Vinyl pressings
by Midi Rain · 1991
Always was first pressed on vinyl in 1991. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1991, the album's first year, in 2 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.
STORM 37 A1 MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGE B PR-E TO PAULA-side run-out, variant 1
STORM 37 B1 MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGE PR-E FB-side run-out, variant 1
STORM 37 A1 MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGE D PR-E TO PAULA-side run-out, etched, variant 2
STORM 37 B1 MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGE PR-E DB-side run-out, etched, variant 2
STORM 37 R A1 Mike's The Exchange PR-E PIANO ME UP BABY!Side A Etchings
STORM 37 R B1 Mike's The Exchange PR-E P3Side A Etchings
STORM 37 S A1 LYN 29639 PR-E MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGEA-side runout
STORM 37 S B1 PR-E ¹ MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGEB-side runout
STORM 37 A1 MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGE B PR-E TO PAULA-side runout
STORM 37 B1 MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGE PR-E FB-side runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Italy | Flying International FIN 048First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1991 | Italy | Flying International FIN 048First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1991 | UK | Vinyl Solution STORM 37 RFirst year12", White Label | 12", White Label |
| 1991 | UK | Vinyl Solution STORM 37First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | UK | Vinyl Solution STORM 37 SFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label |
| 1991 | UK | Vinyl Solution STORM 37 SFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | UK | Vinyl Solution STORM 37First year12", 45 RPM, Single, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, Single, White Label |
| 1991 | UK | Vinyl Solution STORM 37First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | UK | Vinyl Solution STORM 37RFirst year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1994 | Italy | Bull & Butcher Recordings BB 2075 MX12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1994 | UK | Vinyl Solution STORM 9112" | 12" |
| 1994 | UK | Vinyl Solution MIDI 212", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1994 | UK | Vinyl Solution MIDI 212", White Label | 12", White Label |
| 1994 | US | Columbia CAS 603012", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1995 | France | Terrifik 0630-12892-012", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
15 vinyl pressings of Always are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1991 and 1995.
The earliest pressings are from 1991, in UK, Italy. One of them is Vinyl Solution STORM 37, released December 2, 1991.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use STORM 37, STORM 37R, STORM 37 R, STORM 37 S) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, STORM 37 A1 MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGE B PR-E TO PAUL and STORM 37 B1 MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGE PR-E F. 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.
