Vinyl pressings
by Simply Red · 1991
Stars was first pressed on vinyl in 1991. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1991, 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.
WMME Alsdorf 903 175284-1-A XXXSide A runout, variant 1
WMME Alsdorf 903 175284-1-B XXSide B runout, variant 1
WMME Alsdorf 903 175284-1-A 4x 40Side A runout, variant 2
WMME Alsdorf 903 175284-1-Bx 58Side B runout, variant 2
BMG 670.9391-A ... 1ATA 3Variant 1 stamped side A
BMG 670.9391-B ... 1ATA 2Variant 1 stamped side B
BMG 670.9391-A ... 1ATA 1Variant 2 stamped side A
BMG 670.9391-B ... 1ATA 1Variant 2 stamped side B
2035885 A 161291
2035885 B 161291
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Bolivia | WEA WL - 1187First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1991 | Brazil | EastWest 670.9391 / EastWest 01379First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1991 | Croatia | Croatia Records LP-7 2035885 / EastWest 9031-75284-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1991 | Europe | Ferret & Spanner P.R.First yearLP, Album, CD, Album, Cassette, Album, Box Set, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, CD, Album, Cassette, Album, Box Set, Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | Guatemala | WEA 9031-75284-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1991 | South Africa | EastWest WIC 5136First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1991 | Zimbabwe | Tusk Music WIC 5136First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1991 | Europe | EastWest WX 427 / EastWest 9031-75284-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1992 | Colombia | EastWest (7110)075284LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1992 | Russia | BRS RGM 7043LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | UK | Warner Music United Kingdom 0190295926281LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Special Edition | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Special Edition |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Argentina | Warner Music United Kingdom 9029-59262-8LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Special Edition | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Special Edition |
| 2021 | UK | Warner Music United Kingdom 0190296726323LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2021 | Germany, Austria, & Switzerland | Warner Music United Kingdom 0190295926281LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Warner Music United Kingdom 0190295926281LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered |
15 vinyl pressings of Stars are listed here, from 12 countries, released between 1991 and 2021.
The earliest pressings are from 1991, in Europe, Bolivia, Brazil, Croatia and more. One of them is EastWest WX 427, released September 30, 1991.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use WX 427, WL - 1187, 670.9391, LP-7 2035885) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, WMME Alsdorf 903 175284-1-A XXX and WMME Alsdorf 903 175284-1-B XX. 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.
