Vinyl pressings
by Peter Skellern · 1975
Hard Times was first pressed on vinyl in 1975. 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 1975, 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.
WIPX 1404-1U T 1 RAYSide A runout, variant 1
WIPX 1405-1U H 1Side B runout, variant 1
WIPX 1404-1U M 1 RAYSide A runout, variant 2
WIPX 1405-1U R 1Side B runout, variant 2
WIPX 1404-1USide A runout, stamped
RAYSide A runout, etched
WIPX 1405-1USide B runout, stamped
PVT-1118M̲1C PVT-1118-M-1C MR —△98455Etched side A
PVT-1118--1C PVT-1118-S-1C MR —△98456Etched side B
PVT-1118-MLabel side A
PVT-1118Label side B
S 16314 A-1 75 Made in GermanySide A, stamped
S 16314 B-1 75 Made in GermanySide B, stamped
S 16 314 ASide A, label
S 16 314 BSide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | France | Island Records 6138 075First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1975 | Germany | Island Records 16 314 ATFirst year7" | 7" |
| 1975 | Ireland | Island Records WIP 6235First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1975 | New Zealand | Island Records K6066First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1975 | Spain | Island Records 16 314 AFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1975 | UK | Island Records WIP 6235First year7" | 7" |
| 1975 | UK | Island Records WIP 6235First year7", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1975 | US | Private Stock PS 45,054First year7" | 7" |
| 1975 | US | Private Stock PS 45,054First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Island Records K-60667", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of Hard Times are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1975, in UK, US, France, Germany and more. One of them is Island Records WIP 6235.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use WIP 6235, PS 45,054, 6138 075, 16 314 AT) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, WIPX 1404-1U T 1 RAY and WIPX 1405-1U H 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.
