Vinyl pressings
by U2 · 1992
Even Better Than The Real Thing was first pressed on vinyl in 1992. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
17 pressings came out in 1992, the album's first year, in 6 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.
12 BH - A - 1 12 IS 525 - A - 1 AAside A, variant 1
12 BH - B - 1 12 IS 525 - B - 1 AAside B, variant 1
o 12 BH-A-5 12IS525-A-5 AAside A, variant 2
o 12 BH-B-1 12IS525-B-1 AAside B, variant 2
IS-525-B-1 BH-B-1Side B Runout, Etched
BH-A-3 IS-525-A-3
422 - 864 - 281 - 1 AS/SP RE-1 AA SRCSide A runout
422 - 864 281 - 1 - BS/SP 1 - 1 AA SRCSide B runout
IS 525-A-1 BH-A-1Side One
IS 525-B-1 BH-B-1Side Two
SRC 422 - 866 977-1 AS-SP-1 MRun-out Side A
SRC 422 - 866 977-1 BS-SP-1 MRun-out Side B
REAL-2+DJ+ARunout A: Hand etched
REAL-2+DJ+ARunout B: Hand etched
REAL 2 DJ-ALabel A-side
REAL 2 DJ-BLabel B-side
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Europe | Island Records 866 977-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1992 | France | Island Records 866 976-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | France | Island Records 864 197-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | Philippines | Island RecordsFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1992 | Spain | Island Records 74321 10188 1 (3A)First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1992 | Spain | Island Records 74321108851 (3A) / Island Records 3A 74321108851First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1992 | UK | Island Records IS 525 / Island Records 866 976-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | US | Island Records 422-866 977-1First year12", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1992 | US | Island Records AMDJ080392First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1992 | Europe | Island Records 74321 101 887 / Island Records 886 976-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | UK | Island Records REAL 2 DJFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1992 | UK | Island Records REAL 1First yearPromo, 45 RPM, 12" · Promo | Promo, 45 RPM, 12" · Promo |
| 1992 | Spain | Island Records 101887First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | UK | Island Records 12 IS 525 / Island Records 866 977-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1992 | UK | Island Records IS 525 / Island Records 866 976-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Not On Label THING 112", Single Sided | 12", Single Sided |
18 vinyl pressings of Even Better Than The Real Thing are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1992, in UK, US, Europe, Spain and more. One of them is Island Records 12 IS 525, released June 8, 1992.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12 IS 525, IS 525, 422-864 281-1, 422-866 977-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12 BH - A - 1 12 IS 525 - A - 1 AA and 12 BH - B - 1 12 IS 525 - B - 1 AA. 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.
