Vinyl pressings
by The Godfathers · 1987
Birth School Work Death was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
16 pressings came out in 1987, 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.
GFTT • 1 A1 0 THE EXCHANGESide A runout, variant 1
GFTT • 1 B1 THE EXCHANGE DSide B runout, variant 1
GFTT • 1 A1 0 A THE EXCHANGESide A runout, variant 2
GFTT • 1 B1 5 THE EXCHANGE BSide B runout, variant 2
GFT 1 A1 ΛSide A runout
GFT 1 B1 ΛSide B runout
GFTQ.A.1
GFTQ1.B.1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Australia | Epic 651183 6First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Australia | Epic 651183 7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Canada | Epic BFE 40946First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | Europe | Epic EPC 651183 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Europe | Epic EPC 651183 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | Epic GFT 1 / Epic GFT Q1First year12" | 12" |
| 1987 | UK | Epic GFT 1 / Epic GFT Q1First year12", Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | Epic EAS 1037First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | Epic 34-07725First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | US | Epic 34-07725First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | US | Epic EAS 02881First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | Epic 34-07725First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | UK | Epic GFT T1First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | Epic GFT 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | Epic GFT 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
22 vinyl pressings of Birth School Work Death are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1987 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in UK, US, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Epic GFT T1, released September 28, 1987.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use GFT T1, GFT 1, 34-07725, EAS 1037) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, GFTT • 1 A1 0 THE EXCHANGE and GFTT • 1 B1 THE EXCHANGE 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.
