UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- Mercury MERX 193
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
MERX 193 A//1▽420H 1 1 2Runout side A
MERX 193 B//1▽420 H 1 1 4Runout side B
HipswayThe Broken Years
Vinyl pressings
The Broken Years
by Hipsway · 1985
10 pressings4 countriesSynth-popElectronic
The Broken Years 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.
How to spot a first pressing of The Broken Years
9 pressings came out in 1985, 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.
UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- Mercury MER 193Mercury 880 854-7
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
MER 193 A//1 ▽420 H 11Runout side A
MER 193 B//2 ▽420 H 11 1 5Runout side B
UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- Mercury MERX 193
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, White Label
UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- Mercury MER 193
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM · Paper labels
UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- Mercury MERX 193
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Promo
France
1985- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 884 233-1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 10 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | France | Mercury 884 233-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | France | Mercury MERX 193First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | Netherlands | Mercury 880 854-1First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1985 | Netherlands | Mercury 880 854-7First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1985 | UK | Mercury MERX 193First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | UK | Mercury MER 193 / Mercury 880 854-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | UK | Mercury MERX 193First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | UK | Mercury MERX 193First year12", 45 RPM, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1985 | UK | Mercury MER 193First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Spain | Mercury 880 854-77", Single | 7", Single |
Tracklist
- AThe Broken Years (Extended Version)3:43
- B1Forbidden4:32
- B2The Broken Years (Dub)3:18
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Broken Years are there?
10 vinyl pressings of The Broken Years are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1985 and 1986.
When was The Broken Years first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, France, Netherlands. One of them is Mercury MERX 193.
How do I tell if my copy of The Broken Years is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MERX 193, MER 193, 884 233-1, 880 854-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MERX 193 A//1▽420H 1 1 2 and MERX 193 B//1▽420 H 1 1 4. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Broken Years 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.
