Vinyl pressings
by Red Guitars · 1986
Tales Of The Expected was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 8 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.
V 2373 A-1U-1-1-1 TOWNHOUSE KEVA-side runout, stamped; TOWNHOUSE KEV etched.
V 2373 B-2U-1-1-X1B-side runout, stamped.
V 2373 A-2U-1-1-x1A side runout, variant I, stamped
V 2373 B-2U-1-1-x1B side runout, variant 1, stamped
V 2373 A-1U-1-1-X1 TOWNHOUSE KEV
V 2373 B-1U-1-1-X1 TOWNHOUSE KEV
V2 373 A 1 S 2 6-6Side A, Runout, Stamped
V2 373 B 1 S 2Side B, Runout, Stamped
V-2373-ASide A, Label
V-2373-BSide B, Label
VL 2373-A CRSide A runout
VL 2373-B CRSide B runout
DM 207669 A-1/2-86 SSide A runout
DM 207669 B-1/2-86 SSide B runout
DM 207 669 ASide A label
DM 207 669 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Canada | Virgin VL 2373First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Europe | Virgin 207 669-620 / Virgin 207 669First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | France | Virgin 123731LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1986 | France | Virgin 123731First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Italy | Virgin V2373 / Virgin V 2373First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | New Zealand | Virgin V2373First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Spain | Virgin T 207 669 / Virgin T 207669First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | UK | Virgin V2373First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | UK | Virgin V2373First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Japan | Virgin 25VB-1086First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Japan | Virgin 25VB-1086First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
11 vinyl pressings of Tales Of The Expected are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, Japan, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Virgin V2373.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use V2373, 25VB-1086, VL 2373, 207 669-620) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, V 2373 A-1U-1-1-1 TOWNHOUSE KEV and V 2373 B-2U-1-1-X1. 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.
