US
1984- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 880 026-7
- Format
- 7", Single
- Runout / matrix
880026 72-57892-BWEtched-Side A
880026 72-57896-BWEtched-Side B
Rubber RodeoThe Hardest Thing
Vinyl pressings
The Hardest Thing
by Rubber Rodeo · 1984
10 pressings5 countriesNew WaveCountryElectronicRock
The Hardest Thing 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 The Hardest Thing
10 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 5 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.
US
1984- Label and catalog number
- Mercury PRO 297-1
- Format
- 12", Single, 45 RPM, Promo
US
1984- Label and catalog number
- Mercury PRO 285-1
- Format
- 12", Promo
US
1984- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 880 026-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · 22
- Runout / matrix
2-57892Labels
UK
1984- Label and catalog number
- Polygram CHOMP 112Eat CHOMP 112
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single, Special Edition
UK
1984- Label and catalog number
- Eat CHOMP1
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM · Injection Labels, Gatefold Sleeve
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 10 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australia | Mercury 880 026-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Canada | Vertigo SOV 2342First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1984 | Netherlands | Mercury 880 026-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1984 | UK | Polygram CHOMP 112 / Eat CHOMP 112First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Special Edition | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Special Edition |
| 1984 | UK | Eat CHOMP1First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | UK | Eat CHOMP 1First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | US | Mercury PRO 297-1First year12", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | US | Mercury PRO 285-1First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | US | Mercury 880 026-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1984 | US | Mercury 880 026-7First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
Tracklist
- AThe Hardest Thing3:14
- BWoman Of Straw4:20
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Hardest Thing are there?
10 vinyl pressings of The Hardest Thing are listed here, from 5 countries.
When was The Hardest Thing first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Mercury 880 026-7.
How do I tell if my copy of The Hardest Thing is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 880 026-7, PRO 297-1, PRO 285-1, CHOMP 112) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 880026 72-57892-BW and 880026 72-57896-BW. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Hardest Thing 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.