Vinyl pressings
by Paul Hardcastle · 1986
Foolin' Yourself 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.
11 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 4 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.
PAULX2 A//1∇420 C 1Runout Side A variant 1
PAULX2 B//1∇420 C 1Runout Side B variant 1
PAULX2 A//1∇420 C 1 1 1 TIMTOMRunout Side A variant 2 stamped,etched
PAULX2 B//1∇420 C 1 1 1Runout Side B variant 2 stamped
PAUL R 2A // 1 ▽ 4 2 0 V L 1 2 [etched] BazzaA-Side, stamped
PA ULR2 B // 1 ▽ 4 2 0 V L 1 2B-Side, stamped
PAUL 2 A // 2 ∇ 420 C 11 TimTomA Side Runout
PAUL 2 B // 2 ∇ 420 C 11B Side Runout
PAUL 2 A // 2 ∇ 420 C 11 TimTomA Side Runout
PAUL 2 B // 2 ∇ 420 C 11B Side Runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Europe | Chrysalis 608 338First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | Chrysalis 108 338First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Italy | Chrysalis CHS 416First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Spain | Chrysalis CHST-3010First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Spain | Chrysalis CHST-3010First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | UK | Chrysalis PAULX 2 / Chrysalis PAUL X2First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Chrysalis PAULR 2First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Chrysalis PAULL 2First year12", Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1986 | UK | Chrysalis PAUL 2First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Chrysalis PAULX 2First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | UK | Chrysalis PAUL 2 / Chrysalis Z PAUL 2First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Cassette | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Cassette |
11 vinyl pressings of Foolin' Yourself are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, Europe, Italy, Spain. One of them is Chrysalis PAULX 2.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PAULX 2, PAULR 2, PAULL 2, PAUL 2) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, PAULX2 A//1∇420 C 1 and PAULX2 B//1∇420 C 1. 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.
