Vinyl pressings
by Then Jerico · 1989
The Big Area was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1989, the album's first year, in 11 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.
8281221 A-2U-1-1A side runout stamped, variant 1
8281221 B-1 U-1-1B side runout stamped, variant 1
8281221 A-1U-1-1A side runout stamped, variant 2
8281221 B-1 U-1-1B side runout stamped, variant 2
MCA 8695Label A
MCA 8696Label B
MCA-8695 FDS7 ◈-P-◈Etched Side A
MCA-8695 FDS6 ◈-P-◈Etched Side B
MCA8695Label A
MCA8696Label B
828 122-1 1 01 ℗1989 200A-Side Runout Etching
828 122-1 2 01 ℗1989 200B-Side Runout Etching
(CR) 828.122-1A SNB 230 ELRunout Side A
(CR) 828 122-1B SNB 230 ELRunout Side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Brazil | London Records 828122.1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | Canada | London Records 828 122-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | Europe | London Records 828 122-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | Greece | London Records 828 122-1 / Polygram 828 122-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1989 | Greece | London Records 828 122-1 / Polygram 828 122-1First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| 1989 | Japan | London Records LOOP 1275First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1989 | Portugal | London Records 828 122-1First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | Spain | London Records 828 122-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | UK | London Records 828 122-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | US | MCA Records MCA-6287First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | US | MCA Records MCA-6287First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | Yugoslavia | Jugoton LSLON 78079 / London Records 828 122-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | Australia | Liberation Records LIB 5172 / London Records LIB 5172First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
13 vinyl pressings of The Big Area are listed here, from 11 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in UK, US, Australia, Brazil and more. One of them is London Records 828 122-1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 828 122-1, MCA-6287, LIB 5172, 828122.1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 8281221 A-2U-1-1 and 8281221 B-1 U-1-1. 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.
