Vinyl pressings
by Andrew Powell · 1985
Ladyhawke 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 7 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.
STA-855639-D a B-21051-D SLM △ 9382 1̶-̶2̶ SP 0-1 SH-SPEtched A side (a stamped)
STA-855640-D a B-21052-D SLM △ 9382-X SP 1̶-̶2̶ 0-1 SH-SPEtched B side (a stamped)
ST-A-855639-SPSide A label
ST-A-855640-SPSide B label
STA-855639-D circled P B-21051-D SLM △ 9382 1-Side 1, etched
STA-855640-D circled P B-21052-D SLM △ 9382-X 1-Side 2, etched
ST-A-855639-ARSide 1. label
ST-A-855640-ARSide 2, label
78· 12481 A1 QuSide A runout
78· 12481 B2 Qu S.Side B runout
78· 12481 A1 QuSide A Runout
78· 12481 B2 Qu S.Side B Runout
R / S Alsdorf 781248-1 A2Runout side A, variant 1
BE R / S Alsdorf 781248-1 B2Runout side B, variant 1
R / S Alsdorf 781248-1 A2 4Runout side A, stamped/etched, variant 2
R / S Alsdorf 781248-1 B2 3 DRunout side B, stamped/etched, variant 2
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 | Atlantic 81248-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Canada | Atlantic 78 12481First yearLP | LP |
| 1985 | Canada | Atlantic 78 12481First yearLP | LP |
| 1985 | Europe | Atlantic 781 248-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Italy | Atlantic 78 1248-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Japan | Atlantic P-13168First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Japan | Atlantic P-13168First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Spain | Atlantic 78 1248-1 / Atlantic L 781 248-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Spain | Atlantic 78 1248-1First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1985 | US | Atlantic 7 81248-1-E / Atlantic 81248-1-EFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | US | Atlantic 7 81248-1-E / Atlantic 81248-1-EFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
11 vinyl pressings of Ladyhawke are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in US, Australia, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Atlantic 7 81248-1-E.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 7 81248-1-E, 81248-1, 78 12481, 781 248-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, STA-855639-D a B-21051-D SLM △ 9382 1̶-̶2̶ SP 0-1 SH-SP and STA-855640-D a B-21052-D SLM △ 9382-X SP 1̶-̶2̶ 0-1 SH-SP. 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.
