Europe
1986- Label and catalog number
- RCA PT 41104
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
DM B-6953 A-1/12-86Runout side A
DM B-6953 B-1/12-86Runout side B
Vinyl pressings
It Doesn't Have To Be This Way
by The Blow Monkeys · 1986
37 pressings17 countriesPop RockRockPop
It Doesn't Have To Be This Way 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.
How to spot a first pressing of It Doesn't Have To Be This Way
10 pressings came out in 1986, 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.
Australia & New Zealand
1986- Label and catalog number
- RCA Victor TDS 371RCA Victor MONKT 4
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
Ireland
1986- Label and catalog number
- RCA MONK 4
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
MONK 4 - A1 ECSTASY C TY1Runout side A
MONK 4 - B1 TY1Runout side B
Ireland
1986- Label and catalog number
- RCA MONK 4
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Sloped Single Dipped Centre
- Runout / matrix
MONK 4 - A1 ECSTASY TY1Runout side A
MONK 4 - B1 TY1Runout side B
New Zealand
1986- Label and catalog number
- RCA 104650
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
104650ASide A label and runout
104650BSide B label and runout
New Zealand
1986- Label and catalog number
- RCA TDS 371
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 37 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s37 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia & New Zealand | RCA Victor TDS 371 / RCA Victor MONKT 4First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Europe | RCA PT 41104First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Ireland | RCA MONK 4First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Ireland | RCA MONK 4First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | New Zealand | RCA 104650First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | New Zealand | RCA TDS 371First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Philippines | RCA RCS-30028First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | South Africa | RCA Victor RCAS 19First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | South Africa | RCA RCAM 12019First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Zimbabwe | RCA Victor RCAS 19First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Australia & New Zealand | RCA Victor 1046507", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Bolivia | RCA Victor RS - 23177", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Canada | RCA 6281-1-RD / RCA Victor 6281-1-RD12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1987 | Canada | RCA 5138-7-R7" | 7" |
| 1987 | Europe | RCA PB411037", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
Tracklist
- AIt Doesn't Have To Be This Way (Long)6:06
- B1It Doesn't Have To Dub That Way6:26
- B2Ask For More1:16
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of It Doesn't Have To Be This Way are there?
37 vinyl pressings of It Doesn't Have To Be This Way are listed here, from 17 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
When was It Doesn't Have To Be This Way first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in Europe, Australia & New Zealand, Ireland, New Zealand and more. One of them is RCA PT 41104.
How do I tell if my copy of It Doesn't Have To Be This Way is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PT 41104, TDS 371, MONK 4, 104650) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DM B-6953 A-1/12-86 and DM B-6953 B-1/12-86. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is It Doesn't Have To Be This Way 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.
