Vinyl pressings
by Maggie Reilly · 1984
As Tears Go By was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 9 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.
ARISTA 12563 A//1▽420 H 1 1 1Runout side A
ARISTA 12563 B//1▽420 H 1 1 1Runout side B
ARIST 12 563-ALabel side A
ARIST 12 563-BLabel side B
ARIST 563 A // 1 ▽ 420 HSide A runout
ARIST 563 B // 1 ▽ 420 HSide B runout
MX-62439Side A Label
MX-62440Side B Label
DS 106501 A-1/84S I Made in GermanyRunout side A
DS 106501 B-1/84S I Made in GermanyRunout side B
S 106 501 ALabel A
S 106 501 BLabel B
DM 601408 A - 1/84S II MadeinGermanyRunout side A
DM 601408 B - 1/84S IIRunout side B
S 601 408 ALabel side A
S 601 408 BLabel side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australia | Arista K-9442First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Europe | Virgin 106 501 / Virgin 106 501-100First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Europe | Virgin 601408-213 / Virgin 601 408First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1984 | Germany & Switzerland | Arista 106 587First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Italy | Arista ARS 37116First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1984 | Portugal | Arista 03.106501.11First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1984 | Scandinavia | Arista ARI 8373First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | South Africa | Ariola ARS 2175First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Spain | Arista A-106 295First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1984 | UK | Arista ARIST 12 563 / Arista Arist 12-563First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1984 | UK | Arista Arist 563 / Arista ARIST 563First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of As Tears Go By are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, Australia, Europe, Germany & Switzerland and more. One of them is Arista ARIST 12 563.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ARIST 12 563, Arist 563, K-9442, 106 501) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ARISTA 12563 A//1▽420 H 1 1 1 and ARISTA 12563 B//1▽420 H 1 1 1. 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.
