Netherlands
December 1984- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 880 386-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
880 386 7 1W 1 (P) 1984 670 04Runout (Stamped) Side A
880 386 7 2W 1 (P) 1984 670 04Runout (Stamped) Side B
The Boomtown RatsDave
Vinyl pressings
Dave
by The Boomtown Rats · 1984
11 pressings6 countriesNew WaveSynth-popElectronicRock
Dave 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 Dave
9 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.
UK
November 16, 1984- Label and catalog number
- Mercury MER 179
- Format
- 7", Single
- Runout / matrix
MER179A//1▽420U ƱTOPIARunout side A
MER179B//1▽420U ƱTOPIARunout side B
UK
1984- Label and catalog number
- Mercury MERX 179
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
MERX 179 A//2∇420 H 1 1 1 U UtopiaRunout [stamped/etched] side A
MERX 179 B//1∇420 H 1 1 1 URunout [stamped] side B
UK
1984- Label and catalog number
- Mercury MERD 179
- Format
- 7", Limited Edition, Single
- Runout / matrix
MER179A//1▽420 H UTOPIA 1 4SIDE A
MER179B//1▽420 U UTOPIA 12 5SIDE B
CUT205A\2 (lyre symbol) A//2▽E UT 1 7 24SIDE C
CUT200B\1 (lyre symbol) B//1▽E UT 1 1 5 3SIDE D
UK
1984- Label and catalog number
- Mercury MERT 179
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Picture Disc
Australasia
1984- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 880 386-1
- 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 11 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s11 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australasia | Mercury 880 386-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Germany | Mercury 880 386-7 / Mercury 880 386-7 QFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Germany | Mercury 880 508-1 / Mercury 880 508-1 QFirst year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1984 | Philippines | Mercury MER-24-763First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | UK | Mercury MERX 179First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | UK | Mercury MERD 179First year7", Limited Edition, Single · Limited | 7", Limited Edition, Single · Limited |
| 1984 | UK | Mercury MERT 179First year7", 45 RPM, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", 45 RPM, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1984 | UK | Mercury MER 1797", Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1984 | UK | Mercury MER 179First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1984 | Netherlands | Mercury 880 386-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Australia | Mercury 880 386-77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Tracklist
- ADave4:15
- BHard Times3:55
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Dave are there?
11 vinyl pressings of Dave are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1984 and 1985.
When was Dave first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in Netherlands, UK, Australasia, Germany and more. One of them is Mercury 880 386-7, released December 1984.
How do I tell if my copy of Dave is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 880 386-7, MER 179, MERX 179, MERD 179) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 880 386 7 1W 1 (P) 1984 670 04 and 880 386 7 2W 1 (P) 1984 670 04. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Dave 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.
