Vinyl pressings
by Paul Carrack · 1987
Don't Shed A Tear was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
22 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 11 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.
VS 4 43164-A C1 G1Runout side A, variant 1
VS 4 43164-B C1 G1Runout side B, variant 1
VS 4 43164-A C1 G1 E A20 STERLINGRunout side A, variant 2
VS 4 43164-B C2 G1 E A4 STERLINGRunout side B, variant 2
VS 4 43164-A C1 G1 E A6 STERLINGRunout side A
VS 4 43164 B C1 G1 E A10 STERLINGRunout side B
VS4 43164 ALabel side A
VS4 43164 BLabel sIde B
VS 4 43164-A C1 G1Run-out etching side A
VS 4 43164-B C1 G1Run-out etching side B
VS4 43164 ALabel Side A
VS4 43164 BLabel SIde B
CHS-12.3164-A.1A side
CHS-12.3164-B.1B side
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Australia | Chrysalis X 14518First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Australia | ChrysalisFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label |
| 1987 | Australia & New Zealand | Chrysalis K-394First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1987 | Australia & New Zealand | Chrysalis K-394 / Chrysalis K 394First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1987 | Bolivia | CBS S 30607 / Discos CBS S 30607First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Canada | Chrysalis 43164First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | Canada | Chrysalis 43164First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Europe | Chrysalis 109 383First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Stereo |
| 1987 | Europe | Chrysalis 609 383First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Europe | Chrysalis 109 383First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | France | Chrysalis 870 235-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | France | Chrysalis 870 235-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Germany | Chrysalis 609 383First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Germany | Chrysalis 609 383First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Mexico | CBS PR-650683First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Chrysalis K-3947", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
27 vinyl pressings of Don't Shed A Tear are listed here, from 12 countries, released between 1987 and 1989.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in US, UK, Australia, Australia & New Zealand and more. One of them is Chrysalis VS4 43164.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS4 43164, VAS 2768, CHS 12 3164, CHS 3164) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 4 43164-A C1 G1 and VS 4 43164-B C1 G1. 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.
