 vinyl pressings of Grey Day are listed here, from 14 countries, released between 1981 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in UK, Australia, Belgium, France and more. One of them is Stiff Records BUY 112.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BUY 112, BUY IT 112, K-8298, 101471) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BUY 112 A-2, ARUN and BUY 112 B-1, PLAY QUIETLY. 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.
