Vinyl pressings
by The Blow Monkeys · 1989
Choice? 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.
12 pressings came out in 1989, the album's first year, in 6 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.
PT 42598 A5 ƱTOPIA MS.Side A runout, variant 1
PT 42598 B5 ƱTOPIA MS.Side B runout, variant 1
PT 4295 ̶9̶ 8 A5 1 0 A ƱTOPIA. MS.Side A runout, variant 2
PT 4295 ̶9̶ 8 B5 4 3 ƱTOPIA. MS.Side B runout, variant 2
PT 42886 A2 ƱTOPIA MSRunout, side A
PT 42886 B5 ƱTOPIA MSRunout, side B
PB 42885 A1 ASide A, etched, variant 1
PB 42885 B1Side B, etched, variant 1
PB 42885 A1 A CSide A, etched, variant 2
PB 42885 B1 C ASide B, etched, variant 2
PT 425 ̷9̷8 A5 9 ƱTOPIA.MS. ΛSide A, etched, stamped runout
PT 425 ̷9̷8 B5 9 ƱTOPIA.MS. ΛSide B, etched, stamped runout
PT 42958 DJ-ASide A, label
PT 42958 DJ-BSide B, label
PT 42886 A2 [lyre symbol]TOPIA.MS
PT 42886 B5 [lyre symbol]TOPIA.MS
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 | RCA PB 42885First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Germany | RCA PT 42886First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1989 | Ireland | RCA PD 42886First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Spain | RCA PT 42886First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1989 | Spain | RCA PB 42885First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | UK | RCA PT 42958 DJFirst year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | RCA PT 42886 DJFirst year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | RCA PB 42885First year7", 45 RPM, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1989 | UK | RCA PT 42958 / RCA PT42958First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | UK | RCA PT 42886First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | RCA PB 42885First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Japan | RCA PRTD-3067First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
12 vinyl pressings of Choice? are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in UK, Europe, Germany, Ireland and more. One of them is RCA PT 42958, released July 3, 1989.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PT 42958, PT 42886, PB 42885, PT 42958 DJ) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, PT 42598 A5 ƱTOPIA MS. and PT 42598 B5 ƱTOPIA MS.. 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.
