Vinyl pressings
by The Who · 1984
The Singles was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 7 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.
WHOH17 A // 1 ▽ 420 WRunout, A-side, stamped, variant 1
WHOH17 B // 1 ▽ 420 WRunout, B-side, stamped, variant 1
WHOH17 A // 1 ▽ 420 W 11 1 3Runout, A-side, stamped, variant 2
WHOH17 B // 1 ▽ 420 W 1 3 3Runout, B-side, stamped, variant 2
818 965-1ASide 1 Runout - Etched
818 965-1B....Side 2 Runout - Etched
160 815965 1//1 380 POLYGRAMside 1
160 815965 1//2 380 POLYGRAMside 2
815 965 - 1S1 111 320Runout Side A
815 965 - 1S2 111 320Runout Side B
815 965 - 1 S 1 320Runout, A-side, stamped, variation 1
815 965 - 1 S 2 320Runout, B-side, stamped, variation 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australasia | Polydor 815 965-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | France | Polydor 815 965-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | Germany | Polydor 815 965-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | Greece | Polydor 815 965-1First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1984 | Greece | Polydor 815 965-1First yearLP, Compilation, White Label, Stereo | LP, Compilation, White Label, Stereo |
| 1984 | Ireland | Polydor WHOH 17 / Polydor 815 965-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | Japan | Polydor 28MM 0423First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1984 | Japan | Polydor 28MM 0423First yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | UK | Polydor WHOH 17 / Polydor 815 965-1First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
| 1985 | Spain | Polydor WHOH 17 / Polydor 815 965-1LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Australasia | Polydor 815 965-1LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1987 | Argentina | Polydor 815 965-1LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Argentina | Polydor 815 965-1 / Polydor 27396LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
13 vinyl pressings of The Singles are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1984 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, Australasia, France, Germany and more. One of them is Polydor WHOH 17, released November 1984.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use WHOH 17, 815 965-1, 28MM 0423) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, WHOH17 A // 1 ▽ 420 W and WHOH17 B // 1 ▽ 420 W. 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.
