US
1987- Label and catalog number
- Island Records 0-96721
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
ST-DM-53544-SPSide A label
ST-DM-53346 / 53545-SPSide B label
Will DowningFree
Vinyl pressings
Free
by Will Downing · 1987
14 pressings3 countriesSoulFunk / Soul
Free was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. 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 Free
3 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year. 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.
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- Island Records PR 2172
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
SP-DM-53544-SPSide A label
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- Island Records 7-99374
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
ST-IL-53544-SPSide A label
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 14 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s12 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | US | Island Records 0-96721First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1987 | US | Island Records PR 2172First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | Island Records 7-99374First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | Island Records 9672112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1988 | Europe | Island Records 611 73712", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1988 | Europe | Island Records 111 737 / Island Records 1117377", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | UK | 4th & Broadway BRW 1127", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | UK | 4th & Broadway 12 BRW 11212", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1988 | UK | 4th & Broadway 12 BRX 11212", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1988 | UK | 4th & Broadway 12 BRX 11212", EP, Promo · Promo | 12", EP, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | UK | 4th & Broadway 12 BRW 11212", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | Island Records 7-993747", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Island Records DMD 0-9672112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| ? | US | Island Records 096721/217212", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
Tracklist
- AFree (Vocal)4:23
- B1Free (Vocal)7:00
- B2Free (Instrumental)4:25
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Free are there?
14 vinyl pressings of Free are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1987 and 1988.
When was Free first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in US. One of them is Island Records 0-96721.
How do I tell if my copy of Free is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 0-96721, PR 2172, 7-99374) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ST-DM-53544-SP and ST-DM-53346 / 53545-SP. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Free 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.
