Vinyl pressings
by Yello · 1988
The Race was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
39 pressings came out in 1988, 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.
YELLO·112·A·2 _ DAMONT L23146 TOWNHOUSE TRunout side A, variant 1
YELLO·112 B·2 TOWNHOUSE DAMONT L23146 FARunout side B, variant 1
YELLO·112·A·2 _ DAMONT L23146 TOWNHOUSE XRunout side A, variant 3
YELLO·112 B·2 TOWNHOUSE DAMONT L23146 OARunout side B, variant 3
870330-1 1Y 1B AI TOWNHOUSE DMMSide A runout, variant 1
870330-1 2Y 1B AC TOWNHOUSE DMMSide B runout, variant 1
870330-1 1V 1A W TOWNHOUSE DMMSide A runout, variant 2
870330-1 2V 1A TOWNHOUSE DMMSide B runout, variant 2
870330-7 1W 1 TOWNHOUSE DMMRunout side A
870330-7 2W C TOWNHOUSE DMMRunout side B
870330-7 1W 1 E TOWNHOUSE DMMRunout Side A
870 330-7 2W=2 320 1 BRunout Side B
YELLO - 112 - A - 3 -1 - 1 MT TOWNHOUSERunout side A
YELLO - 112 - B - 1U - 1 - 1Runout side B
YELLR 112A-1U-1-1Runout side A, stamped
YELLR 112B-1U-1-1Runout side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Europe | Fontana 870 330-1First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM, White Label | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1988 | Greece | Fontana 870 330-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Greece | Fontana 870 330-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, White Label |
| 1988 | Italy | Fontana 870 330-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1988 | Spain | Fontana 870 330-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | UK | Mercury YDJ1First year12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Numbered, Promo · Promo, Limited, Numbered | 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Numbered, Promo · Promo, Limited, Numbered |
| 1988 | UK | Mercury YDJ 3First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Zimbabwe | Polydor 870 330-7 / Polydor (PD 2614)First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Zimbabwe | Fontana PD 2614First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Canada | Vertigo 870 615-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP |
| 1988 | Australasia | Mercury 870 330-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Australasia | Mercury 870 330-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Australasia | Mercury 870 330-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Canada | Vertigo 870 676-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Canada | Vertigo 870 615-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
47 vinyl pressings of The Race are listed here, from 12 countries, released between 1988 and 1989.
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in Europe, UK, Canada, Australasia and more. One of them is Mercury YELLO 112, released April 11, 1988.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use YELLO 112, 870 330-1, 870 330-7, YELLR 112) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, YELLO·112·A·2 _ DAMONT L23146 TOWNHOUSE T and YELLO·112 B·2 TOWNHOUSE DAMONT L23146 FA. 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.
