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China CrisisTragedy & Mystery

Vinyl pressings

Tragedy & Mystery

by China Crisis · 1983

13 pressings7 countriesSynth-popElectronic

Tragedy & Mystery was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.

How to spot a first pressing of Tragedy & Mystery

11 pressings came out in 1983, 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.

UK

1983
Label and catalog number
Virgin VS587Virgin VS 587
Format
7", Single, 45 RPM · Yellow Injection Labels
Runout / matrix

VS-587-A2Runout Side A

VS 587-B2Runout Side B

Full details of this pressing

UK

May 6, 1983
Label and catalog number
Virgin VS587
Format
7", Single, 45 RPM · Paper Labels
Runout / matrix

VS-587-A2Runout side A etched

VS-587-B2Runout side B etched

VS587ALabel side A

VS587BLabel side B

Full details of this pressing

UK

1983
Label and catalog number
Virgin VS587-12
Format
12", 45 RPM
Runout / matrix

VS 587-12 A3 BILBO TAPE ONERunout, A-side, variant 1

VS 587-12 B2Runout, B-side, variant 1

VS 587-12 A4 BILBO TAPE ONERunout, A-side, variant 2

VS 587-12 B2Runout, B-side, variant 2

Full details of this pressing

UK

1983
Label and catalog number
Virgin VSY 587
Format
7", 45 RPM, Single, Picture Disc, Stereo
Runout / matrix

VSY 587BPrinted, side B

VSY 587 A JB TOWN HOUSERunout side A

VSY 587 B JB TOWN HOUSERunout side B

Full details of this pressing

Australia

1983
Label and catalog number
Virgin VS 58712Virgin VS587-12
Format
12", 45 RPM
Runout / matrix

MX202910Side A label

MX202911Side B label

Full details of this pressing

Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.

All 13 vinyl pressings

By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.

1980s13 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1983AustraliaVirgin VS 58712 / Virgin VS587-12First year12", 45 RPM12", 45 RPM
1983AustraliaVirgin VS 587First year7", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
1983EuropeVirgin 600 886 / Virgin 600 886-213First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo12", 45 RPM, Stereo
1983IrelandVirgin VS587First year7", Single, 45 RPM7", Single, 45 RPM
1983NetherlandsVirgin 105.497First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
1983SpainVirgin A-105497First year7", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
1983UKVirgin VS587-12First year12", 45 RPM12", 45 RPM
1983UKVirgin VSY 587First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Picture Disc, Stereo · Picture disc7", 45 RPM, Single, Picture Disc, Stereo · Picture disc
1983New ZealandVirgin VS 587 / RTC VS 587First year7"7"
1983UKVirgin VS587 / Virgin VS 587First year7", Single, 45 RPM7", Single, 45 RPM
1983UKVirgin VS5877", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing
1983UKVirgin VS587First year7", Single, 45 RPM7", Single, 45 RPM
1984SpainVirgin F-600.88612", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo

Tracklist

  1. ATragedy And Mystery
  2. BA Golden Handshake For Every Daughter

Questions

How many vinyl pressings of Tragedy & Mystery are there?

13 vinyl pressings of Tragedy & Mystery are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.

When was Tragedy & Mystery first released on vinyl?

The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and more. One of them is Virgin VS587.

How do I tell if my copy of Tragedy & Mystery is a first pressing?

Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS587, VS587-12, VSY 587, VS 587) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS-587-A2 and VS 587-B2. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.

How much is Tragedy & Mystery on vinyl worth?

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.

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