Vinyl pressings
by Trevor Rabin · 1989
Something To Hold On To 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.
9 pressings came out in 1989, 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.
EKR-94-A1 MT AVariant 1 A-Side Runout Etched
EKR-94-B1 MT BVariant 1 B-Side Runout Etched
EKR-94-A1 MT CVariant 2 A-Side Runout Etched
EKR-94-B1 MT BVariant 2 B-Side Runout Etched
EKR 94-(T) A-1 MTSide A runout
EKR-94(T) B-1 MTSide B runout
EKR 94 (T) A 7559-66674-0Side A label
EKR 94 (T) B 7559-66674-0Side B label
4 R/S Alsdorf 969291-7-ARunout A, stamped
5 R/S Alsdorf 969291-7-BRunout B, stamped
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 | Australia | Elektra 7-69291First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Canada | Elektra PRO 92917First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | Europe | Elektra EKR 94 / Elektra 969 291-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Germany | Elektra 966 674-0First year12" | 12" |
| 1989 | Spain | Elektra 1.140First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | Elektra EKR 94 / Elektra 755 969 291-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | UK | Elektra 966 674-0 / Elektra EKR 94TFirst year12" | 12" |
| 1989 | US | Elektra ED 5384First year12", Stereo, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", Stereo, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | US | Elektra 7-69291First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | US | Elektra 7-692917", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1989 | US | Elektra 7-692917", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
11 vinyl pressings of Something To Hold On To are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in UK, US, Australia, Europe and more. One of them is Elektra EKR 94.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EKR 94, 966 674-0, 7-69291, ED 5384) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EKR-94-A1 MT A and EKR-94-B1 MT B. 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.
