Vinyl pressings
by Surface · 1986
Happy was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
4 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 2 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.
XSS-175776-1A-DMM GI A4Runout side A, etched, variant 1
XSS-175777-1A-DMM GI ARunout side B, etched, variant 1
XSS-175776-1A-DMM GI F6Runout side A, etched, variant 2
XSS-175777-1A-DMM G4 B20 ↓ ↓ ↓Runout side B, etched, variant 2
ZSS-175774-1A-DMM G3Run-Out Etching Side A
ZSS-175775-1A-DMM G1Run-Out Etching Side B
ZSS 175774Label Side A
ZSS 175775Label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Canada | Columbia 38 06611First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | US | Columbia 44-06739First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1986 | US | Columbia 38 06611First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1986 | US | Columbia 38 06611First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Europe | CBS CBS 650393 612", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Greece | Columbia 650393 612", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Spain | CBS 650393 77", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | CBS 650393 812", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | CBS 650393 612", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | CBS 650393 77", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | CBS Records (UK) Ltd12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | CBS 650393 8 / CBS 650393 912", 45 RPM, Promo, White Label · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo, White Label · Promo |
| 1987 | UK | CBS 650393 912", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | CBS 650393 612", 45 RPM, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1987 | Australia | CBS 650393 77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Columbia 44-0673912", 33 ⅓ RPM, Repress, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Repress, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
17 vinyl pressings of Happy are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in US, Canada. One of them is Columbia 44-06739.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 44-06739, 38 06611) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, XSS-175776-1A-DMM GI A4 and XSS-175777-1A-DMM GI A. 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.
