Vinyl pressings
by Level 42 · 1984
True Colours 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.
18 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 12 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.
POLH 10 A//1▽ 4̶2̶0̶ 130 1 1 5A Side Runout, Stamped, Variant 1
POLH 10 B//1▽ 130 1 2B Side Runout, Stamped, Variant 1
POLH 10 A//2▽ 130A Side Runout, Stamped, Variant 2
POLH 10 ⃥▽⃥B//1▽ 130B Side Runout, Stamped, Variant 2
POLH 10 A//2▽ 130 1 1 1 1A Side Runout, Stamped Variant 1
POLH 10 B//2▽ 130 1 1B Side Runout, Stamped Variant 1
POLH 10 A//1▽ (420 scratched by hand) 130 1 1 1A Side Runout, Stamped Variant 2
POLH 10 B//2▽ 130 1 1 1B Side Runout, Stamped Variant 2
POLH 10 A//2▽ 130 1 1 1 1A Side Runout, Stamped Variant 1
POLH 10 B//2▽ 130 1 1B Side Runout, Stamped Variant 1
MX213942Side A label
MX213943Side B label
160 823542 1// 1 380 POLYGRAMRunout side A, Variant 1
160 823542 1// 2 380 POLYGRAMRunout side B, Variant 1
160 823542 1// 1 380 POLYGRAM A2Runout side A, Variant 2
160 823542 1// 2 380 POLYGRAM A1Runout side B, Variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australasia | Polydor 823 542-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | France | Polydor 823 542-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Germany | Polydor 823 542-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Greece | Polydor 823 542-1First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| 1984 | Greece | Polydor 823 542-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Ireland | Polydor POLH 10First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Italy | Polydor 823 542-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Japan | Polydor 28MM 0394First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Japan | Polydor 28MM 0394First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Netherlands | Polydor 823 542-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Polydor 823 542-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Polydor 823 542-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Portugal | Polydor 823 542-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Spain | Polydor 823 542-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | UK | Polydor LEVEL 2First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
20 vinyl pressings of True Colours are listed here, from 14 countries, released between 1984 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, Australasia, France, Germany and more. One of them is Polydor POLH 10, released October 5, 1984.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use POLH 10, LEVEL 2, 823 542-1, 28MM 0394) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, POLH 10 A//1▽ 4̶2̶0̶ 130 1 1 5 and POLH 10 B//1▽ 130 1 2. 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.
