Vinyl pressings
by Dave Edmunds · 1981
The Race Is On was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. 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 1981, the album's first year, in 8 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.
W - 34 SSK 19425 A-2Side A, etched.
W - 40 SSK 19425 B-1Side B, etched.
A PORKY PRIME CUT.Side A, etched.
D . EDMUNDSSide B, etched.
W - 36 SSK 19425 A-2 A PORKY PRIME CUT.Side A Runout, etched.
W - 47 SSK 19425 B-1 SINGLE B-1 D . EDMUNDSSide B Runout, etched.
SSK 19425 ASide A Label
SSK 19425 BSide B Label
W - 19 SSK 19425 A-2Side A, etched.
W - 20 SSK 19425 B-1Side B, etched.
A PORKY PRIME CUT.Side A, etched.
SINGLE B-1 D . EDMUNDSSide B, etched.
ST-SS-39902-1 1—1 STERLING SRC(logo)A Side Runout
ST-SS-39897-1 1—1 STERLING SRC(logo)B Side Runout
ST-SS-39902-SPA Side Label
ST-SS-39897-SPB Side Label
R/S Alsdorf 19425 A A PF.A side runout, stamped, etched
R/S - 19425 - B2 . PFB side runout, etched
SS 19425-AA side label
SS 19425-BB side label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Australia | Swan Song SSK 19425First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | France | Swan Song 19425First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Ireland | Swan Song SSK 19425First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | New Zealand | Swan Song SSK 19425First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1981 | UK | Swan Song SSK 19425 / Swan Song MS 5654XFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Swan Song SSK 19425 / Swan Song MS 5654XFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | US | Swan Song SS 72003First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | US | Swan Song SS 72003First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Germany | Swan Song SS 19 425 / Swan Song SSK19425First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Swan Song SS 19425First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1981 | UK | Swan Song SSK 19425 / Swan Song MS 5654XFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of The Race Is On are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in UK, US, Germany, Netherlands and more. One of them is Swan Song SSK 19425, released July 1981.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SSK 19425, SS 72003, SS 19 425, SS 19425) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, W - 34 SSK 19425 A-2 and W - 40 SSK 19425 B-1. 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.
