UK
May 1986- Label and catalog number
- Epic TRUTH 1Some Bizzare TRUTH 1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
TRUTH · 1 A1 SWING WINGRunout side A, etched
TRUTH · 1 B1 FIXED WINGRunout side B, etched
2 7Runout side B, stamped
⋀Both sides, stamped
The TheSweet Bird Of Truth
Vinyl pressings
Sweet Bird Of Truth
by The The · 1986
10 pressings4 countriesDowntempoSynth-popElectronic
Sweet Bird Of Truth 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 Sweet Bird Of Truth
6 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 3 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.
UK
May 1986- Label and catalog number
- Epic XPS 215
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
XPS 215 A1 TimTom ΛSide A runout
XPS 215 A*Side A label
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Epic TRUTH 1
- Format
- 12", Single Sided, Promo
- Runout / matrix
TRUTH.1 A1 SWING WING 2 ΛSide A runout
Australia
1986- Label and catalog number
- Epic ES 12188
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
New Zealand
1986- Label and catalog number
- Epic ES 12188
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
Australia
1986- Label and catalog number
- Epic ES 12188
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
MX 217577 B ES12188Side A runout
MX217578 ES12188Side B runout
MX217577Side A label
MX217578Side B label
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 10 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia | Epic ES 12188First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Australia | Epic ES 12188First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | New Zealand | Epic ES 12188First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Epic TRUTH 1First year12", Single Sided, Promo · Promo | 12", Single Sided, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | UK | Epic TRUTH 1 / Some Bizzare TRUTH 1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Epic XPS 215First year7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Europe | Epic EPC 650809 6 / Epic 650809 612", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | Epic TENSE 2 / Some Bizzare TENSE 27", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | Epic TENSE T2 / Some Bizzare TENSE T212", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1987 | Europe | Epic TENSE T2 / Some Bizzare TENSE T212", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo |
Tracklist
- Swing Wing
- ASweet Bird Of Truth8:40
- Fixed Wing
- Themes From "The Nightwatchman"
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Sweet Bird Of Truth are there?
10 vinyl pressings of Sweet Bird Of Truth are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
When was Sweet Bird Of Truth first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, Australia, New Zealand. One of them is Epic TRUTH 1, released May 1986.
How do I tell if my copy of Sweet Bird Of Truth is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use TRUTH 1, XPS 215, ES 12188) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, TRUTH · 1 A1 SWING WING and TRUTH · 1 B1 FIXED WING. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Sweet Bird Of Truth 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.
