Vinyl pressings
by Bronski Beat · 1985
Hundreds & Thousands 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.
15 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 10 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.
BIT LP 2 A' PACLZ 3969 MPORunout Side A, variant 1
BIT LP 2 B² PACLZ 3970 MPORunout Side B, variant 1
BIT LP 2 A' PACLZ 3969 MPORunout Side A, etched, variant 2
BIT LP 2 B' PACLZ 3970 MPORunout Side B, etched, variant 2
SLM Δ 10782 1-2 MCA-4943-SS1Side 1 - etched, variation 1
MCA-4944-SS2 SLM Δ 10782-XSide 2 - etched, variation 1
SLM-Δ 10782 1-1 MCA-4943 SS3Side 1 - etched, variation 2
SLM Δ 10782-X 1-1 MCA-4944- SS3Side 2 - etched, variation 2
MCA-4943-S.SI SLM △10782Run-out Groove A-side [etched]
MCA-4944-SSI SLM △ 10782-XRun-out Groove B-side [etched]
STERLINGRun-out Grooves Both Sides [machine-stamp]
MCA 4943Label A-side
V 〄Ⓑ L25P-1229A 121 ✤ JSide 1
L25P-1229B 111 ✢Side 2
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 | Australasia | London Records 820 291-1 / Forbidden Fruit 820 291-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Canada | London Records LON 116First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | France | London Records 820 291-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Germany | Metronome 820 291-1 / Metronome 820 291-1 MEFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | Metronome 820 291-1 ME / Metronome 820 291-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Ireland | Forbidden Fruit BITLP 2First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Italy | London Records 820 291-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Netherlands | London Records 820 291-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | UK | Forbidden Fruit BITLP 2 / Forbidden Fruit 820 291-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | US | MCA Records MCA-39038First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | US | MCA Records MCA-39038First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | US | MCA Records MCA-39038 / London Records MCA-39038First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP |
| 1985 | US | MCA Records MCA-39038LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1985 | Japan | London Records L25P 1229First year12", Album | 12", Album |
| 1985 | Japan | London Records L25P 1229First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
16 vinyl pressings of Hundreds & Thousands are listed here, from 10 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, US, Japan, Australasia and more. One of them is Forbidden Fruit BITLP 2.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BITLP 2, MCA-39038, L25P 1229, 820 291-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BIT LP 2 A' PACLZ 3969 MPO and BIT LP 2 B² PACLZ 3970 MPO. 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.
