Vinyl pressings
by China Crisis · 1985
Black Man Ray 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.
30 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 12 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.
VS 752 A-1U-1-1-5 JONZSide A - variation 1
VS 752 B-2U-1-1-3Side B - variation 1
VS 752 A-1U-1-1-18 JONZSide A - variation 2
VS 752 B-2U-1-1-20 SOUND CLINICSide B - variation 2
VSSD+752+ARecord 1 Side A
VSSD+752+BRecord 2 Side A
VS 752 A-2U-1-1-3 JONZRunout side A, stamped (JONZ is etched)
VS 752 B-2U-1-1-3 X1Runout side B, stamped
VS 75212 A - 1U - 1 - 1Runout, A-side, stamped
VS 75212 B - 1U - 1 - 1Runout, B-side, stamped
VS 752 12 A - 2U - 1 - 1[Variant 1] Runout, A-side, stamped
VS 752 12 B - 2U - 1 - 1[Variant 1] Runout, B-side, stamped
VS 75213 A-3U-1-1⥛ ∷ ⋮Side A, stamped, variant 1
VS 75213 B-3U-1-1⥛Side B, stamped, variant 1
VS 75213 A-3U-1-1⥛ x 1Side A, stamped, variant 2
VS 75213 B-3U-1-1⥛ · .Side B, stamped, variant 2
VS-752-13-A1 GRAMPIANA Side Runout
VS-752-13-B1 GRAMPIANB Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin VS 752First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin VS 75212First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin VS 752First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin VS 75212First year12", Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin VS 752First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Canada | Virgin VSX 1255First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Canada | Virgin VS1255First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Europe | Virgin 601 741 / Virgin 601 741-213First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | Virgin 107 220 / Virgin 107 220-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | France | Virgin 80164First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | France | Virgin 90182First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Ireland | Virgin VS 752First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Italy | Virgin VINX 84First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Italy | Virgin VIN 45137First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1985 | Japan | Virgin 07VA-1018First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
30 vinyl pressings of Black Man Ray are listed here, from 12 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, Australia, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Virgin VS 752, released March 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 752, VSSD 752, VS 752-12, VS75213) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 752 A-1U-1-1-5 JONZ and VS 752 B-2U-1-1-3. 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.
Working With Fire And Steel (Possible Pop Songs Volume Two)
1983 · 32 pressings
Flaunt The Imperfection
1985 · 32 pressings
Difficult Shapes & Passive Rhythms - Some People Think It's Fun To Entertain
1982 · 27 pressings
King In A Catholic Style (Wake Up)
1985 · 25 pressings
Arizona Sky
1986 · 23 pressings
Working With Fire And Steel
1983 · 23 pressings
