UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- Polydor WTV 1Polydor 835 389-1
- Format
- LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono
- Runout / matrix
✳ WTV-1 A-1 ✳ DMMA-side runout etched
✳ WTV-1 B-1 ✳ DMMB-side runout etched
Vinyl pressings
Who's Better, Who's Best
by The Who · 1988
25 pressings14 countriesClassic RockModRock
Who's Better, Who's Best was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. 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 Who's Better, Who's Best
17 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 12 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
1988- Label and catalog number
- Polydor WTV 1Polydor 835 389-1
- Format
- LP, Compilation, Promo, Stereo, Mono, CD, Cassette
- Runout / matrix
✳ WTV-1 A-1 ✳ DMMA-side runout etched
✳ WTV-1 B-1 ✳ DMMB-side runout etched
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records MCA2-8031
- Format
- LP, Compilation
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records MCA2-8031
- Format
- LP, Compilation
- Runout / matrix
MCA 7860 ASR2 [Artisan Logo] ⧈-G-⧈Record 1, Side 1 [Etched; "Artisan Logo", "⧈-G-⧈" Stamped]
MCA 7861 ASR2 [Artisan Logo] ⧈-G-⧈Record 1, Side 2 [Etched; "Artisan Logo", "⧈-G-⧈" Stamped]
MCA 8390 ASR1 [Artisan Logo] ⧈-G-⧈Record 2, Side 1 [Etched; "Artisan Logo", "⧈-G-⧈" Stamped]
MCA 8391 ASR2 [Artisan Logo] ⧈-G-⧈Record 2, Side 2 [Etched; "Artisan Logo", "⧈-G-⧈" Stamped]
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records MCA2-8031
- Format
- LP, Compilation
Japan
April 25, 1988- Label and catalog number
- Polydor 25MM 0628
- Format
- LP, Compilation · Gatefold
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 25 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Australasia | Polydor 835 389-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1988 | Canada | MCA Records MCA2-8031LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1988 | Canada | MCA Records MCA2-8031First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1988 | Canada | MCA Records MCA2-8031 / MCA Records MCA2 8031LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1988 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-8031 / MCA Records MCA2-8031First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1988 | Colombia | Polydor 835389 1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1988 | Germany | Polydor 835 389-1First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
| 1988 | Greece | Polydor 835 389-1 Y / Polydor 835389-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1988 | Greece | Polydor 835 389-1 YLP, Compilation, Test Pressing, White Label, Stereo · Test pressing | LP, Compilation, Test Pressing, White Label, Stereo · Test pressing |
| 1988 | Japan | Polydor 25MM 0628First yearLP, Compilation, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1988 | Mexico | Polydor LPR 16638 / Polydor 835 389-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1988 | Netherlands | Dino Music DNLP 1169First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1988 | Portugal | Polydor 835 389-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1988 | Spain | Polydor 835 389-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1988 | UK | Polydor WTV 1 / Polydor 835 389-1First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Greece | Polydor 835 389-1 Y / Polydor 835389-1LP, Compilation, Repress | LP, Compilation, Repress |
| ? | Netherlands | Polydor 835 389-1LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
Tracklist
- A1My Generation3:14
- A2Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere2:40
- A3The Kids Are Alright3:05
- A4Substitute3:47
- A5I'm A Boy2:37
- A6Happy Jack2:14
- A7Pictures Of Lily2:44
- A8I Can See For Miles4:08
- A9Who Are You5:03
- B1Won't Get Fooled Again3:37
- B2Magic Bus3:17
- B3I Can't Explain2:05
- B4Pinball Wizard3:01
- B5I'm Free2:39
- B6See Me, Feel Me3:27
- B7Squeeze Box2:41
- B8Join Together4:20
- B9You Better, You Bet5:37
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Who's Better, Who's Best are there?
25 vinyl pressings of Who's Better, Who's Best are listed here, from 14 countries, released between 1988 and 1989.
When was Who's Better, Who's Best first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in UK, US, Japan, Australasia and more. One of them is Polydor WTV 1.
How do I tell if my copy of Who's Better, Who's Best is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use WTV 1, MCA2-8031, 25MM 0628, 835 389-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ✳ WTV-1 A-1 ✳ DMM and ✳ WTV-1 B-1 ✳ DMM. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Who's Better, Who's Best 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.
