UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 954-12
- Format
- 12"
- Runout / matrix
VS 954 12 ALabel side A
VS 954 12 BLabel side B
This Way UpTell Me Why
Vinyl pressings
Tell Me Why
by This Way Up · 1987
11 pressings4 countriesEuropopSynth-popElectronicPop
Tell Me Why 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.
How to spot a first pressing of Tell Me Why
10 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 4 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
1987- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VSP 954Virgin VS 954
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Poster Bag
- Runout / matrix
VS 954 A-1 U-1-1- 1 D DRunout stamped side A
VS 954 B-1 U-1-1- 1 D DRunout stamped side B
UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 954
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
VS 954 A-1 U-1-1- 1 D DRunout, stamped, side A, variant 1
VS 954 B-1 U-1-1- 1 D DRunout, stamped, side B, variant 1
VS 954 A-1 U-1-1- 3 D D TOWNHOUSE DMMRunout, stamped/etched, side A, variant 2
VS 954 B-1 U-1-1- 5 DDRunout, stamped, side B, variant 2
UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 95412
- Format
- 12", White Label
- Runout / matrix
VS 95412 A-1U-1- D TownhouseSide A runout, stamped and etched
VS 95412 B-1U-1-1 DSide B runout, stamped
UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 954-12
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
VS 95412 A-1U-1-1- DDSide A runout, stamped
VS 95412 B-1U-1-1- DDSide B runout, stamped
UK
1987- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 954-12
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
VS 95412 A-1U-1- D Townhouse DMMSide A runout
VS 95412 B-1U-1-1- DDSide B runout
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.
1980s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Europe | Virgin 609 357-213First year12" | 12" |
| 1987 | Italy | Virgin VIN 45235First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Spain | Virgin F 609 293First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | UK | Virgin VS 954-12First year12" | 12" |
| 1987 | UK | Virgin VSP 954 / Virgin VS 954First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1987 | UK | Virgin VS 954First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | Virgin VS 95412First year12", White Label | 12", White Label |
| 1987 | UK | Virgin VS 954-12 DJFirst year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | UK | Virgin VS 954-12First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | Virgin VS 954-12First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
Year unknown1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Virgin Records Ltd. 5055057", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
Tracklist
- Other Side
- ATell Me Why (Extended Version)
- This Side
- B1Tell Me Why
- B2Move On Up To Heaven
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Tell Me Why are there?
11 vinyl pressings of Tell Me Why are listed here, from 4 countries.
When was Tell Me Why first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in UK, Europe, Italy, Spain. One of them is Virgin VS 954-12.
How do I tell if my copy of Tell Me Why is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 954-12, VSP 954, VS 954, VS 95412) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 954 12 A and VS 954 12 B. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Tell Me Why 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.