Vinyl pressings
by Erasure · 1987
It Doesn't Have To Be 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.
49 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 11 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.
L-12-MUTE-56 A PAGSide A (Variant 1)
L-12-MUTE-56 B PAGSide B (Variant 1)
L-12-MUTE-56 A1 PAG Exchange ESide A (Variant 2)
L-12-MUTE-56 A1 PAG Jonz ESide B (Variant 2)
12 MUTE-56-A-1 3 MT. DAMONT EXCHANGESide A
12-MUTE-56 B2 PAG JONZ P3Side B
12 MUTE 56 A2 PAG EXCHANGE HRunout, side A, variant 1
12 - MUTE 56 B2 PAG JONZRunout, side B, variant 1
12 MUTE 56 A2 PAG EXCHANGE FRunout, side A, variant 2
12 - MUTE 56 B2 PAG JONZ JRunout, side B, variant 2
12 MUTE 56 A2 PAG EXCHANGE P2 DAMONTRunout side A
12 MUTE 56 B1 JONZ MT. 3 DAMONTRunout side B
12 MUTE 56 A2 PAG EXCHANGE P2 DAMONTRunout side A
12 MUTE 56 B2 PAG JONZ P5 DAMONTRunout 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 | Australia | Mute ETUM 815 / Possum Records ETUM 815First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Belgium | Mute MUTE 4656 / Mute 7 MUTE 56First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Belgium | Indisc 124656 / Mute 12 Mute 56First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | France | Mute 90317 / Virgin 90317First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | France | Mute 80283First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Germany | Mute INT 111.845 / Mute 7 MUTE 56First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | Germany | Mute INT 126.858 / Mute 12 Mute 56First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Germany | Mute INT 126.859 / Mute L12 mute 56First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1987 | Germany | Mute INT 126.859 / Mute L12 mute 5612", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition, Repress · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition, Repress · Limited |
| 1987 | Germany | Mute INT 111.845 (7 Mute 56)First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mispress, Stereo · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mispress, Stereo · Colored vinyl |
| 1987 | Ireland | Mute Mute 56First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Ireland | Mute 12 mute 56First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Italy | Mute MUTE 56First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Italy | Mute MUTEX 56First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Italy | Mute MUTE 56First year7", 45 RPM, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, White Label |
52 vinyl pressings of It Doesn't Have To Be are listed here, from 11 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in UK, Germany, Australia, France and more. One of them is Mute L12 mute 56, released February 16, 1987.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use L12 mute 56, 12 mute 56, 12Mute 056, mute 56) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, L-12-MUTE-56 A PAG and L-12-MUTE-56 B PAG. 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.
