Vinyl pressings
by The Clash · 1991
Should I Stay Or Should I Go 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.
11 pressings came out in 1991, the album's first year, in 4 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.
31-656667-04-A ESide A, variant 1
31-656667-04-B DSide AA, variant 1
31 656667 04 1A1 ESide A, variant 2, numbers stamped, Letter etched
31 656667 04 1B1 DSide AA, variant 2, numbers stamped. Letter etched
31 656667 04 1 A1Runout Side A, stamped
31 656667 04 1B 1Runout Side B, stamped
XPR-1609 A1Etched side A
XPR-1609 AA1Etched side AA
MX254301 656800.6.1A side runout, etched
MX254302 656000.6.2AA side runout, etched
MX254301A side label
MX254302AA side label
31 656667 04 1 A1 KRunout side A, variant 1
31 656667 04 1B 1 GRunout side AA, variant 1
31 656667 04 1 A1 LRunout side A, variant 2
31 656667 04 1B 1 DRunout side AA, variant 2
31 656667 20 1A1Runout side A, variant 1
31 656667 20 3B1Runout side B, variant 1
31 656667 20 1A1Runout side A, variant 2
31 656667 20 4B1Runout side B, variant 2
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 | Columbia 656667-7 / Columbia 656667 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1991 | Europe | Columbia 656667 6First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1991 | Europe | Columbia 656667 6 / Columbia COL 656667 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1991 | Europe | Columbia 656667-7 / Columbia 656667 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | Europe | Columbia 656667-7 / Columbia 656667 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | Europe | Columbia 656667 6 / Columbia COL 656667 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1991 | Europe | Columbia 656667-77", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1991 | Spain | CBS/Sony COL-656667-6First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1991 | UK | Columbia XPR 1609First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | UK | Columbia 656667 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | UK | Columbia 656667-7 / Columbia 656667 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | Australia | Columbia 656800 6First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of Should I Stay Or Should I Go are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1991, in UK, Australia, Europe, Spain. One of them is Columbia 656667-7, released February 18, 1991.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 656667-7, 656667 7, XPR 1609, 656800 6) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 31-656667-04-A E and 31-656667-04-B D. 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.
