Vinyl pressings
by Elkie Brooks · 1986
No More The Fool was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. 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 1986, 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.
LM 4 A-2-1-2 → 2 DStamped runout side A variant 1
LM 4 B-2-1-1-x 1 DStamped runout side B variant 1
LM 4 A-2-1- 2 - 10̶ 6 DStamped runout side A variant 2
LM 4 B-2-1-3 - 5 DStamped runout side B variant 2
12 LM 4 A-1-1-1- DA side runout stamped
12 LM 4 B-1-1- 2 DB side runout stamped
12 LM 4-AA side label
12 LM 4-BB side label
LM 4 A-2-1-3-31 DRunout, side A - variant 1
LM 4 B-2-1-3-27 DRunout, side B - variant 1
LM 4 A-2-1- 2-33 DRunout, side A - variant 2
LM 4 B-2-1- 2-20 DRunout, side B - variant 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australasia | Mercury 888 430-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Europe | Mercury 888 430-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | France | Mercury 888 430 - 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Germany | Mercury 888 430-1First yearMaxi-Single, 12" | Maxi-Single, 12" |
| 1986 | Germany | Mercury 888 430-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Portugal | Legend Records 888 430 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Legend Records LM 4 / Legend Records LM4First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | Legend Records 12LM4 / Legend Records 12 LM 4First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Legend Records LM 4 / Legend Records LM4First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Spain | Mercury 888 430-7 / Legend Records 888 430-77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of No More The Fool are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, Australasia, Europe, France and more. One of them is Legend Records LM 4, released November 1986.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LM 4, 12LM4, 888 430-7, 888 430 - 7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, LM 4 A-2-1-2 → 2 D and LM 4 B-2-1-1-x 1 D. 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.
