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 3 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 175801-7-ARunout side A, variant 1
WMME Alsdorf 903 175801-7-BRunout side B, variant 1
WMME Alsdorf 903 175801-7-A 9Runout side A, variant 2
WMME Alsdorf 903 175801-7-B 8Runout side B, variant 2
WMME Alsdorf 903 175802-0-ARunout area side A
WMME Alsdorf 903 175802-0-BXRunout area side B
YZ - 626(T) A-1Runout Side A, etched
YZ - 626(T) B-1Runout Side B, etched
YZ626-A-1 LYN 29586Side A runout, etched
YZ626-B-1 LYN 29587Side B runout, etched
YZ626-A-1 LYN 29586 BRunout side A
YZ626-B-1 GRunout 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Europe | EastWest YZ 626 T / EastWest 9031-75802-0First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1991 | France | EastWest 9031-75801-7 / EastWest YZ 626First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | France | EastWest 9031-75801-7 / EastWest YZ 626First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | UK | EastWest YZ 626First year7", Single, Promo, 45 RPM · Promo | 7", Single, Promo, 45 RPM · Promo |
| 1991 | UK | EastWest YZ626T / EastWest 9031-75802-0First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1991 | UK | EastWest YZ 626 / EastWest 9031-75801-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1991 | UK | EastWest YZ 626 / EastWest 9031-75801-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1991 | Europe | EastWest 9031-75801-7 / EastWest YZ 626First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1992 | Philippines | Atlantic ATR-0494 / Atlantic 9031-75801-77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | Philippines | Atlantic DS-345 / EastWest 9031-75802-012", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition, Special Edition · Limited | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition, Special Edition · Limited |
10 vinyl pressings of Stars are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1991 and 1992.
The earliest pressings are from 1991, in Europe, UK, France. One of them is EastWest 9031-75801-7, released November 22, 1991.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 9031-75801-7, YZ 626 T, YZ626T, YZ 626) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, WMME Alsdorf 903 175801-7-A and WMME Alsdorf 903 175801-7-B. 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.
