UK
June 1984- Label and catalog number
- Mute 7 MUTE 034
- Format
- 7", Single
- Runout / matrix
7 MUTE 34 A1 / MAT LOVES JANE / MPOEtched
7 MUTE 34 B1 / TimTom.cbs / MPOEtched
I Start CountingLetters To A Friend
Vinyl pressings
Letters To A Friend
by I Start Counting · 1984
17 pressings7 countriesSynth-popElectronic
Letters To A Friend was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. 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 Letters To A Friend
17 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 7 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
June 1984- Label and catalog number
- Mute 12 MUTE 034
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
12 MUTE 34 A1 timtom · cbs MPORunout A, etched
12 MUTE 34 B1 TY MPORunout B, etched
UK
1984- Label and catalog number
- Mute 7 MUTE 034
- Format
- 7", White Label
UK
1984- Label and catalog number
- Mute 7 MUTE 034
- Format
- 7", Single, White Label
Australia
June 1984- Label and catalog number
- Mute POWT 0225
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
Australia
1984- Label and catalog number
- Mute POW 0225
- Format
- 7", Single
- Runout / matrix
POW-0225-A -225 2ASIDE A
POW-02251-B 2A
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 17 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s17 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australia | Mute POW 0225First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1984 | France | Vogue 101951First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | France | Vogue 311079First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1984 | Germany | Mute INT 126.823 / Mute 12 Mute 034First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1984 | Germany | Mute INT 111.820 / Mute 7 Mute 034First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Germany | Mute INT 126.823 / Mute 12 Mute 034First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo · Colored vinyl | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo · Colored vinyl |
| 1984 | Scandinavia | Mute 12 MUTE 034First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Scandinavia | Mute 7 MUTE 034 / Mute VR 10843First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | South Africa | Mute EN 5669First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | South Africa | Mute XEN 5668First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1984 | Spain | RCA Victor SPCO-7466First year12" | 12" |
| 1984 | Spain | RCA Victor SPBO-7467First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | UK | Mute 7 MUTE 034First year7", White Label | 7", White Label |
| 1984 | UK | Mute 7 MUTE 034First year7", Single, White Label | 7", Single, White Label |
| 1984 | Australia | Mute POWT 0225First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
Tracklist
- ALetters To A Friend3:51
- BAdman's Dream3:28
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Letters To A Friend are there?
17 vinyl pressings of Letters To A Friend are listed here, from 7 countries.
When was Letters To A Friend first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, Australia, France, Germany and more. One of them is Mute 7 MUTE 034, released June 1984.
How do I tell if my copy of Letters To A Friend is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 7 MUTE 034, 12 MUTE 034, POWT 0225, POW 0225) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 7 MUTE 34 A1 / MAT LOVES JANE / MPO and 7 MUTE 34 B1 / TimTom.cbs / MPO. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Letters To A Friend 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.