Vinyl pressings
by Peter Schilling · 1988
The Different Story was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 7 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.
R/S Alsdorf 247971-0 AVariant 1, Runout side A
R/S Alsdorf 247971-0 B-2Variant 1, Runout side B
R/S Alsdorf 247971-0 A ^3Variant 2, Runout side A
R/S Alsdorf 247971-0 B-2 6Variant 2, Runout side B
R/S Alsdorf 247972-7 A 3Runout side A, stamped/etched, variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 247972-7 B 2Runout side B, stamped/etched, variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 247972-7 A 5Runout side A, stamped/etched, variant 2
R/S Alsdorf 247972-7 B 4Runout side B, stamped/etched, variant 2
R/S Alsdorf 247972-7 A 3Side A runout stamped
R/S Alsdorf 247972-7 B 2Side B runout stamped
R/S Alsdorf 247971-0 ARunout Side A
R/S Alsdorf 247971-0 B-2Runout Side B
R/S Alsdorf 247971-0 ARunout Side A
R/S Alsdorf 247971-0 B-2Runout Side B
R/S Alsdorf 247971-0 A 1Runout Side A
R/S Alsdorf 247971-0 B-2 2Runout 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Canada | WEA PRO 79710First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Europe | WEA 247 971-0First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1988 | Europe | WEA 247 972-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Germany | WEA 247 971-0First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Germany | WEA 247 971-0 / WEA YZ 411 (T)First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Germany | WEA 247 971-0First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Germany | WEA 247 972-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Germany | WEA 247 971-0 / WEA YZ 411 (T)First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1988 | Japan | WEA PRS-2047First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Philippines | WEA DS-174First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1988 | South Africa | WEA WIS 654First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1988 | UK | WEA YZ 411 / WEA 247 972-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Canada | WEA PRO 3167", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | US | Elektra ED 536812", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | US | Elektra 0-6670912", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
21 vinyl pressings of The Different Story are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1988 and 1989.
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in Europe, UK, Germany, Philippines and more. One of them is WEA 247 971-0.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 247 971-0, 247 972-7, YZ 411, DS-174) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, R/S Alsdorf 247971-0 A and R/S Alsdorf 247971-0 B-2. 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.
