Vinyl pressings
by Tears For Fears · 1983
The Way You Are 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.
15 pressings came out in 1983, 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.
IDEA 6 A // 2▽420 C 11 2 timtom.cbsSide A runout variant 1
IDEA 6 B // 1▽420 C 11 3 TYSide B runout variant 1
IDEA 6 A // 2▽420 C 11 1 8 timtom.cbsSide A runout variant 2
IDEA 6 B // 1▽420 C 11 1 5 TYSide B runout variant 2
IDEA 612 A // 2▽420 C 1 1 8 timtom.cbsRunout side A, variant 1
IDEA 612 B // 1▽420 C 1 1 1 TYRunout side B, variant 1
IDEA 612 A // 2▽420 C 1 1 1 timtom.cbsRunout side A, variant 2
IDEA 612 B // 1▽420 C 1 1 5 TYRunout side B, variant 2
IDEA 6 A1 timtom-cbs MPOSide A runout
IDEA 6 B1 TY MPOSide B runout
IDEAS6A//1 ∇ 420 VSide C runout
IDEAS6B//1 ∇ 420 VSide D runout
IDEA 6 A1 MPORunout side A etched
IDEA 6 B1 TY MPORunout side B etched
IDEA 612 A // 2∇420 C 1 1 8 timtom.cbsRunout side A
IDEA 612 B // 1∇420 C 1 11Runout side B
IDEA 6 A//2∇420 C 1 2 1 timtom . cbsRunout, side A, stamped & etched
IDEA 6 A//2∇420 C 1 2Runout, side A, stamped
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 | Germany | Mercury 818 087-1 / Mercury 818 087-1 QFirst year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Germany | Mercury 814 954-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Greece | Mercury 814 954-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | Italy | Mercury 814 954-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Netherlands | Mercury 814 954-1First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1983 | Netherlands | Mercury 814 954-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Philippines | Mercury MER-24-770 / Mercury IDEA-6First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Portugal | Mercury 814 954-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Mercury IDEA 612First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Mercury IDEA 6First year7", 45 RPM, 7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM, 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Mercury IDEA 6First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | Mercury IDADJ6First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | UK | Mercury IDEA 612First year12", Advance, Single | 12", Advance, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Mercury IDEA 6 / Mercury 814954-7First year7", 45 RPM, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Jukebox |
| 1983 | UK | Mercury IDEA 6 / Mercury 814954-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
17 vinyl pressings of The Way You Are are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, Germany, Greece, Italy and more. One of them is Mercury IDEA 6, released November 25, 1983.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use IDEA 6, IDEA 612, IDADJ6, 818 087-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, IDEA 6 A // 2▽420 C 11 2 timtom.cbs and IDEA 6 B // 1▽420 C 11 3 TY. 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.
