Vinyl pressings
by Sandra · 1990
(Life May Be) A Big Insanity was first pressed on vinyl in 1990. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1990, the album's first year, in 7 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.
004 DS 113272 A 1Runout side A, Variant 1
004 DS 113272 B 1Runout side B, Variant 1
004 DS 113272 A-1 IIRunout side A, Variant 2
004 DS 113272 B 1Runout side B, Variant 2
004 DM613272 A-1 IIRunout Side A
004 DM613272 B-1 IIRunout Side B
VS 1286 A-1U-1- DRunout stamped side A
VS 1286 B-1U-1- DRunout stamped side B
VS 1286-ALabel side A
VS 1286-BLabel side B
VST 1286 A-1U-1-2 Townhouse D.M.M.Runout side A
VST 1286 B-1U-1-2 Townhouse D.M.M.Runout side B
VST 1286 A-1U-1-D Townhouse D.M.M.Runout side A
VST 1286 B-1U-1-D Townhouse D.M.M.Runout side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Ecuador | EMI 103-0360First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1990 | Ecuador | EMI 103-0360First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1990 | Europe | Virgin 113 272 / Virgin 113 272-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | Europe | Virgin 613 272 / Virgin 613 272-213First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | France | Virgin 90 608 / Virgin 90608First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | Germany | Virgin 113 272First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1990 | Italy | Virgin VINX 258First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1990 | Philippines | Virgin VAS-90-4059First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | UK | Virgin VST 1286 / Virgin 663 272First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1990 | UK | Virgin VST 1286 DJFirst year12", Single, White Label | 12", Single, White Label |
| 1990 | UK | Virgin VS 1286 / Virgin 113 272First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1990 | UK | Virgin VS 1286 / Virgin 113 272First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of (Life May Be) A Big Insanity are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1990, in Europe, UK, Ecuador, France and more. One of them is Virgin 113 272.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 113 272, 613 272, VS 1286, VST 1286) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 004 DS 113272 A 1 and 004 DS 113272 B 1. 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.
