Europe
1986- Label and catalog number
- Epic EPC 650130 7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
01-650130-1A-1 BRunout side A, etched
01-650130-1B1 CRunout side B, etched
Vinyl pressings
Always The Sun
by The Stranglers · 1986
26 pressings8 countriesPop RockNew WaveRock
Always The Sun was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Always The Sun
23 pressings came out in 1986, 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.
Europe
1986- Label and catalog number
- Epic EPC 650130 6Epic 650130 6
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
- Runout / matrix
01-650130-1A-1 ARunout side A
01-650130-1B-1 ARunout side B
01-650130-1Label side A
01-650130-2Label side B
Europe
1986- Label and catalog number
- Epic EPC 650130 7Epic 650130 7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
01-650130-1A-1Side A runout, variant 1
01-650130-1B-1Side B runout, variant 1
01-650130-1A-1 BSide A runout, variant 2
01-650130-1B-1 BSide B runout, variant 2
UK
October 1986- Label and catalog number
- Epic SOLAR T1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
SOLART I 6̶5̶0̶I̶-̶3̶0̶ ̶6̶ -AI timtom + J.J. ⋀Runout side A
SOLAR T1 6̶5̶0̶I̶-̶3̶0̶ ̶6̶ -BI TY ⋀ CRunout side B
SOLAR T1 A*Label side A
SOLAR T1 B*Label side B
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Epic SOLAR P1
- Format
- 10", 45 RPM, Shape, Picture Disc
- Runout / matrix
SOLAR P1 A OrlakeA
SOLAR P B OrlakeB
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Epic SOLAR 1
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
SOLAR 1 AI TimTom + J.J.Runout side A, variant 1
SOLAR 1 BIRunout side B, variant 1
SOLAR 1 AI Λ TimTom + J.J.Runout side A, variant 2
SOLAR 1 BI Λ TYRunout 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.
All 26 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s23 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia | Epic ES 1174First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Australia | Epic ES 12201First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Australia | Epic ES 12201First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Canada | Epic IE4-7198First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Europe | Epic EPC 650130 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | Epic EPC 650130 6 / Epic 650130 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1986 | Europe | Epic EPC 650130 7 / Epic 650130 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | New Zealand | Epic ES 1174First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1986 | Portugal | Epic EPC 650130 7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Spain | Epic EPC 650130 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Spain | Epic EPC 650130 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Spain | Epic EPC 650130 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1986 | UK | Epic SOLAR P1First year10", 45 RPM, Shape, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 10", 45 RPM, Shape, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1986 | UK | Epic SOLAR 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | Epic SOLAR D1 / Epic 650055-7First year7", Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
1990s3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Europe | Epic PRO 6187", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1990 | Spain | Epic ARIE 25847", Single Sided, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single Sided, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1997 | Spain | Contraseña Records OLD GOLD-064-MX12", Single, Reissue | 12", Single, Reissue |
Tracklist
- AAlways The Sun4:04
- BNorman Normal4:30
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Always The Sun are there?
26 vinyl pressings of Always The Sun are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1986 and 1997.
When was Always The Sun first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in Europe, UK, US, Canada and more. One of them is Epic EPC 650130 7.
How do I tell if my copy of Always The Sun is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EPC 650130 7, EPC 650130 6, SOLAR T1, SOLAR P1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 01-650130-1A-1 B and 01-650130-1B1 C. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Always The Sun on vinyl worth?
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.
