US
1986- Label and catalog number
- I.R.S. Records L33-17236
- Format
- 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM
- Runout / matrix
IRS 6332 ML-4 ◈-P-◈ I TML-MOne side runout, "◈-P-◈" and "TML-M" stamped
IRS 6332 ML-4 ◈-P-◈ II TML-XOther side runout, "◈-P-◈" and TML-X stamped
Timbuk 3Life Is Hard
Vinyl pressings
Life Is Hard
by Timbuk 3 · 1986
11 pressings5 countriesAlternative RockRock
Life Is Hard 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 Life Is Hard
1 pressing came out in 1986, the album's first year. 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.
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.
1980s11 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | US | I.R.S. Records L33-17236First year12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1987 | Europe | I.R.S. Records 650384 6 / I.R.S. Records ILS 650384 612", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Europe | I.R.S. Records ILS 650384 7 / I.R.S. Records 24-650384-007", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1987 | New Zealand | I.R.S. Records 650384-77", 33 ⅓ RPM | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1987 | Spain | I.R.S. Records ILS 650384 612" | 12" |
| 1987 | Spain | I.R.S. Records ILS 650384-7 / Epic ILS 550384-77", Single Sided, Promo · Promo | 7", Single Sided, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Spain | I.R.S. Records ILS 650384-7 / Epic ILS 550384-77", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | US | I.R.S. Records IRS-530177", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | US | I.R.S. Records IRS-530177", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | I.R.S. Records IRS-530177", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Australia | I.R.S. Records 650384-77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Tracklist
- ALife Is Hard4:08
- BI Love You In The Strangest Way (Acoustic Version)2:41
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Life Is Hard are there?
11 vinyl pressings of Life Is Hard are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
When was Life Is Hard first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in US. One of them is I.R.S. Records L33-17236.
How do I tell if my copy of Life Is Hard is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use L33-17236) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, IRS 6332 ML-4 ◈-P-◈ I TML-M and IRS 6332 ML-4 ◈-P-◈ II TML-X. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Life Is Hard 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.