US
1986- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 884 004-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Specialty pressing
- Runout / matrix
884-004-7 2-58710-SP-X 1-1Scribed in runout side A
884-004-7 2-58710-SP 1-1Scribed in runout side B
Hear'n AidStars
Vinyl pressings
Stars
by Hear'n Aid · 1986
25 pressings10 countriesHard RockHeavy MetalInterviewRock
Stars 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.
How to spot a first pressing of Stars
23 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 10 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.
US
1986- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 884 004-1Mercury 884-004-1
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
884.004.1.2- 58709 ·LONG - HRM A- ᐉRunout, side A, variant 1
884 004-1-BS-HRM STERLING A- ᐉRunout, side B, variant 1
A- ᐉ 884.004.1.2- 58709 ·LONG - HRMRunout, side A, variant 2
STERLING A-2 ᐉ 884 004-1-BS-HRMRunout, side B, variant 2
US
1986- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 884 004-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · SRC
- Runout / matrix
884-004-7 2-58710-SP-X 1-1Side A - Etched
STERLING [SRC Logo]Side A - Stamped
884-004-7 2-58710-SP 1-1Side B - Etched
STERLING [SRC Logo]Side B - Stamped
US
1986- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 884 004-1
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
(etched, LSC strikethrough) 884.004.1.2 - 58709 - LSC - LONG - ESSide 1
(etched, LSC strikethrough) 884.004.1.2 - 58709 - LSC - LONG - ESSide 1
US
1986- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 884 004-7 DJ
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
884-004-7 2-58709-ES STERLINGA-side runouts, etched & stamped, variant 1
884-004-7 2-58709-ES Emw. STERLINGA-side runouts, etched & stamped, variant 2
2-58709A-side labels
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Vertigo HEAR 12
- Format
- 12"
- Runout / matrix
HEAR 12 A/2 A//2▽420 T JASide A
HEAR 12 B//3▽420 R toneSide B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 25 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s25 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australasia | Mercury 884 004-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Australasia | Mercury 884 004-1First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1986 | Europe | Mercury 884 004-1First year12", 45 RPM, EP, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, EP, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | Mercury 884 004-7First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1986 | France | Mercury 884 004-1First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1986 | France | Mercury 884 004-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | France | Mercury 884004112", Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1986 | Germany | Mercury 884 004-7 Q / Mercury 884 004-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Germany | Mercury 884 004-1 Q / Mercury 884 004-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1986 | Greece | PolyGram 884 004-1First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1986 | Japan | Mercury 884 004-1 / Mercury AIDG-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Portugal | Mercury 884 004-1First year12" | 12" |
| 1986 | Portugal | Mercury 884 004-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Spain | Mercury 884 004-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1986 | Spain | Mercury 884 004-1First year12" | 12" |
Tracklist
- AStars (Long)7:20
- B1Stars5:10
- B24 1/2 Minutes News5:01
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Stars are there?
25 vinyl pressings of Stars are listed here, from 10 countries.
When was Stars first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in US, UK, Australasia, Europe and more. One of them is Mercury 884 004-7.
How do I tell if my copy of Stars is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 884 004-7, 884 004-1, 884 004-7 DJ, HEAR 12) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 884-004-7 2-58710-SP-X 1-1 and 884-004-7 2-58710-SP 1-1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Stars on vinyl worth?
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.
