UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- Mute 7 MUTE 57
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
MUTE-57-A1 1 MT EXCHANGE DAMONT ISide A runout
MUTE-57-A1 JONZ 1 MT DAMONT ESide B runout
WireAhead
Vinyl pressings
Ahead
by Wire · 1987
10 pressings4 countriesNew WaveArt RockElectronicRock
Ahead 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 Ahead
9 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 4 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
1987- Label and catalog number
- Mute 12 MUTE 57
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
12-MUTE-57-A1 PAG EXCHANGERunout side A, etched, variant 1
12-MUTE-57 B1 PAG JONZRunout side B, etched, variant 1
12-MUTE-57-Aι PAG EXCHANGE JRunout side A, etched, variant 2
12-MUTE-57 Bι PAG JONZ BRunout side B, etched, variant 2
UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- Mute MUTE 57
- Format
- 7", White Label
- Runout / matrix
MUTE - 57 - A 1Side A runout
MUTE - 57 - B 1Side B runout
UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- Mute 12 MUTE 57
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, White Label
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- Enigma V-75503
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP
Germany
March 1987- Label and catalog number
- Mute 12 Mute 57Mute INT 126.863
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single · Grey-Marbled
- Runout / matrix
B-7611 ALabel Side A
B-7611 BLabel Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 10 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | France | Mute 80296 / Virgin 80296First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | France | Mute 90313 / Virgin 90313First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | Mute 7 MUTE 57First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | Mute 12 MUTE 57First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | Mute MUTE 57First year7", White Label | 7", White Label |
| 1987 | UK | Mute 12 MUTE 57First year12", 45 RPM, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1987 | US | Enigma V-75503First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP |
| 1987 | Germany | Mute 12 Mute 57 / Mute INT 126.863First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single · Colored vinyl | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1987 | Germany | Mute INT 111.846 / Mute 7 Mute 57First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Germany | Not On Label12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
Tracklist
- AAhead4:58
- B1Ambulance Chasers3:02
- B2Feed Me4:27
- B3Vivid Riot Of Red2:28
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Ahead are there?
10 vinyl pressings of Ahead are listed here, from 4 countries.
When was Ahead first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in UK, US, Germany, France. One of them is Mute 7 MUTE 57.
How do I tell if my copy of Ahead is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 7 MUTE 57, 12 MUTE 57, MUTE 57, V-75503) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MUTE-57-A1 1 MT EXCHANGE DAMONT I and MUTE-57-A1 JONZ 1 MT DAMONT E. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Ahead 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.
