UK
November 21, 1988- Label and catalog number
- Rhythm King LEFT 22T
- Format
- 12"
- Runout / matrix
LEFT-22T-A✳ (?) MAXSide A
LEFT-22T-B✳ (?) MAXSide B
MerlinBorn Free
Vinyl pressings
Born Free
by Merlin · 1988
11 pressings4 countriesHip-HouseElectronicHip Hop
Born Free was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Born Free
11 pressings came out in 1988, 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.
UK
November 21, 1988- Label and catalog number
- Rhythm King LEFT 22
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
L■EFT - 22 - A . ✶ THE EXCHANGE MAX.Runout etched side A
LEFT - 22 - B . ✶ JONL MAX.Runout etched side B
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- Rhythm King LEFT R22T
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition
- Runout / matrix
LEFTR 22 A¹ POUNDA UTOPIARunout side A
LEFTR 22 B¹ MPORunout side B
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- Rhythm King LEFT R22T
- Format
- 12", White Label
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- Rhythm King LEFT 22TP
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Promo
Australia
1988- Label and catalog number
- Possum Records TDS 514Rhythm King TDS 514
- Format
- 12"
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 11 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s11 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Australia | Possum Records TDS 514 / Rhythm King TDS 514First year12" | 12" |
| 1988 | Australia | Possum Records 104964 / Rhythm King LEFT 2First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1988 | France | Rhythm King 80417First year12" | 12" |
| 1988 | France | Rhythm King 90480First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Netherlands | TORSO TORSO 12091First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Netherlands | Torso 70091First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | UK | Rhythm King LEFT 22TPFirst year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | UK | Rhythm King LEFT R22TFirst year12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1988 | UK | Rhythm King LEFT R22TFirst year12", White Label | 12", White Label |
| 1988 | UK | Rhythm King LEFT 22TFirst year12" | 12" |
| 1988 | UK | Rhythm King LEFT 22First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
Tracklist
- ABorn Free
- B1Born Free (Unrapped)
- B2Born Free (Acapella)
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Born Free are there?
11 vinyl pressings of Born Free are listed here, from 4 countries.
When was Born Free first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in UK, Australia, France, Netherlands. One of them is Rhythm King LEFT 22T, released November 21, 1988.
How do I tell if my copy of Born Free is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LEFT 22T, LEFT 22, LEFT R22T, LEFT 22TP) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, LEFT-22T-A✳ (?) MAX and LEFT-22T-B✳ (?) MAX. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Born Free on vinyl worth?
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.