Vinyl pressings
by The Christians · 1989
Words 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.
18 pressings came out in 1989, the album's first year, in 8 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.
IS 450 A-1U-1-4 TY1Variant 1, runout side A
IS 450 B-1U-1-3 TY1Variant 1, runout side B
IS ̶4̶4̶1̶ 450 A-1U-1-4 TY1Variant 2, runout side A
IS ̶4̶4̶1̶ 450 B-1U-1-4 TY1Variant 2, runout side B
12IS 45O A-2U-1-1Runout (Side A)
12IS45OB-1U-1-1Runout (Side B)
12 IS 450-ALabel (Side A)
12 IS 450-BLabel (Side B)
IS 4504̶4̶1̶ A-1U-1-1 TY1Side A
IS450 B-1 U-1-1 I̶S̶ ̶4̶4̶1̶ ̶B̶-̶1̶U̶-̶1̶-̶1̶ TY1Side B
IS ̶4̶4̶1̶ 450 A-1U-1-Q2 TY1Stamped/etched runout, side A
IS ̶4̶4̶1̶ 450 B-1U-1-Q5 TY1Stamped/etched runout, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Canada | Island Records 97128First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | Europe | Island Records 112 847First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Europe | Island Records 113 004First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | France | Island Records 876 854-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1989 | France | Island Records 876 855-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1989 | Germany | Island Records 612 847First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1989 | Italy | Island Records ISX 450First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1989 | Portugal | Island Records 112847First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Spain | Island Records 612 847 / Island Records 3A 612847First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Spain | Island Records 112 847First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Spain | Island Records 0350First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | Island Records ISDJ 450First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | Island Records IS 450First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox |
| 1989 | UK | Island Records IS 450First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | UK | Island Records 12 IS 450First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | South Africa | Teal Record Company PROMO 597", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Island Records 876 854-77", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
20 vinyl pressings of Words are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1989 and 1990.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in UK, Canada, Europe, France and more. One of them is Island Records IS 450, released December 11, 1989.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use IS 450, 12 IS 450, 12 ISP 450, ISB450) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, IS 450 A-1U-1-4 TY1 and IS 450 B-1U-1-3 TY1. 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.
