Vinyl pressings
by Culture Club · 1984
The Medal Song was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. 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 1984, the album's first year, in 9 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 73012 A-1U-1-1-3 tim tom cbsSide A runout, variant 1
VS 73012 B-2U-1-1- 2 TYSide B runout, variant 1
VS 73012 A-2U-1-1-1 1 tim tom cbsSide A runout, variant 2
VS 73012 B-2U-1-1- 1 TYSide B runout, variant 2
VS 730 A-2U-1-2-10Runout side A, Stamped
VS 730 B-1U-1-2-1Runout side B, Stamped
timtom cbsRunout etchings, Side A
VS 730 A-1U-1-1-1 timtom-cbsSide A - variant 1
VS 730 B-2U-1-1-12 TYSide B - variant 1
VS 730 A-2U-1-2-6 timtom-cbsSide A - variant 2
VS 730 B-2U-1-1-5 TYSide B - variant 2
VSY+730+A TYRunout side A, etched
VSY+730+B GPC+SRTRunout side B, etched
DM 107002 A-2/84S IRunout side A, variant 1
DM 107002 B-2/84S IIRunout side B, variant 1
DM 107002 A-2/84S I IIRunout side A, variant 2
DM 107002 B-2/84S I IIRunout side B, variant 2
DM 601614 A-1/84S 1Runout A var.1
DM 601614 B-1/84S 1Runout B var.1
S 601 614 ALabel side A
S 601 614 BLabel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Europe | Virgin 601 614 / Virgin 601614-213First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | France | Virgin 80153First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1984 | Germany | Virgin 107 002-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Ireland | Virgin VS 730First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1984 | Italy | Virgin VINX 78First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Italy | Virgin JBV 263First year7", 45 RPM, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Jukebox |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Virgin VS730First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 730-12First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1984 | Philippines | Virgin OC-EP-17030 / Virgin VS 730-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Spain | Virgin A-107 002First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Spain | Virgin F-601.614First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1984 | Europe | Virgin 107 002 / Virgin 107 002-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | UK | Virgin VS 730-12First year12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1984 | UK | Virgin VS 730First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | UK | Virgin VS 730First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
23 vinyl pressings of The Medal Song are listed here, from 11 countries, released between 1984 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, Europe, France, Germany and more. One of them is Virgin VS 730-12, released November 19, 1984.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 730-12, VS 730, VSY 730, 107 002) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 73012 A-1U-1-1-3 tim tom cbs and VS 73012 B-2U-1-1- 2 TY. 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.
