Vinyl pressings
by Steve Harvey · 1983
Tonight was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 3 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.
LONX 36 A 1 420 R 1 1 1Runout, A-side, stamped
LONX 36 B ∇ 2 420 R 1 1 2Runout, B-side, stamped
ZPMSC 10425Side A Label matrix
ZPMSC 10426/27Side B Label matrix
LONX 36 A 1 420 R 1 1 3Runout Side A
LONX 36 B//3▽420 R 1 1 2Runout Side B
ZPMSC 10425 (810 275-1)Side A Label
ZPMSC 10432/10365 (810 275-1)Side B Label
LON 36 ∇ A ∇ 1 420 R 11 1 ARUNA Side Runout
LON 36 B ∇ 2 420 R 11 1B Side Runout
LON 36 ∇ A ∇ 1 420 RA Side Runout
LON 36 B ∇ 2 420 RB Side Runout
LONX 36 A 1 420 RSide A Run-out
LONX 36 B ▽ 1 420 RSide B Run-out
A-1 ↔ 810-277-1-2-57861 HRMA-Side Runout
A-1 ↔ 810-277-1-2-57861 HRMB-Side Runout
2-57861A-Side Label
BSB-Side Label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Canada | London Records LDSX 210First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Canada | London Records LDS 210First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LONX 36 / London Records 810 275-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LONX 36First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LON 36 / London Records 810 214-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LON 36 / London Records 810 214-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | US | London Records 810 277-1First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | London Records 810 277-1First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1983 | US | London Records 810 277-112", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1983 | US | London Records PRO248-7First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LONX 36 / London Records 810 277-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | South Africa | London Records TOS 14747", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
12 vinyl pressings of Tonight are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, US, Canada. One of them is London Records LONX 36, released October 1983.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LONX 36, LON 36, 810 277-1, PRO248-7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, LONX 36 A 1 420 R 1 1 1 and LONX 36 B ∇ 2 420 R 1 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.
