Vinyl pressings
by The Communards · 1986
Don't Leave Me 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.
55 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 21 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.
LON 103 A//2∇420R 1 1Runout A: Machine stamped
LON 103 B//2∇4 20R 1 1 1Runout B: Machine stamped
ARUNRunout A: Hand etched
ZPMSC 11008Label A-side
LONX 103 A // 1 ▽ 420 R 1 1 2Variant 1: Run-out, side A
LONX 103 B // 1 ▽ 420 R 1 1 2Variant 1: Run-out, side B
LONX 103 A // 2 ▽ 420 R 11 4Variant 2: Run-out, side A
LONX 103 B // 2 ▽ 420 R 11 2Variant 2: Run-out, side B
LONMX 103 A//2∇420 R 11 2Run-out Side A
LONMX 103 B//1∇420 R 11 2Run-out Side B
ZPMSC 11011Labels
2 LOXRR 103 A / 1 ▿ 130 [stamped] ZPM- SC- IIC23-A [scratched]Runout side A
2 LOXRR 103 B / 3 ▿ 420 R [stamped]Runout side B
LONPD 103A . ORLAKE .Runout side A, etched
LONPD 103B . ORLAKE .Runout side B, etched
ZPMSC 11008Label side A
ZPMSC 11009Label side B
LONX 103 A//1∇420R 1 1 2Run-out Side A
LONX 103 B//1∇420R 1 1 2Run-out Side B
ZPMSC 11010Label Side A
ZPMSC 11009Label Side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia | London Records 886 077-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1986 | Barbados | London Records LONXR 103First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Bolivia | MCA Records S-MCA -14043First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Brazil | London Records 886 077-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1986 | Canada | London Records LDSX 230First year12" | 12" |
| 1986 | Canada | London Records LDSXA 230 / London Records LDSX A 230First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Canada | London Records LDS 230First year7" | 7" |
| 1986 | Ecuador | London Records 12-Mix-23000-3First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Ecuador | London Records 12-Mix-23000-3First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Europe | London Records 886 077-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | London Records 886 077-1First year12", EP, 45 RPM | 12", EP, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | France | London Records 886 077-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1986 | France | London Records 886 077-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | France | London Records 886 077-77", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1986 | Germany | Metronome 886 077-7 / London Records 886 077-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
57 vinyl pressings of Don't Leave Me This Way are listed here, from 21 countries, released between 1986 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, US, Australia, Germany and more. One of them is London Records LON 103, released August 11, 1986.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LON 103, LONX 103, LONXR 103, LOXRR 103) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, LON 103 A//2∇420R 1 1 and LON 103 B//2∇4 20R 1 1 1. 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.
