Vinyl pressings
by T. Rex · 1971
Flyback 2 - The Best Of T. Rex was first pressed on vinyl in 1971. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
5 pressings came out in 1971, the album's first year, in 5 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.
TON 2 A-1U T 1 M+JSide A runout, variant 1
TON 2 B-1U R L 1 M+JSide B runout, variant 1
TON 2 A-1U M+J AM 1Side A runout, variant 2
TON 2 B-1U M+J AL 1Side B runout, variant 2
TON 2 A-1U SMX 38295A side runout
SMX 38295 TON 2 B-1UB side runout
SMX-38295A side label
SMX-38296B side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Germany | Ariola 85 074 ITFirst yearLP, Compilation, Misprint, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Misprint, Stereo |
| 1971 | Japan | Odeon OP-80287First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
| 1971 | Netherlands | Stateside 5C052.92 453First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1971 | New Zealand | Interfusion SITFL 934238 / Interfusion SITFL-934238First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1971 | UK | Fly Records TON 2First yearLP, Album, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
| 1972 | Germany | Karussell 2345 021LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1972 | Japan | Cube Records MW 2052LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
| 1972 | Netherlands | Polydor 2343 050LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1972 | Scandinavia | Karussell 2345 021 / Karussell 2345.021LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1972 | Singapore, Malaysia & Hong Kong | Karussell SLT 2345 021LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
| 1972 | Spain | Cube Records 2326020LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1972 | Yugoslavia | PGP RTB LPV 5773 / Karussell LPV 5773LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1973 | Australia | Karussell 2350 015LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Japan | T. Rex SP20-5057LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1983 | Japan | T. Rex SP20-5057LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | Spain | Cube Records C-30.1757 / Victoria C-30.1757LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Interfusion SITFL-934238LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Germany | Karussell 2345 021LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| ? | India | Gold-Serie 2345 021LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | New Zealand | Karussell 2345 021LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
20 vinyl pressings of Flyback 2 - The Best Of T. Rex are listed here, from 11 countries, released between 1971 and 1989.
The earliest pressings are from 1971, in UK, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand and more. One of them is Fly Records TON 2, released March 26, 1971.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use TON 2, OP-80287, 5C052.92 453, SITFL 934238) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, TON 2 A-1U T 1 M+J and TON 2 B-1U R L 1 M+J. 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.
