Vinyl pressings
by Topper Headon · 1985
Leave It To Luck 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.
11 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 5 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.
MER 201 A//1 ▼ 420 H 11 1 TownhouseRunout (Stamped/Etched) Side A
MER 201 B//1 ▼ 420 H 11 1 TownhouseRunout (Stamped/Etched) Side B
MERD 201 A//2 ▼ 420 H 11 2Runout (Stamped) Side C
MERD 20.1 B//2 ▼ 420 H 11Runout (Stamped) Side D
MX-64555 URASide A Runout
MX-64556 URASide B Runout
MX-64555Side A Label
MX-64556Side B Label
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 | Australasia | Mercury 884 211-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Australasia | Mercury 884 211-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Canada | Mercury MERX 103First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | France | Mercury 884 211-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | France | Mercury 884 211-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Netherlands | Mercury 884 211-7 / Phonogram 884 211-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | UK | Mercury MERX 201 / Mercury 884 211-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | UK | Mercury MER 201 / Phonogram 884 211-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | UK | Mercury MER 201 / Phonogram 884 211-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | UK | Mercury MERX 201First year12", 45 RPM, Advance | 12", 45 RPM, Advance |
| 1985 | UK | Mercury MERD 201 / Mercury 884 211-7First year7", Single, Limited Edition, 45 RPM · Limited | 7", Single, Limited Edition, 45 RPM · Limited |
| 1986 | Canada | Mercury MERX 10312", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
12 vinyl pressings of Leave It To Luck are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1985 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, Australasia, Canada, France and more. One of them is Mercury MERD 201, released October 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MERD 201, MERX 201, MER 201, 884 211-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MER 201 A//1 ▼ 420 H 11 1 Townhouse and MER 201 B//1 ▼ 420 H 11 1 Townhouse. 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.
