Vinyl pressings
by Billy Idol · 1986
To Be A Lover 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.
54 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 20 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.
DM 608391 A-1/9-86 IIIRunout side A, variant 1
DM 608391 B-1/9-86Runout side B, variant 1
DM 608391 A-1/9-86Runout side A, variant 2
DM 608391 B-1/9-86 IIRunout side B, variant 2
DM 108391 A-1/9-86 IIRunout side A, variant 1
DM 108391 B-1/9-86Runout side B, variant 1
DM 108391 A-1/9-86Runout side A, variant 2
DM 108391 B-1/9-86Runout side B, variant 2
IDOLX8A//2▽420V 11 3Runout side A, stamped
IDOLX8B//2▽420V 11 3Runout side B, stamped
IDOL 8 A // 1▽420 U 1 6Runout side A, variant 1
IDOL 8 B // 2▽420 U 1 1 Ʊtopia 6Runout side B, variant 1
IDOL 8 A // 1▽420 U 1 5Runout side A, variant 2
IDOL 8 B // 2▽420 U 1 1 Ʊtopia 5Runout side B, variant 2
ORLAKEEtchings Side A, B
IDOL-8-A1. 1 3Runout side A
IDOL 8B x̶ // 1 ▽ 420 U 1 5Runout side B
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 | Chrysalis K-13 / Chrysalis K 13First year7", Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1986 | Australia | Chrysalis X 14449 / Chrysalis IDOLX 8First year12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1986 | Australia | Chrysalis K-13 / Chrysalis IDOL 8First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Australia & New Zealand | Chrysalis X 14449First year12", Single, 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", Single, 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1986 | Brazil | CBS 53.001First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Canada | Chrysalis CS-43025 / Chrysalis CS 43025First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Canada | Chrysalis 43024 / Chrysalis CHS 43024First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Canada | Chrysalis 43024 / Chrysalis CHS 43024First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Costa Rica | CBS 7016002First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1986 | Europe | Chrysalis 608 391First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | Chrysalis 108 391First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | France | Chrysalis 884 903-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1986 | France | Chrysalis 884 903-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | France | Chrysalis 884 903-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Greece | Chrysalis 884903-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
56 vinyl pressings of To Be A Lover are listed here, from 20 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in Europe, UK, US, Mexico and more. One of them is Chrysalis 608 391.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 608 391, 108 391, IDOLX 8, IDOL 8) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DM 608391 A-1/9-86 III and DM 608391 B-1/9-86. 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.
