Vinyl pressings
by The Mission · 1987
IV was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
30 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 11 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.
MYTH-2-A1. ƱTOPIA MT.Side A, hand-etched runout
MYTH-2-B1. MT.Side B, hand-etched runout
MYTH.(B2).A-3 MT.Side C, hand-etched runout
MYTH (B2) B3 MT.Side D, hand-etched runout
MYTHX-22-A2 MT.Runout side A, variant 1
MYTHX-22-B1 MT.Runout side B, variant 1
MYTHX-22-A2 MT. 5Runout side A, variant 2
MYTHX-22-B2 MT. 4Runout side B, variant 2
MYTH-2 - A2 MT. 1 4Runout etched/stamped side A
MYTH - 2 -B2. MT. 1 4Runout etched/stamped side B
MYTH-2-A1. ƱTOPIA MT.Side A, hand-etched runout, variant 1
MYTH-2-B1. MT.Side B, hand-etched runout, variant 1
MYTH-2-A2. ƱTOPIA MT.Side A, hand-etched runout, variant 2
MYTH-2-B2. MT.Side B, hand-etched runout, variant 2
MYTH-2-A2 MT. 8Runout side A, variant 1
MYTH-2-B2 MT. 1 2Runout side B, variant 1
MYTH (B2) . A-4 MT 11 8Runout side C, variant 1
MYTH (B2) . B-4 MT 11 8Runout side D, variant 1
MYTH-2 - A-3U-1-Q - / - T5Runout etched/stamped side A
MYTH - 2 B-4U - Q - / - X1 MRunout etched/stamped 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Australasia | Mercury 888 270-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Australia | Mercury 888 270-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Canada | Vertigo SOVEX 2382First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1987 | Canada | PolyGram SOVX 2382First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Canada | Vertigo SOV 2382First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | Chile | EMI PROMO 96First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Germany | Mercury 888 270-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Germany | Mercury 888 270-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Netherlands | Mercury 888 270-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Netherlands | Mercury 888 270-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | South Africa | Mercury TOS 1632First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Spain | Mercury 888 270-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Spain | Mercury 888 270-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | US | Mercury 888 383-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1987 | US | Mercury PRO 477-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | UK | Vertigo MYTDJ 151212", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | Vertigo DJV 21212", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
32 vinyl pressings of IV are listed here, from 11 countries, released between 1987 and 1993.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in UK, US, Portugal, Australasia and more. One of them is Mercury MYTH B2, released January 1987.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MYTH B2, MYTH X22, MYTH 2, MYTH X2) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MYTH-2-A1. ƱTOPIA MT. and MYTH-2-B1. MT.. 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.
