Vinyl pressings
by Fine Young Cannibals · 1985
Blue 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.
24 pressings came out in 1985, 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.
LON 79 A // 2 ▽420 R ARUN 1 1 5Runout, stamped/etched, side A, variant 1
LON 79 B // 1 ▽420 R 1 1 1Runout, stamped, side B, variant 1
LON 79 A // 1 ▽420 R ARUN 1 1 1Runout side A, variant 2
LON 79 B // 2 ▽420 R 1 1 1Runout side B, variant 2
LON 79 A // 2 ▼420 R ARUN 1 1 5Runout (Stamped/Etched) Side A - Variant 1
LON 79 B // 1 ▼420 R 1 1 1Runout (Stamped) Side B - Variant 1
LON 79 A//1∇ 420 R ARUNRunout (Stamped/Etched) Side A - Variant 2
LON 79 B//1∇ 420 RRunout (Stamped) Side B - Variant 2
LON 79 A // 2 ▼420 R ARUN 1 1 5Runout (Stamped/Etched) Side A
LON 79 B // 1 ▼420 R 1 1 1Runout (Stamped) Side B
ZPMSC 10805Label Side A
ZPMSC 10806Label Side B
LONDP 79 A//1▽420 R ARUN 1 1 1Runout side A
LONDP 79 B//1▽420 R 1 1 5Runout side B
LONDP 79 C//1▽420 R 1 1 5Runout side C
LONDP 79 D//1▽420 R 1 1 4Runout side D
LONX-79-A ✱ MAXSide A etched
LONX-79-B ✱ MAXSide B etched
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 886 005-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Australasia | London Records 886 005-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Australasia | London Records 886 005-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Australia | London Records 886 005-7First year45 RPM, 7", Single | 45 RPM, 7", Single |
| 1985 | Canada | I.R.S. Records 30000First year7" · Colored vinyl | 7" · Colored vinyl |
| 1985 | Germany | Metronome 886 005-1ME / Metronome 886 005-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | Metronome 886 005-7 / Metronome 886 005-7MEFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Ireland | London Records LON 79First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Italy | London Records 886 005-7First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1985 | Italy | London Records 886 005-1First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1985 | Netherlands | London Records 886 005-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Netherlands | London Records 886 005-1First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1985 | Spain | London Records 886 005-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | Spain | London Records 886 005-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | UK | London Records LONDP 79 / London Records LON 79First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
24 vinyl pressings of Blue are listed here, from 11 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, South Africa, Japan, Australasia and more. One of them is London Records LON 79, released October 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LON 79, LONP 79, LONDP 79, LONX 79) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, LON 79 A // 2 ▽420 R ARUN 1 1 5 and LON 79 B // 1 ▽420 R 1 1 1. 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.
