Vinyl pressings
by Boris Midney · 1980
Music From The Empire Strikes Back was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. 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 1980, 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.
RS-1-3079AS-PRC-R1-1-1Runout, side A, etched
RS-1-3079BS-PRC-R1-1-1Runout, side B, etched
RS-1-3079ASLabel matrix, side A
RS-1-3079BSLabel matrix, side B
RS-1-3079ASLabel side A
RS-1-3079BSLabel side B
RS-1-3079ASLabel side A
RS-1-3079BSLabel side B
RS-1-3079AS-CP1Side A Runout
RS-1-3079BS-CP1Side B Runout
RS-1-3079AS-CT2Side A run-out area
RS-1-3079BS-CT1Side B run-out area
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Japan | RSO MWF 1083First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Philippines | RSO RS-1-3079First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | Portugal | RSO 2394 268First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Scandinavia | RSO 2394 268First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Spain | Polydor 23 94 268First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | UK | RSO 2394 268First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | US | RSO RS-1-3079First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | US | RSO RS-1-3079 / RSO 2394 268First yearLP, Promo, Album · Promo | LP, Promo, Album · Promo |
| 1980 | US | RSO RS-1-3079 / RSO 2394 268First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | US | RSO RS-1-3079First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | US | RSO RS-1-3079First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
11 vinyl pressings of Music From The Empire Strikes Back are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in US, UK, Japan, Philippines and more. One of them is RSO RS-1-3079.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use RS-1-3079, 2394 268, MWF 1083, 23 94 268) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RS-1-3079AS-PRC-R1-1-1 and RS-1-3079BS-PRC-R1-1-1. 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.
