English 7" discography [115 official releases + 759 variations]
Their native country, known for its high quality pressings, is also probably the one where the Stones were the most popular.
More than a hundred of original 7" singles were issued in England [and 750+ variations on top].
Before the deal with EMI in 1978 though, only three EPs from the 60's and 'Brown Sugar' in 1971 were distributed into picture sleeves.
The Decca period was extremely rich in labels variations and some titles exceed 30 different issues [in-depth descriptions and method of cataloguing follow for the hardcore collector].
Decca UK also produced records for its affiliates called 'export' pressings, intended for distribution in Holland or Scandinavia [and to be housed in local picture covers].
The Decca years [1963-1971]
- EPs
- 60's singles
- 70s singles & late issues
- export EPs & singles
- 'Single Stones' collection - box set of 12 singles [1980]
The RSR / Warner years [1971-1977]
The RSR / EMI years [1978-1984]
The CBS / SONY years [1986-1992]
The Virgin years [1993-2006]
The Universal / A&M / Abkco / Polydor years [2008+]
Many labels variations were also produced during the Rolling Stones Records years, all distributed into tongue shaped company sleeves.
In the early 90's, CD singles replaced the 7" format, but 45s were still pressed for the collector market [picture discs, and numbered limited issues].
Since the 00's, reissues or unreleased tracks are issued as 7" singles for collectors purposes only, often in fancy box sets.
Note that since 2008, all 7"s are actually pressed in Czech Republic.