Vinyl pressings
by Robin Beck · 1988
First Time 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.
30 pressings came out in 1988, 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.
MER 270 A-5U-1-Q2 Utopia∙MS.Stamped / etched, side A - variant 1
MER 270 B-2U-1-Q2 Utopia∙MS.Stamped / etched, side B - variant 1
MER 270 A-5U-1-Q2Stamped, side A - variant 1
MER 270 B-2U-1-Q2Stamped, side B - variant 1
MER - 270 - A 6 Utopia M.S. L21535 DAMONTRunout, side 1, stamped/etched
MER - 270 - B 3 Utopia M.S. L21536 DAMONTRunout, side 2, stamped/etched
MER 270 A-5U-1-1 Utopia MSRunout side 1, stamped/etched
MER 270 B-2U-1- Utopia MSRunout side 2, stamped/etched
MERX 270 A-2U-1- 1 UTOPIA MS.A side runout, variant 1
MERX 270 B-1U-1- 1 UTOPIA MS.B side runout, variant 1
MERX 270 A-2U-1- 1 UTOPIA MS.A side runout, variant 2
MERX 270 B-2U-1- 1 UTOPIA MS.B side runout, variant 2
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 | Argentina | Mercury 870 620-1 / Coca-Cola 872 375-2First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1988 | Australia | Mercury 870 620-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Australia | PolyGram 870 620-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Colombia | Mercury 10541First year7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1988 | Europe | Metronome 872 374-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Europe | Metronome 872 375-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1988 | Europe | Mercury 870 620-1 / Mercury MERX 270First year12", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1988 | Europe | Mercury 870 620-7 / Mercury MER 270First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | France | Mercury 870 620-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | France | Mercury 870 620-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | France | Mercury 870 620-1First year12", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1988 | Greece | Mercury 870620-1 / PolyGram 870620-1First year12" | 12" |
| 1988 | Greece | Mercury 870620-1 / PolyGram 870620-1First year12", White Label | 12", White Label |
| 1988 | Guatemala | Mercury 870 620-1First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1988 | Italy | Mercury 870620 - 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Colombia | Mercury 872375-77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
31 vinyl pressings of First Time are listed here, from 13 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in UK, South Africa, Argentina, Australia and more. One of them is Mercury MER 270, released July 1988.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MER 270, MERX 270, MERDJ 270, MERXDJ 270) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MER 270 A-5U-1-Q2 Utopia∙MS. and MER 270 B-2U-1-Q2 Utopia∙MS.. 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.
