Vinyl pressings
by Rockers Revenge · 1982
The Harder They Come was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
4 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 2 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.
SWRL.2207.A . RE3 STERLINGSide A runout, variant 1
SWRL.2207.B . RE STERLINGSide B runout, variant 1
S̶W̶R̶L̶·̶2̶2̶0̶6̶·̶A̶-̶R̶E̶ SWRL.2207-ARe STERLINGSide A runout, variant 2
SWRL 2207.B·RE STERLINGSide B runout, variant 2
SWRL-2207 ARE STERLINGSide A
SWRL-2207·B·RE STERLINGSide B
SWRL-2207-A-RE3 STERLINGA-Side Runout Etching
SWRL-2207·B·RE3 STERLING ⚾︎B-Side Runout Etching
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Barbados | London Records LONX 18First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1982 | US | Streetwise SWRL-2207First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1982 | US | Streetwise SWRL 2207First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | US | Streetwise SWRL-2207First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1982 | US | Streetwise SWRL-220712", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1983 | Barbados | London Records LON 187", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Canada | London Records LEP 31812", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1983 | France | Barclay 290 05312" | 12" |
| 1983 | France | London Records 100 3387", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Germany | Metronome 0930.11512", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Germany | Metronome 0030.6277", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Ireland | London Records LON 187", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Netherlands | London Records 810 103-77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Peru | London Records F-LON 0000018.27", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | Portugal | London Records OOLON 187", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
23 vinyl pressings of The Harder They Come are listed here, from 12 countries, released between 1982 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in US, Barbados. One of them is Streetwise SWRL-2207.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SWRL-2207, SWRL 2207, LONX 18) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SWRL.2207.A . RE3 STERLING and SWRL.2207.B . RE STERLING. 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.
