Vinyl pressings
by Immaculate Fools · 1987
Tragic Comedy was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
15 pressings came out in 1987, 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.
AM 377 A // 2 ∇ 420 H 1 1 1 TOWNHOUSERunout stamped/etched side A
AM 377 B // 2 ∇ 420 H 1 1 4Runout stamped side B
FREE 18 A // 1 ∇ 420 H 1 1 4Runout stamped side C
FREE 18 B // 1 ∇ 420 H 1 1 2Runout stamped side D
AMY 377 A // 1 ▽ 420 H TOWNHOUSESide A runout
AMY 377 B // 1 ▽ 420 H TOWNHOUSESide B runout
AMY 377 ASide A label
AMY 377 BSide B label
AM 377 A // 2 ∇ 420 H 1 1 1 TOWNHOUSERunout stamped/etched side A
AM 377 B // 2 ∇ 420 H 1 1Runout stamped side B
FREE 18 A // 1 ∇ 420 H 1 1 4Runout stamped side C
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Australia | A&M Records K-261First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Chile | EMI PROMO 105First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | France | A&M Records 390172-7First year7" | 7" |
| 1987 | Germany | A&M Records 390172-7First year7" | 7" |
| 1987 | Germany | A&M Records 392172-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Spain | A&M Records 392 172-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Spain | A&M Records 390 172-7 / A&M Records 390172-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | A&M Records AMS 377 / A&M Records AM 377First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | A&M Records AMY 377First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | A&M Records AM 377First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | A&M Records AMY 377DJFirst year12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1987 | UK | A&M Records AMS 377 / A&M Records AM 377First year7", 45 RPM, Advance, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Advance, Single |
| 1987 | US | A&M Records SP-17464First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | A&M Records AM-2941First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | US | A&M Records AM-2941First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
15 vinyl pressings of Tragic Comedy are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in UK, US, Australia, France and more. One of them is A&M Records AMS 377.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AMS 377, AMY 377, AM 377, AMY 377DJ) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AM 377 A // 2 ∇ 420 H 1 1 1 TOWNHOUSE and AM 377 B // 2 ∇ 420 H 1 1 4. 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.
