Vinyl pressings
by Rush · 1978
The Trees was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1978, the album's first year, in 4 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.
2-54863 A-CT2 (74051) [MASTERDISK] G.K. TIIIISide A Runout, etched [stamped]
2-54862 B-CT2 (74051) [MASTERDISK] G.K. TIISide B Runout, etched [stamped]
2-54863Side A Label
2-54862Side B Label
2-54863 A-CS6 (74051) [MASTERDISK] G.K. SSide A Runout, etched [stamped]
2-54862 B-CS6 (74051) [MASTERDISK] G.K. SSide B Runout, etched [stamped]
2-54863Side A Label
2-54862Side B Label
Side A MK-75-A1 JAMF
Side B MK-75-B2 JAMF
ANS - 009 - ASide A
ANS - 009 - BSide B
AA 6167 814 1W1 Ⓟ1978 670 03 1side A runout stamped
AA 6167 814 2W1 Ⓟ1978 670 03 1side B runout stamped
6167 814.1side A label
6167 814.2side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Canada | Anthem ANS-009First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | France | Mercury 6837 526First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox, Promo · Promo |
| 1978 | Netherlands | Mercury 6167 814First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | US | Mercury 74051First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1978 | US | Mercury 74051First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Styrene · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Styrene · Promo |
| 1978 | US | Mercury MK-75First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1978 | US | Mercury 74051First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | US | Mercury MK-7512", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Mercury SFL-22897", Single, Limited Edition, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Limited | 7", Single, Limited Edition, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Limited |
| ? | Unknown | Mercury SFL-22897", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Limited |
| ? | Mexico | Mercury 1098-3540637", Single | 7", Single |
11 vinyl pressings of The Trees are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1978 and 1979.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in US, Canada, Netherlands, France. One of them is Mercury 74051.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 74051, MK-75, ANS-009, 6167 814) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2-54863 A-CT2 (74051) [MASTERDISK] G.K. TIIII and 2-54862 B-CT2 (74051) [MASTERDISK] G.K. TII. 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.
