UK
February 8, 1988- Label and catalog number
- London Records LONX 166
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
The CommunardsFor A Friend
Vinyl pressings
For A Friend
by The Communards · 1988
19 pressings9 countriesDowntempoSynth-popDiscoElectronic
For A Friend was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. 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 For A Friend
19 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 9 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
February 8, 1988- Label and catalog number
- London Records LON 166London Records 886 226-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
LON 166 A//1∇420R 1 1 1Runout A: Machine stamped, variant 1
LON 166 B//2∇420R 1 1Runout B: Machine stamped, variant 1
LON 166 A//1∇420R 1 2 2Runout A: Machine stamped, variant 2
LON 166 B//2 ∇420 R 1 2Runout B: Machine stamped, variant 2
UK
February 8, 1988- Label and catalog number
- London Records LON 166London Records 886 226-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
LON 166 A//2 ▽420 RRunout side A, variant 1
LON 166 B//2 ▽420 RRunout side B, variant 1
LON 166 A // 2 ▽ 420 R 1 2 9Runout side A, machine stamped, variant 2
LON 166 B // 1 ▽ 420 R 1 1 1Runout side B, machine stamped, variant 2
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- London Records LONY 166
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- London Records LONZ 166
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single · Gatefold Wallet
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- London Records LOXDJ 166
- Format
- 12", Single, Promo
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 19 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s19 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Australasia | London Records 886 226-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Australia | London Records 886 226-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Europe | Metronome 886 271-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Germany | Metronome 886 271-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Ireland | London Records LON 166First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Japan | London Records L13P 7145First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1988 | Japan | London Records L13P 7145First year12", Maxi-Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Maxi-Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Netherlands | London Records 886 226-7 / London Records 886226 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Netherlands | London Records 886 226-1First year12" | 12" |
| 1988 | Portugal | London Records 886 226-7First year7" | 7" |
| 1988 | UK | London Records LONY 166First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | UK | London Records LONZ 166First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | UK | London Records LOXDJ 166First year12", Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | UK | London Records LONX 166First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | UK | London Records LONX 166 / London Records 886 226-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
Tracklist
- AFor A Friend5:08
- AAVictims (Live)5:08
- BDon't Leave Me This Way (Live)3:50
- BBHeavens Above3:58
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of For A Friend are there?
19 vinyl pressings of For A Friend are listed here, from 9 countries.
When was For A Friend first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in UK, Australasia, Australia, Europe and more. One of them is London Records LONX 166, released February 8, 1988.
How do I tell if my copy of For A Friend is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LONX 166, LON 166, LONY 166, LONZ 166) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is For A Friend 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.
