Vinyl pressings
by Bob Geldof · 1990
The Great Song Of Indifference was first pressed on vinyl in 1990. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1990, the album's first year, in 6 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.
BOB 104 A-1U-1- 1Runout stamped side A
BOB 104 B-1 U-1- 1Runout stamped side B
875 390-7.1Label side A
875 390-7.2Label side B
BOBX 104 A-1U-1-1Runout side A, stamped
BOBX 104 B-1 U-1-1Runout side B, stamped
875 391-1 1Label side 1
875 391-1 2Label side 2
BOBDJ 104 A-1 U-1-Side A Stamped
BOBDJ 104 B-1 U-1-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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Australasia | Mercury 875 390-7 / Phonogram 875 390-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1990 | Europe | Mercury BOBX 104 / Phonogram 875 391-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1990 | Europe | Mercury 875 390-7 / Mercury BOB 104First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | France | Mercury 875 390-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1990 | Italy | Fontana 875 391-1First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1990 | Italy | Fontana 875 390-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | UK | Mercury BXDJ 104First year12" | 12" |
| 1990 | UK & Europe | Mercury 875 390-7 / Mercury BOB 104First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1990 | UK | Mercury BOB 104 / Mercury 875 390-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | UK | Mercury BOBX 104 / Mercury 875 391-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1990 | UK | Mercury BOBDJ 104First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1990 | UK | Mercury BOB 104 / Mercury 875 390-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
12 vinyl pressings of The Great Song Of Indifference are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1990, in UK, Australasia, Europe, France and more. One of them is Mercury BOB 104, released June 1990.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BOB 104, BOBX 104, BXDJ 104, BOBDJ 104) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BOB 104 A-1U-1- 1 and BOB 104 B-1 U-1- 1. 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.
