Vinyl pressings
by Bucks Fizz · 1984
Golden Days was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 5 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.
FIZ-3-A1 ORunout A side, etched [O is stamped]
FIZ-3-B1 ORunout B side, etched [O is stamped]
FIZ 3 ALabel A side
FIZ 3 BLabel B side
FIZT . 3 AISide 1
FIZT . 3 BISide 2
FIZP 3 A1 cpcSide A etched runout
FIZP 3 B1 cpcSide B etched runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Canada | RCA PB-68232First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Germany | RCA PC 68233First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1984 | Germany | RCA PB 68232First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Germany | RCA PB 682327", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1984 | Ireland | RCA FIZ 3 / RCA PB 68232First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Netherlands | RCA PB-68232First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | UK | RCA FIZ 3 / RCA PB 68232First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | UK | RCA FIZT 3 / RCA PC 68233First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1984 | UK | RCA FIZP 3 / RCA FIZP3First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc |
| 1984 | UK | RCA FIZ 3 / RCA PB 6823212", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
10 vinyl pressings of Golden Days are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, Canada, Germany, Ireland and more. One of them is RCA FIZ 3, released October 15, 1984.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FIZ 3, FIZT 3, FIZP 3, PB-68232) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, FIZ-3-A1 O and FIZ-3-B1 O. 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.
