Vinyl pressings
by Thompson Twins · 1985
Don't Mess With Doctor Dream was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
29 pressings came out in 1985, 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.
ARUNSide A & B - hand etched
TWINS 129 A // 1 ∇ 420 R 1 3Side A - machine stamped (Variant 1)
TWINS 129 B // 1 ∇ 420 R 1 5Side B - machine stamped (Variant 1)
TWINS 129 A // 1 ∇ 420 R 1 5Side A - machine stamped (Variant 2)
TWINS 9 A / 2 ▽ 420 R 1 2 'Runout (stamped) side A
TWINS 9 B / 2 ▽ 420 R 1 1 1Runout (stamped) side B
TWINS 9 A / 2 ▼ 420 R 1 2 'Runout (Stamped) Side A
TWINS 9 B / 2 ▼ 420 R 1 1 1Runout (Stamped) Side B
TWINS 9 A // 2 ▽ 420 R 1 1 ARUNRunout side A - version 1
TWINS 9 B // 2 ▽ 420 R 1 1 11Runout side B - version 1
TWINS 9 A // 2 ▽ 420 R 2 3 ARUNRunout side A - version 2
TWINS 9 B // 1 ▽ 420 R 1 1 9Runout side B - version 2
TWINS 9 A / 1 ▼ 420 R 1 1Runout, stamped, side A
ARUNRunout, etched, side A
TWINS 9 B / 1 ▼ 420 R 1 1Runout stamped, side B
TWINS 9 A // 1 ▼ 420 R 1 2 ARUN 6Runout (Stamped) Side A - Version 1
TWINS 9 B // 2 ▼ 420 R 11 1Runout (Stamped) Side B - Version 1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Australia | Arista K-9809 / Arista TWINS 9First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Australia | Arista X-14234First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1985 | Canada | Arista AS1-9492First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Canada | Arista AD1-9493First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Europe | Arista 601 942First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | Arista 107 654First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | Arista 601 958First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Greece | Arista 062-VG 3008 ZFirst year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | Ireland | Arista TWINS 9First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Italy | Arista ARS 37129First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | New Zealand | Arista K 9809 / Arista TWINS 9First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | New Zealand | Arista X 14234First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1985 | Philippines | Arista ART-7152First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | South Africa | Ariola ARS 2207 / Ariola TWINS 9First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | South Africa | Ariola ARS 2208-12First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
29 vinyl pressings of Don't Mess With Doctor Dream are listed here, from 11 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, Australia, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Arista TWINS 129, released August 19, 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use TWINS 129, TWINS 9, TWINS 229, TWISD 9) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ARUN and TWINS 129 A // 1 ∇ 420 R 1 3. 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.
