Vinyl pressings
by Orleans · 1979
Forever was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
16 pressings came out in 1979, the album's first year, in 12 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.
INF-9006AA Side Label
INF-9006BB Side Label
INF·9006A-MCR2 MCR ℐoe ◈-P-◈A Side Etch, except Pinckneyville stamp
INF·9006·B-MCR5 MCR ℐoe ◈-P-◈B Side Etch, except Pinckneyville stamp
INF-9006-A-MCR 7 PRCW-1 MCA JoeRunout A
INF-9006-B-MCR 7 PRCW-1 MCA JoeRunout B
INF-9006ALabel A
INF-9006BLabel B
INF•9006•A-MCR1 MCR Joe ⧈-G-⧈Runout A, variant 1
INF•9006•B-MCR4 MCR Joe 2 ⧈-G-⧈Runout B, variant 1
INF•9006•A-MCR1 MCR Joe 3 ⧈-G-⧈Runout A, variant 2
INF•9006•B-MCR4 MCR Joe 1 ⧈-G-⧈Runout B, variant 2
INS 2004 A-1 TiM'S ⋀Side A runout
INS 2004 B-1 ⋀ TTYSide B runout
INS 2004 A*Side A label
INS 2004 B*Side B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Brazil | Infinity Records 304.0068First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Canada | Infinity Records INF-9006First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1979 | France | Infinity Records 511 012First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Germany | Infinity Records 0062.504First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Italy | Infinity Records INFL 9006First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1979 | Japan | Infinity Records VIP-6672First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | Japan | Infinity Records VIP-6672First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Netherlands | Infinity Records 5C 062-62598First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | South Africa | Infinity Records ML 4284First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Spain | Infinity Records 91 98 275First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | UK | Infinity Records INS 2004 / Infinity Records INF 9006First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | UK | Infinity Records INS 2004First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| 1979 | US | Infinity Records INF-9006First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | Venezuela | Infinity Records 190.056 / Infinity Records LP-190.056First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | US | Infinity Records INF-9006First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
16 vinyl pressings of Forever are listed here, from 12 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in US, UK, Brazil, Canada and more. One of them is Infinity Records INF-9006, released January 1, 1979.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use INF-9006, INS 2004, 304.0068, 511 012) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, INF-9006A and INF-9006B. 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.
