Having gigged extensively in and around Dublin, U2 and their management were keen to both consolidate and expand on the band's local popularity with a release reflecting the high-energy level of their concert appearances.

They decided on a three-track EP with an accompanying twelve inch single limited to 1000 copies. Though this original run sold out quickly and gave the band a big boost on the Dublin scene it wasn't the overnight sensation of legend, actually peaking at No. 17 on the Irish chart.

The twelve-inch was reissued in 1981 and with bootlegging rife, it's handy to know what the differences are.

A different mix of Stories For Boys was included on the Dublin compilation Just For Kicks.

The Seven Inch

This original release of the 7" EP features a typed, stick-on label drawing attention to the fact that U2 were still only signed in Ireland.

The Twelve Inch

Original a- and b-side labels

Reissue a- and b-side labels

Aside from the numbering there are a few other subtle differences between these releases. The typefaces used for the label information are different, the reissue (right) features the line "Record mfd. in Irelnad" (sic) whereas the original (left) has the line correctly spelt. Notice also how the label on the original is not bonded to the surface of the vinyl as well around the centre.

"Just For Kicks" by Various Artists
Featuring an alternative mix of U2's "Stories For Boys"