Vinyl pressings
by The Sisters Of Mercy · 1990
Vision Thing was first pressed on vinyl in 1990. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1990, 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.
R/S Alsdorf 903 172663-1-A THE EXCHANGE D.M.M.Runout side A, variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 903 172663-1-B 8Runout side B, variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 903 172663-1-A xxxx THE EXCHANGE D.M.M. 46Runout side A (stamped + etched), variant 2
R/S Alsdorf 903 172663-1-B xxxx 22Runout side B (stamped + etched), variant 2
R/S Alsdorf 903 172663-1-A THE EXCHANGE D.M.M.Runout, side 1
R/S Alsdorf 903 172663-1-B 8Runout, side 2
EW 172663 A CD 410 WS 14Side A runout, stamped
EW 172663 B CD 410 WS 14Side B runout, stamped
BMG 670.8201-A 1LTB1Runout side A, stamped
BMG 670.8201-B 2LAA1Runout side B, stamped
EW 172663 A CD 410 WS 14Side A runout
EW 172663 B CD 410 WS 14Side B runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Brazil | EastWest 670.8201 / EastWest 01203First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1990 | Europe | EastWest 903 172663-1First yearLP, Album, White Label, Stereo | LP, Album, White Label, Stereo |
| 1990 | Greece | Merciful Release MR 449 L / EastWest 172663-1First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| 1990 | Yugoslavia | Jugoton LP-7-1-F 2029044 / Merciful Release 9031-72663-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1990 | Europe | Merciful Release MR 449 L / EastWest 9031-72663-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1990 | Greece | Merciful Release MR 449 L / EastWest 172663-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1991 | Czech And Slovak Federative Republic | Popron 50 069-1 / Merciful Release MR 449 LLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Europe | Warner Music Group 0825646016099 / 1 / Merciful Release MR 449 LLP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 2016 | Europe | Warner Music Group 0825646016099LP, Album, 12", 45 RPM, EP, Box Set, Compilation | LP, Album, 12", 45 RPM, EP, Box Set, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Europe | EastWest 903 172663-1LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
10 vinyl pressings of Vision Thing are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1990 and 2016.
The earliest pressings are from 1990, in Europe, Greece, Brazil, Yugoslavia. One of them is Merciful Release MR 449 L, released October 22, 1990.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MR 449 L, 903 172663-1, 670.8201, LP-7-1-F 2029044) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, R/S Alsdorf 903 172663-1-A THE EXCHANGE D.M.M. and R/S Alsdorf 903 172663-1-B 8. 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.
