Japan
October 1976- Label and catalog number
- Polydor MPF 1031
- Format
- LP, Compilation
- Runout / matrix
〄 MPF-1031A A-1-5 LCRunout A [Stamped]
MPF-1031B A-1-5Runout B [Stamped]
Vinyl pressings
The Best Years
by Rory Gallagher · 1976
16 pressings10 countriesBlues RockAcousticElectric BluesRock
The Best Years was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of The Best Years
3 pressings came out in 1976, 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.
Australia
1976- Label and catalog number
- Polydor 2383 414
- Format
- LP, Compilation
- Runout / matrix
MX183339 2383 414-1Deadwax, Side A, Stamped
MX183340 2383 414-2Deadwax, Side B, Stamped
Japan
October 1976- Label and catalog number
- Polydor MPF 1031
- Format
- LP, Compilation, Promo
- Runout / matrix
MPF-1031A A-1-1 LK6Side A [Stamped]
MPF-1031B A-1-3Side B [Stamped]
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 16 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s14 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Australia | Polydor 2383 414First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | Japan | Polydor MPF 1031First yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | Japan | Polydor MPF 1031First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Canada | Polydor 2383 414LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | France | Polydor 2383 414LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Germany | Polydor 2459 332LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1977 | Ireland | Polydor 2383 414LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Italy | Polydor 2383 414LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Spain | Polydor 23 83 414LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | UK | Polydor 2383 414LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | UK | Polydor 2383 414LP, Compilation, Mispress | LP, Compilation, Mispress |
| 1977 | Yugoslavia | Polydor 2459 332 / PGP RTB LP 5685LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Yugoslavia | Polydor 2459 332 / PGP RTB LP 5685LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Yugoslavia | Polydor 2459 332 / PGP RTB LP 5685LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Polydor 2383 414LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Yugoslavia | Polydor 2459 332 / PGP RTB LP 5685LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
Tracklist
- A1Tattoo'd Lady4:38
- A2Banker's Blues4:42
- A3Used To Be5:06
- A4Just A Smile3:40
- A5Going To My Home Town5:45
- B1Race The Breeze6:50
- B2Sinner Boy5:30
- B3Crest Of A Wave5:52
- B4Admit It4:19
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Best Years are there?
16 vinyl pressings of The Best Years are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1976 and 1977.
When was The Best Years first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in Japan, Australia. One of them is Polydor MPF 1031, released October 1976.
How do I tell if my copy of The Best Years is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MPF 1031, 2383 414) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 〄 MPF-1031A A-1-5 LC and MPF-1031B A-1-5. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Best Years on vinyl worth?
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.
