Vinyl pressings
by Bon Jovi · 1985
Only Lonely was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 4 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.
880 736 7 1W 1 ℗1985 670 03Side A runout stamped
880 736 7 2W 1 ℗1985 670 03Side B runout stamped
880 736-7.1Side A label matrix
880 736-7.2Side B label matrix
(logo mark) B-21029-ALD LONG 1 -- PRO34712-58165-0̶ LONG-ALD SLM △9348-X STERLING)Side A runout
(logo mark) B-21029-ALD LONG 1 -- PRO34712-58165-0̶ LONG-ALD SLM △9348-X ⚾ STERLINGSide B runout
SLM ∆ 9347 I-I Sterling 880 736-7 2-58165-ALDI R-14193-ALDISide A runout
SLM ∆ 9347 I-I Sterling 880 736-7 2-58165-ALDI R-14193-ALDISide B runout
V (B) PWM-3858 111+Variant 1, A-side runout
PRWM-3859 111+Variant 1, B-side runout
PWM-3858 111+ D V 〄ⒷVariant 2, A-side runout
P ̶R̶ WM-3859 111+Variant 2, B-side runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Europe | Mercury 880 736-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Spain | Mercury 880 736-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | US | Mercury PRO 347-1First year12", Promo, Single, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, Single, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1985 | US | Mercury 880 736-7 DJFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | US | Mercury 880 736-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | US | Mercury PRO·347·112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1985 | US | Mercury 880 736-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Japan | Mercury 7PP-164First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Japan | Mercury 7PP-164First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Japan | Mercury 7PP-164First year7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Misprint, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Misprint, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
10 vinyl pressings of Only Lonely are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in Europe, US, Japan, Spain. One of them is Mercury 880 736-7.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 880 736-7, PRO 347-1, 880 736-7 DJ, 7PP-164) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 880 736 7 1W 1 ℗1985 670 03 and 880 736 7 2W 1 ℗1985 670 03. 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.
