Vinyl pressings
by Chris Rea · 1985
Shamrock Diaries 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.
23 pressings came out in 1985, 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.
MAGL 5062 A1Side A runout, etched. Var. 1
MAGL 5062 B1Side B runout, etched. Var. 1
MAGL . 5062 . A2Side A runout, etched. Var. 2
MAGL . 5062 - B3Side B runout, etched. Var. 2
MAGL 5062 A4Etched Runout - Side A (Variants 1 & 2)
MAGL 5062 B4Etched Runout - Side B (Variant 1)
MAGL 5062 B3Etched Runout - Side B (Variant 2)
MAGL 5062 A4Side A Runout Etched
MAGL-5062-B3Side B Runout Etched
SMX62835 P2BSide A runout
SMX62836 P2ASide B runout
SMX-62835Side A label
SMX-62836Side B label
MAGL-5062-A G. E.H.P.V (CR)Side A runout
MAGL-5062 B (CR)Side B runout
MAGL-5062-ASide A label
MAGL-5062-BSide B label
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 | Australia | Magnet L 38327First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Australia | Magnet 38327LP, Album, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing |
| 1985 | Canada | Magnet MAGL 5062First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Canada | Magnet MAGL 5062First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Europe | Magnet 206.984 / Magnet 206 984First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | Magnet 206.984 / Magnet 206 984First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Europe | Magnet MAGL 5062 / Magnet MAGL 5062(I)First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Europe | Magnet 206.984 / Magnet 206 984First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | Magnet 206.984 / Magnet 206 984First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | France | Magnet 713004First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | France | Magnet MAGL 5062First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | Magnet 825 539-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | Magnet 42 185 9LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
| 1985 | Germany | Magnet 825 539-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | MagnetLP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Europe | Magnet 5021732656025LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Magnet 32 370-9LP, Album, Club Edition, Special Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Special Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
| ? | Germany | Magnet 825 539-1LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Magnet 825 539-1LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| ? | UK & Europe | Magnet 242 374-1 / Magnet WX 190LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
38 vinyl pressings of Shamrock Diaries are listed here, from 15 countries, released between 1985 and 2025.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, Japan, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Magnet MAGL 5062, released May 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MAGL 5062, VIL-6178, L 38327, 206.984) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MAGL 5062 A1 and MAGL 5062 B1. 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.
