Vinyl pressings
by Camel · 1981
Chameleon The Best Of Camel was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
16 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 11 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.
XPZAL 17156 A // 2 ▽ E STR STRAWBERRYVariant 1, side A runout, stamped
X P ZA L 17157 B // 2 ▽ E STR STRAWBERRYVariant 1, side B runout, stamped
XPZAL 17156 A // 1 ▽ E STR 1 1 4Variant 2, side A runout, stamped
X P ZA L 17157 B // 2 ▽ E STR STRAWBERRY 1 1 8Variant 2, side B runout, stamped
Å MX200682-B ELPS4674-1Side 1 runout, machine stamped
Å MX200683 ELPS4674-2Side 2 runout, etched
258 200286 A POLYGRAMA-Side Machine Stamped
258 200286 B DU1 POLYGRAMB-Side Machine Stamped
200 286 1A-Side Label
200 286 2B-Side Label
6.24 936 - 01 - 1
6.24 936 - 01 - 2
PXZAL 17156Label side A (Original UK matrix)
PXZAL 17157Label side B (Original UK matrix)
6.24 936-01 - 1Label side A
6.24 936-01 - 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | France | Decca 200 286 / Gama 200 286 2First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | France | Decca 200 286 / Gama 200 286First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Germany | Decca 6.24936 APFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Germany | Decca 6.24936 AO / Gama SKL 5325First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1981 | Germany | Decca 6.24936First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Greece | Decca DL 13 020 / Gama DL 13 020First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Greece | Decca DL 13 020 / Gama DL 13 020First yearLP, Compilation, White Label | LP, Compilation, White Label |
| 1981 | Italy | Decca SKLI 5325First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Japan | London Records L25P 1006 / London Records L25P1006First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Decca STAR 5250First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Decca 6399 292First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Scandinavia | Decca SKL 5325 / Gama SKL 5325First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1981 | Singapore, Malaysia & Hong Kong | Decca SKL 5325 / Gama SKL 5325First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1981 | Spain | Decca 63 99 292 / Gama 63 99 292First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | UK | Decca SKL 5325 / Gama SKL 5325First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | South Korea | Deram SEL-RD 2005 SKL 5325LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
17 vinyl pressings of Chameleon The Best Of Camel are listed here, from 12 countries, released between 1981 and 1990.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in UK, Australia, France, Germany and more. One of them is Decca SKL 5325.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SKL 5325, ELPS 4274, 200 286, 6.24936 AP) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, XPZAL 17156 A // 2 ▽ E STR STRAWBERRY and X P ZA L 17157 B // 2 ▽ E STR STRAWBERRY. 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.
