Vinyl pressings
by Culture Club · 1982
I'm Afraid Of Me was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1982, 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.
VS-509-12-A1 timtom cbsEtched side A runout variant 1
VS-509-12-B1Etched side B runout variant 1
VS 509 12-A2 timtom-cbs ⋀Side A runout variant 2
VS-509-12-B1 TYSide B runout variant 2
VS-509-A2 O timtom-cbsRunout side A, etched, variant 1
VS-509-B2 1O ty ARunout side B, etched, variant 1
VS-509-A2 O timtom-cbs ARunout side A, etched, variant 2
VS-509-B2 O ty ARunout side B, etched, variant 1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Australia | Virgin VS509First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1982 | Australia & New Zealand | Virgin VS 509First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Mexico | Virgin SL-7083First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1982 | South Africa | Virgin VS 509First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS 509-12First year12", Promo, White Label · Promo | 12", Promo, White Label · Promo |
| 1982 | US | Epic 49-03307 / Virgin 49-03307First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1982 | US | Epic 49-03307 / Virgin 49-03307First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | South Africa | Virgin VS 513-12First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 509-12First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS509-12 / Virgin VS 509-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS 509 / Virgin VS509First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of I'm Afraid Of Me are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, US, South Africa, New Zealand and more. One of them is Virgin VS509-12, released June 25, 1982.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS509-12, VS 509, VS 509-12, 49-03307) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS-509-12-A1 timtom cbs and VS-509-12-B1. 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.
