Europe
July 28, 1986- Label and catalog number
- Island Records 207 723
- Format
- LP, Album, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
DM 207723 A-1/5-86Runout side A, stamped
DM 207723 B-1/5-86Runout side B, stamped
S 207 723 ALabel side A
S 207 723 BLabel side B
ThinkmanThe Formula
Vinyl pressings
The Formula
by Thinkman · 1986
13 pressings8 countriesNew WaveElectronic
The Formula 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 The Formula
8 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.
US
1986- Label and catalog number
- Island Records 90515-1Island Records 7 90515-1
- Format
- LP, Album, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
ST-IL-866031 B DMM STERLING DMMRunout side A, variant 1
ST-IL-866031 A DMM SPO I MISFI SMI EDPRunout side B, variant 1
ST-IL-866031 B DMM STERLING DMMRunout side A, variant 2
STIL 866032 A DMM SPO-I STERLING DMM GC MISFI SMI EDPRunout side B, variant 2
Japan
September 25, 1986- Label and catalog number
- Island Records R28D-2047Polystar R28D-2047
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
V 〄 R28D-2047A 111✢ USide 1
R28D-2047B 111✢Side 2
Canada
1986- Label and catalog number
- Island Records ISL-1095
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
ISL 1095-A CR TLC-MSide A Runout, etched (CR is encircled and stamped)
ISL 1095-B TLC-M CRSide B Runout, etched (CR is encircled and stamped)
ISL 1095 ASide A label matrix
ISL 1095 BSide B label matrix
Italy
1986- Label and catalog number
- Island Records ILPS 9840
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
ILPS 9840/1 F∆ 11-6-86-P-Side A - Runout
ILPS 9840/2 F∆ 12-6-86-P-IFSide B - Runout
ILPS 9840/1Side A - Label
ILPS 9840/2Side B - Label
Scandinavia
1986- Label and catalog number
- Island Records ILPS 9840Island Records ILPS-9840
- Format
- LP, Album, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
ILPS-9840-A-2 3/6-86 GP BA · GPSide A runout
ILPS-0840 B-2 3/6-86 GP BA - GPSide B runout
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 13 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Canada | Island Records ISL-1095First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Europe | Island Records 207 723LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1986 | Italy | Island Records ILPS 9840First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Scandinavia | Island Records ILPS 9840 / Island Records ILPS-9840First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Scandinavia | Island Records ILPS 9840 / Island Records ILPS-9840LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1986 | Spain | Island Records I 207723First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | US | Island Records 90515-1 / Island Records 7 90515-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Germany | Island Records 207 723LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1986 | Europe | Island Records 207 723First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Japan | Island Records R28D-2047 / Polystar R28D-2047First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Japan | Island Records R28D-2047 / Polystar R28D-2047First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Europe | Island Records 207 723LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | Europe | Island Records 207 723LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
Tracklist
- A1Best Adventures4:36
- A2The Formula7:47
- A3Legend5:00
- A4The Ecstasy Of Free Thought5:45
- B1The Conflict4:23
- B2The Challenge4:24
- B3The Days Of A Champion4:40
- B4There Shines Our Promised Land6:00
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Formula are there?
13 vinyl pressings of The Formula are listed here, from 8 countries.
When was The Formula first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in Europe, US, Japan, Canada and more. One of them is Island Records 207 723, released July 28, 1986.
How do I tell if my copy of The Formula is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 207 723, 90515-1, R28D-2047, ISL-1095) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DM 207723 A-1/5-86 and DM 207723 B-1/5-86. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Formula 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.