Vinyl pressings
by David Bowie · 1975
Space Oddity / Changes / Velvet Goldmine was first pressed on vinyl in 1975. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1975, the album's first year, in 2 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.
RCA•2593•A-1E A1X WA Side Matrix, Etched (Variant 1)
RCA•2593•B-1E A1Y WB Side Matrix, Etched (Variant 1)
RCA•2593•A-1EA Side Matrix, Etched (Variant 2)
RCA•2593•B-1EB Side Matrix, Etched (Variant 2)
RCA·2593·A· IE AIAAAHVariant 1 - etching, side A
RCA·2593-B- IE AIAAAGVariant 1 - etching, side B
RCA·2593·A· IE AIRAHVariant 2 - A-side runout
RCA·2593-B- IE AIAAACVariant 2 - B-side runout
RCA 2593 A - 1ELabel Side A
RCA 2593 B - 1ELabel Side B
RCA·2593·A· IE A3TRunout Side A
RCA·2593-B- IE A4AKRunout Side B
RCA 2593 ALabel side A
RCA 2593 BLabel side B
RCA• 2593•A • 1E AICRunout Side A: (Etched)
RCA• 2593-B - 1E AIB WRunout Side B: (Etched)
RCA 2593 ALabel Side A
RCA 2593 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Netherlands | RCA Victor RCA 2593 / RCA RCA 2593First year7", Maxi-Single | 7", Maxi-Single |
| 1975 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 2593First year7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1975 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 2593First year7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1975 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 2593First year7", Maxi-Single | 7", Maxi-Single |
| 1975 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 2593First year7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1975 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 2593First year7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1975 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 2593First year7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1976 | Yugoslavia | Jugoton SRCA 88884 / RCA Victor SRCA 888847", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1979 | UK | RCA RCA 25937", 45 RPM, Reissue, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Ireland | RCA BOW 518 / RCA RCA 25937", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | RCA BOW 518 / RCA 25937", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | RCA RCA 25937", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
| ? | UK | RCA BOW 5187", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| ? | UK | RCA BOW 5187", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| ? | UK | RCA BOW 518 / RCA RCA 25937", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
15 vinyl pressings of Space Oddity / Changes / Velvet Goldmine are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1975 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1975, in UK, Netherlands. One of them is RCA Victor RCA 2593, released September 26, 1975.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use RCA 2593) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RCA•2593•A-1E A1X W and RCA•2593•B-1E A1Y W. 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.
