Vinyl pressings
by Peter Hammill · 1985
The Margin (Live) 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.
9 pressings came out in 1985, 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.
FONDL 1 A-1U-1- 1 1 3Side 1, stamped, variant 1
FONDL 1 B-1U-1-11 3Side 2, stamped, variant 1
FONDL 1 C-1U-1-11 3Side 3, stamped, variant 1
FONDL 1 D-1U-1-11 [not readable]Side 4, stamped, variant 1
ED-631105-A DISC 0-1 28-05-85Disc 1 Side A, Runout Etched
ED-631105-B DISC 1 28-05-85Disc 1 Side B, Runout Etched
ED-631105-C DISC 2 28-05-85Disc 2 Side A, Runout Etched
ED-631105-D DISC 2 28-05-85Disc 2 Side B, Runout Etched
DM 302531 A-1/85 S IIRunout side A
DM 302531 B-1/85 S IIRunout side B
DM 302532 A-1/85 S IIRunout side C
DM 302532 B-1/85 S IIRunout side D
DM 502 531 BSide 2, stamped
DM 502 531 ASide 3, stamped
DM 502 531 BSide 4, stamped
DM 502 531 ASide 1
825 588-1 S1 320Variant 1: Runout side A
825 588-1 S2 320Variant 1: Runout side B
825 589-1 S1 320Variant 1: Runout side C
825 589-1 S2 320Variant 1: Runout side D
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Canada | Virgin VD 2330First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Europe | Virgin 302 533 / Virgin 302 533-370First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | Foundry Records FONDL 1 / Virgin 302 532First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Germany | Date Records 825 587-1 YFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | Date Records DADLP 5.00009 MFirst yearLP, Album · Colored vinyl | LP, Album · Colored vinyl |
| 1985 | Greece | Virgin VG FOND 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Italy | Foundry Records FONDL 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | UK | Foundry Records FONDL 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Portugal | Virgin 631105First yearLP | LP |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Germany | Madfish SMALP1072LP | LP |
| 2017 | Germany | Madfish SMALP1071LP, Reissue, Repress | LP, Reissue, Repress |
11 vinyl pressings of The Margin (Live) are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1985 and 2017.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, Portugal, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Foundry Records FONDL 1, released February 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FONDL 1, 631105, VD 2330, 302 533) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, FONDL 1 A-1U-1- 1 1 3 and FONDL 1 B-1U-1-11 3. 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.
