Vinyl pressings
by Marianne Faithfull · 1980
As Tears Go By was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
2 pressings came out in 1980, 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.
6.24 259-01-1Side 1, variant 1
6.24 259-01-2Side 2, variant 1
6.24 259-01-1 S-II Manufactured in GermanySide 1, variant 2
6.24 2[X]59-01-2 S-II Manufactured in GermanySide 2, [crossed out number], variant 2
6.24259 - 01 - 1Side A
6.24259 - 01 - 2Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Germany | Decca 6.24259First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | Decca 6.24259First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Australasia | Decca TAB 13 / PolyGram Records Pty. Limited TAB 13LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Brazil | London Records 24003LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1981 | Europe | Decca TAB 13LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1981 | France | Decca 200 211 / Decca KTBC 200 211LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | France | Decca 200 211LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1981 | Japan | London Records L20P 1007LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Decca 6495 114LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | New Zealand | Decca MID 37LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Scandinavia | Decca TAB 13LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | UK | Decca TAB 13LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1981 | UK | Decca TAB 13LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | New Zealand | Rainbow RLP 499073LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
14 vinyl pressings of As Tears Go By are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1980 and 1981.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in Germany. One of them is Decca 6.24259.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 6.24259) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 6.24 259-01-1 and 6.24 259-01-2. 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.
