Vinyl pressings
by Simple Minds · 1989
Ballad Of The Streets was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
27 pressings came out in 1989, the album's first year, in 10 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.
SMXT 3A-1U-1-1 D TOWNHOUSE DMMA-side stamped and etched
SMXT 3B-1U-1-1 TOWNHOUSE DMM DB-side stamped and etched
SMXT 3A-1U-1-1 D TOWNHOUSE DMMA-Side Variant 2
SMXT 3B-1U-1-2 D TOWNHOUSE DMMB-Side Variant 2
SMXT 3A-1U-1-1 D TOWNHOUSE DMMEthings on run out groove side A
SMXT 3B-1U-1-2 D TOWNHOUSE DMMEthings on run out groove side B
SMX 3 A-1 U-1-Q2Stamped Side A
SMX 3 B-1 U-1-Q2Stamped Side B
SMX 3 A-2U-1-Side A runout stamped
SMX 3 B-3U-1-Side B runout stamped
SMX 3B-1U-1-1 DSide A runout stamped Variant 1
TOWNHOUSE DMMSides A+B runout etched Variant 1
SMX 3 A-1 U-1-Q2 D TOWNHOUSE DMMSide A runout
SMX 3 B-2U-1-Q2 DSide B runout
SMX 3-ASide A label
SMX 3-BSide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Europe | Virgin 111 998 / Virgin 111 998-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Europe | Virgin 611 998 / Virgin 611 998-213First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1989 | Europe | Virgin 611 998 / Virgin 611 998-213First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1989 | France | Virgin 90496First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | France | Virgin 80432First year12", EP | 12", EP |
| 1989 | France | Virgin 90496First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Greece | Virgin VG 2129 ZFirst year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1989 | Ireland | Virgin SMX 3First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | Italy | Virgin SMXT 3First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1989 | Italy | Virgin JBV 306First year7", 45 RPM, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Jukebox |
| 1989 | Italy | Virgin SMX 3First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1989 | Italy | Virgin JBV 306First year7", 45 RPM, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Jukebox |
| 1989 | Italy | Virgin JBV 306First year7", 45 RPM, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Jukebox |
| 1989 | Italy | Virgin SMXT 3First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1989 | UK | Virgin SMX 3First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
27 vinyl pressings of Ballad Of The Streets are listed here, from 10 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in UK, Canada, Australasia, Spain and more. One of them is Virgin SMXT 3, released January 18, 1989.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SMXT 3, SMX B3, SMX 3, SMDJ 3) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SMXT 3A-1U-1-1 D TOWNHOUSE DMM and SMXT 3B-1U-1-1 TOWNHOUSE DMM D. 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.
