Vinyl pressings
by Chicago · 1972
Dialogue (Part I & II) was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
20 pressings came out in 1972, 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.
ZSS157287-1BSide A - Stamped
ZSS157289-1BSide B - Stamped
ZSS157287-1D ᵀᴵVar 2: Run-out Side A, stamped (ᵀᴵ etched)
ZSS157289-1C TVar 2: Run-out Side B, stamped (T etched)
ZSS157287-1E ssssssA side - runout (stamped and etched) Variant 1
ZSS157289-1E sIB side - runout (stamped and etched) Variant 1
ZSS157287-1E ssA side - runout (stamped and etched) Variant 2
ZSS157287-1E ssB side - runout (stamped and etched) Variant 2
ZSS157287-1B p A2Side A Runout, variant 1
ZSS-157289-1A pSide B Runout, variant 1
ZSS157287-1B p A0Side A Runout, variant 2
ZSS 157289-1B p A6Side B Runout, variant 2
ZSS157287-1EA side - runout (stamped )
ZSS157287-1FB side - runout (stamped )
JZSS 157287Both labels
JZSS 157287Label both sides
JZSS 157287Label both sides
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Australia | CBS BA-221943First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Canada | Columbia 4-45717First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Canada | Columbia 4-45717First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Germany | CBS CBS S 8479First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Germany | CBS CBS S 8479First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | Jamaica | Columbia 4-45717First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Japan | CBS/Sony SOPA 53First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1972 | Japan | CBS/Sony SOPA 53First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1972 | Mexico | CBS EPC 1204First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Netherlands | CBS CBS 8479First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1972 | New Zealand | CBS BA 461424First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Spain | CBS CBS 8479First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1972 | UK | CBS CBS S 8479First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | US | Columbia 4-45717First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | US | Columbia 4-45717First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
23 vinyl pressings of Dialogue (Part I & II) are listed here, from 13 countries, released between 1972 and 1973.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Columbia 4-45717, released October 6, 1972.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4-45717, CBS S 8479, BA-221943, SOPA 53) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZSS157287-1B and ZSS157289-1B. 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.
