Vinyl pressings
by Pet Shop Boys · 1996
Before was first pressed on vinyl in 1996. 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 1996, 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.
12RX*** 6431 B-2-1-1Runout side A, variant 1
12RX*** 6431 B-2-1-1Runout side B, variant 1
12RX*** 6431C *-1-1-1Runout side C, variant 1
12RX*** 6431D *-1-1-1Runout side D, variant 1
RLH 6431 A-2-1-Q1Run-Out A
RLH 6431 B-2-1-Q1Run-Out B
STDM-83765-83766-1 [SRC logo] F/w RCESide A, etched
STDM-83767-83768-1 [SRC logo]Side B, etched
STDM-83769-83770-1 [SRC logo] F/W RCESide C, etched
STDM-83771-83772-1Side D, etched
12 RDJD 64311 A-1-1-Runout side A, variant 1
12 RDJD 64311 B-1-1-Runout side B, variant 1
12 RDJD 64312 A-1-1-Runout side C, variant 1
12 RDJD 64312 B-1-1-Runout side D, variant 1
12 RDJ 6431 A-2-1-Runout A: Machine stamped
12 RDJ 6431 B-2-1-Runout B: Machine stamped
12RDJ 6431 ALabel A-side
12RDJ 6431 BLabel B-side
12RDJ 6431 A-1-1-1 #2ALabel A-side
12RDJ 6431 B-2-1-1Label B-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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | France | Parlophone 7243 8 82836 6 3First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1996 | Italy | Parlophone 7243 8 82836 6 3First year12" | 12" |
| 1996 | UK | Parlophone 12RDJ 6431First year12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1996 | UK | Parlophone RLH 6431First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox |
| 1996 | UK | Parlophone 12RDJ 6431First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mispress, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mispress, Promo · Promo |
| 1996 | US | Atlantic 0-85489First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1996 | US | Atlantic DMD 2312First year12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1996 | US | Atlantic DMD 231212", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1996 | UK | Parlophone 12RX 6431 / Parlophone 7243 8 82899 6 2First year12", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM, Box Set | 12", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM, Box Set |
| 1996 | UK | Parlophone 12RDJD 6431First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
10 vinyl pressings of Before are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1996, in UK, US, France, Italy. One of them is Parlophone 12RX 6431, released April 22, 1996.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12RX 6431, RLH 6431, 0-85489, 12RDJD 6431) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12RX*** 6431 B-2-1-1 and 12RX*** 6431 B-2-1-1. 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.
