Vinyl pressings
by First Light · 1983
Explain The Reasons was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 3 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.
LONX 26 A//1∇420 T 1 1 5 BILBO. TAPE OneVar.1, runout, Side A
LONX 26 B//1∇420 T 1 1 3 BILBO. TAPE OneVar.1, runout, Side B
LONX 26 A//2∇420 T 1 1 4 l BILBO. TAPE OneVar.2, runout, Side A
LONX 26 B//1∇420 T 1 1 2 BILBO. TAPE OneVar.2, runout, Side B
LON 26-A1Runout (Etched) Side A
LON 26-B1Runout (Etched) Side B
ZPMSC 10313Label Side A
ZPMSC 10314Label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | France | London Records 290.068First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | France | London Records 100.358First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Germany | Metronome 813 471-1 ME / Metronome 813 471-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Germany | Metronome 813 471-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LONX 26First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | UK | London Records 813 471-1 MEFirst year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LON 26First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LONCV 26First year7", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LONDJ 26First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LON 26First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LONX 26First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of Explain The Reasons are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, France, Germany. One of them is London Records LONX 26, released May 1983.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LONX 26, 813 471-1 ME, LON 26, LONCV 26) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, LONX 26 A//1∇420 T 1 1 5 BILBO. TAPE One and LONX 26 B//1∇420 T 1 1 3 BILBO. TAPE One. 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.
