Vinyl pressings
by Animal Nightlife · 1985
Shangri-La 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.
10 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 9 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.
ILPS 9830 A-1U-1-1A side stamped, variant 1
ILPS 9830 B-2U-1-1B side stamped, variant 1
ILPS 9830 A-1U-1-2A side stamped, variant 2
ILPS 9830 B-2U-1-2B side stamped, variant 2
012 826 410 1 // 1 380 POLYGRAM /\ 3A Side Stamped
012 826 410 1 // 2 380 POLYGRAM /\ 3B Side Stamped
DM 207285 A-1/85SRunout side A
DM 207285 B-1/85S IRunout side B
ILPS 9830 A-1U-1- SOUND CLINICRunout side A
ILPS 9830 B-2U-1- JONZRunout side B
VG 71420-ALabel, side A
VG 71420-BLabel, side B
ILPS 9830-1Runout side A
ILPS 9830-2Runout side B
ILPS 9830/1Label side A
ILPS 9830/2Label side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Europe | Island Records 207 109-620First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | France | Island Records 826 410-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Germany | Island Records 207 285First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Greece | Island Records VG 71420First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Italy | Island Records ILPS 9830First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Japan | Island Records R25D-2013 / Polystar R25D-2013First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | New Zealand | Island Records L38476First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Spain | Island Records I-207.109First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | UK | Island Records ILPS 9830First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Japan | Island Records R25D-2013 / Polystar R25D-2013First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Italy | Island Records ORL 19830LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
11 vinyl pressings of Shangri-La are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, Europe, France, Germany and more. One of them is Island Records ILPS 9830.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ILPS 9830, 207 109-620, 826 410-1, 207 285) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ILPS 9830 A-1U-1-1 and ILPS 9830 B-2U-1-1. 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.
