Vinyl pressings
by Yello · 1987
The Rhythm Divine 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.
10 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 6 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.
870 · 318 - 1- A α SnB. DeRoque 230 DM- 7Runout side A, variant 1
870 - 318 - 1- B - 3 SnB. DeRoque 230 DM- 4Runout side B, variant 1
870 -318 -1-C - SnB · DeRoque -230 DM- 4Runout side C, variant 1
870 - 318-1- D SnB - DeRoque 230 DM- 4Runout side D, variant 1
✳ MER-253-A3 ✳ MT. 5 1Runout side A, variant 1
✳ MER-253-B-3 ✳ MT. 3 1Runout side B, variant 1
✳ MER-253-A3 ✳ MT. 1 1Runout side A, variant 2
✳ MER-253-B-3 ✳ MT. 1 1Runout side B, variant 2
MERXR 253 A/1▽420 H 11 TOWNHOUSERunout area A-side, variant 1
MERXR 253 B/1▽420 H 11 TOWNHOUSERunout area B-side, variant 1
MERXR 253 A/1▽420 H 11 1 TOWNHOUSERunout area A-side, variant 2
MERXR 253 B/1▽420H 11 1 TOWNHOUSERunout area B-side, variant 2
888 746-1 1Y TOWNHOUSE 1 FRunout side A, variant 1
888 746-1 2Y TOWNHOUSE 1 ERunout side B, variant 1
888 746-1 1Y TOWNHOUSE A 1Runout side A, variant 2
888 746-1 2Y TOWNHOUSE 1 ERunout side B, variant 2
888 746-7 1W TOWNHOUSE 1 ARunout side A variant 1
888 746-7 2W TOWNHOUSE 1 ARunout side B variant 1
888 746-7 1W TOWNHOUSE 1 BRunout side A variant 2
888 746-7 2W TOWNHOUSE 1 BRunout side B variant 2
MX 213874 888746-1 S1Side A
MX 213875 888746-1 S2Side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Australasia | Mercury 888 746-1First yearMaxi-Single, 12", 45 RPM | Maxi-Single, 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Australasia | Mercury 888 746-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Europe | Mercury MERX 253 / Mercury 888 746-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | France | Barclay 888 746-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | France | Barclay 888 746-7 / Mercury 888 746-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | Mercury MERXR 253. / Mercury MERXR 253First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Canada | Vertigo 870 318-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1987 | Germany | Mercury 888 746-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | Mercury MER 253 / Mercury 888 746-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Germany | Mercury 888 746-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
10 vinyl pressings of The Rhythm Divine are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in Canada, UK, Germany, Australasia and more. One of them is Vertigo 870 318-1, released June 24, 1987.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 870 318-1, MER 253, MERXR 253., 888 746-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 870 · 318 - 1- A α SnB. DeRoque 230 DM- 7 and 870 - 318 - 1- B - 3 SnB. DeRoque 230 DM- 4. 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.
