Vinyl pressings
by Amazulu · 1986
Too Good To Be Forgotten was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
25 pressings came out in 1986, 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.
IS 284 A-2U-1-1-1A-Side run-out, stamped, variant 1
IS 284 B-1U-1-3-12B-Side run-out, stamped, variant 1
IS 284 A-1U-1-1-10A-Side run-out, stamped, variant 2
IS 284 B-1U-1-1 -X1B-Side run-out, stamped, variant 2
12 IS 284 A-1U-1-2 1 SOUND CLINICRunout A variant 1
12 IS 284 B-1U-1-1 1 1Runout B variant 1
12IS 284 A-1U -11-1-1 SOUND CLINICRunout A variant 2
12 IS 284 B-1U-1-1-Runout B variant 2
IS 284 A-1U-1-2-x1 RAYSA-Side run-out variant 1
IS 284 B-1U-1-1-5B-Side run-out variant 1
IS 284 A-1U-1-1⇀x1 RAYSA-Side run-out variant 2
IS 284 B-1U-1-1 ⇀x1B-Side run-out variant 2
IS 284 A-1U-1-1 ⇀ 2 RAYSSide A runout, stamped
IS 284 B-1U-1-1 ⇀ 7Side B runout, stamped
IS 284-ASide A label
IS 284-BSide B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia | Island Records 12 IS 284 / Festival Records X 13261First year12", Single, White Label | 12", Single, White Label |
| 1986 | Australia | Island Records 12 IS 284 / Festival Records X 13261First year12", Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1986 | Brazil | Island Records 608.7006First year12" | 12" |
| 1986 | Europe | Island Records 608 291First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | Island Records 108 291First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Ireland | Island Records IS 284First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Italy | Island Records IS 284First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | New Zealand | Island Records K42First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | New Zealand | Island Records X 13261First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1986 | Portugal | PolyGram IS 284First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | South Africa | Island Records IS 284First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Spain | Island Records A-108.291First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Spain | Island Records F-608.291First year12", Maxi-Single, Partially Mixed | 12", Maxi-Single, Partially Mixed |
| 1986 | Spain | Ariola A 108291First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | UK | Island Records 12 IS 284First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
25 vinyl pressings of Too Good To Be Forgotten are listed here, from 11 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, Australia, Brazil, Europe and more. One of them is Island Records IS 284, released May 1986.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use IS 284, 12 IS 284, 12 ISD 284, ISP 284) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, IS 284 A-2U-1-1-1 and IS 284 B-1U-1-3-12. 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.
