Vinyl pressings
by Pet Shop Boys · 1990
So Hard was first pressed on vinyl in 1990. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
29 pressings came out in 1990, the album's first year, in 13 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.
12 R6269 A-1U-1-2 MIKE'S -THE EXCHANGE DMM DRunout side A, variant 1
12 R6269 B-1U-1-1- MIKE'S -THE EXCHANGE DMM DRunout side B, variant 1
12 R6269 A-1U-1-1- MIKE'S -THE EXCHANGE DMM DRunout side A, variant 2
12 R6269 B-1U-1-2 MIKE'S -THE EXCHANGE DMM DRunout side B, variant 2
R 6269 A - 1U - 1 - Q5 DRunout, A-side, stamped
R 6269 B - 1U - 1 - Q2 DRunout, B-side, stamped
R 6269 A-1U-1-2 MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGE DMM D A IRunout side A
R 6269 B-1U-1-2 MIKE'S - THE EXCHANGE DMM D A IRunout side B
12 RX 6269 A-2-1-1 DRunout side A, variant 1
12 RX 6269B-1U-1-2 D THE EXCHANGERunout side B, variant 1
12 RX 6269 A-2-1- DRunout side A, variant 2
12 RX 6269 B-1U-1-2 D THE EXCHANGERunout side B, variant 2
R 6269 A-1U-1-Q5Run-Out A
R 6269 B-1U-1-Q2Run-Out B
12 RDJ 6269 A-1U-1- THE EXCHANGE - DMM NP/MM DRunout side A
12 RDJ 6269 B-1U-1- THE EXCHANGE - DMM NP/MM DRunout side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Australasia | Parlophone 2481-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1990 | Bolivia | EMI E-SM 60001First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1990 | Brazil | Parlophone 9951 220First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1990 | Europe | Parlophone RDJ 6269First year7", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1990 | Europe | Parlophone 060 20 4092 6 / Parlophone 060-20 4092 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | France | Parlophone 2040626 / EMI 2040626First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1990 | France | Parlophone 2040627First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1990 | Germany | Parlophone 060 20 4177 6 / Parlophone 060-20 4177 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1990 | Germany | Parlophone 060 20 4062 6 / Parlophone 060-20 4062 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | Germany | EMI Electrola 20406277", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1990 | Italy | Parlophone 14 2040626First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1990 | Philippines | EMI USA EP-E-USA-12x004 / EMI USA E2-56195First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1990 | Philippines | EMI USA E-USA-89x016-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1990 | Portugal | Parlophone 2040627First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1990 | Spain | Parlophone 052 20 4062 6 / Parlophone 052 2040626First year12" | 12" |
31 vinyl pressings of So Hard are listed here, from 13 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1990, in UK, US, Europe, Italy and more. One of them is Parlophone 12r6269, released September 24, 1990.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12r6269, r6269, 12rx 6269, 12RDJ 6269) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12 R6269 A-1U-1-2 MIKE'S -THE EXCHANGE DMM D and 12 R6269 B-1U-1-1- MIKE'S -THE EXCHANGE DMM D. 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.
