Vinyl pressings
by The Stranglers · 1986
Big In America 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.
10 pressings came out in 1986, 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.
HUGE.1 A3 3 AA-side run-out, variant 1
HUGE 1 B2 TY1 10B-side run-out, variant 1
HUGE.1 A3 Λ 3A-side run-out, variant 2
HUGE 1 B2 TY1 Λ 71B-side run-out, variant 2
HUGET1 VRunout side A, stamped
timtom A2Runout side A, etched
HUGET1Runout side B, stamped
B1Runout side B, etched
HUGE+P+1+A ORLAKE TY1Side A runout, etched ("TY1" stamped)
HUGE+P+1+B ORLAKESide B runout, etched
HUGE 1 A2 V TimTom 3Side A runout, stamped/etched
HUGE 1 B2 TY1 V 0Side B runout, stamped/etched
SOLAR 1 A1 V TimTom+JJ 53Side C runout, stamped/etched
SOLAR 1 B1 V TYSide D runout, stamped/etched
HUGET1 D 2Runout side A, stamped. Variant 1
timtom A2Runout side A, etched. Variant 1
HUGET1 D 1Runout side B, stamped. Variant 1
B1Runout side B, etched. Variant 1
HUGE 1 [scratched] A2 C Λ 3 TimTomA-side runout
HUGE 1 [scratched] B2 TY1 Λ 4B-side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Canada | Epic IE4-7207First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Europe | Epic EPC 650249 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | Epic 650249 7 / Epic EPC 650249 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | Epic HUGE 1First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Epic HUGE T1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Epic Huge P1First year8", Single, 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Shape, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc | 8", Single, 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Shape, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc |
| 1986 | UK | Epic HUGE 1 / Epic Huge D1First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Epic HUGE T1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Epic HUGE 1First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Ireland | Epic HUGE 1First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Portugal | Epic EPC 650249 77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Australia | Epic 650249 77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Australia | Epic 650249 612", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
13 vinyl pressings of Big In America are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, Ireland, Canada, Europe. One of them is Epic HUGE 1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use HUGE 1, HUGE T1, Huge P1, IE4-7207) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, HUGE.1 A3 3 A and HUGE 1 B2 TY1 10. 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.
