Vinyl pressings
by Chris Rea · 1987
Let's Dance was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
27 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 13 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.
MAG-299-A4 5 Λ NoelRunout side A, variant 1
MAG-299-B4 4 BRunout side B, variant 1
MAG - 299 - A3 V NoelRunout side A, variant 2
MAG 299 B3 VRunout side B, variant 2
MAG-299-A3 NoelSide A, etched:
MAG 299 B1 TOWNHOUSESide B, etched:
MAG･ 299∙A3 Noel <Side A, etched
MAG 299 B3 <Side B, etched
MAG 299 A*Side A, label
MAG 299 B*Side B, label
MAGT-299-R-A1
MAGT 299-R B1
MAG-T-299-A3Runout etched side A
MAG-T-299-B3Runout etched 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Benelux | Magnet 609 048First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Benelux | Magnet 109 048First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Canada | Magnet MAG-299First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Germany | Magnet 885 888-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Germany | Magnet 885 888-1First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Greece | Three Eggs Three Eggs 7511First year12", Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Ireland | Magnet MAG 299First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Italy | Magnet ZB 41381First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Italy | Magnet ZB 41381First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Italy | Magnet ZB 41381First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Portugal | Magnet 885 888-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | South Africa | Magnet MAGS 1560First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Spain | Magnet 885 888-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Spain | Magnet 885 888 7First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | Magnet MAGT 299 / Magnet MAGT299First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
28 vinyl pressings of Let's Dance are listed here, from 14 countries, released between 1987 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in UK, US, Germany, Australasia and more. One of them is Magnet MAG299, released May 1987.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MAG299, MAG 299, MAGT 299R, MAGT 299) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MAG-299-A4 5 Λ Noel and MAG-299-B4 4 B. 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.
