Vinyl pressings
by Elton John · 1985
Nikita was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
47 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 23 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.
EJS 9 A//2▽420HRunout, A-side stamped variant 1
EJS 9 B//1▽420HRunout, B-side stamped variant 1
EJS 9 A//1▽420 HRunout, A-side stamped variant 2
EJS 9 B//2▽420HRunout, B-side stamped variant 2
604 EJS 9 A DM POLYGRAM JAA-side runout
604 EJS 9 B DM POLYGRAMB-side runout
884 173-7 1A-side label
884 173-7 2B-side label
EJS 9 A//2▽420HA-side (stamped)
EJS 9 B//1▽420HB-side (stamped)
EJS 912 A // 3 ▽ 420 HSide A runout, stamped, variant 1
EJS 912 B // 3 ▽ 420 HSide B runout, stamped, variant 1
EJS 912 A // 4 ▽ 420 HSide A runout, stamped, variant 2
EJS 912 B // 4 ▽ 420 HSide B runout, stamped, variant 2
EJS 9 A // 2 ▽420 H 1 1 2 3Runout side A
EJS 9 B // 2 ▽420 H 1 1 2 3Runout side B
EJSD 9 B // 1 ▽420 H 1 1 2Runout side C
EJSD 9 A // 1 ▽420 H 1 1 1 1Runout side D
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Brazil | The Rocket Record Company 884 173-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP |
| 1985 | Canada | Geffen Records 92 88007First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Canada | Geffen Records 92 88007First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Canada | Geffen Records 92 88007First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Canada | Geffen Records 92 88007First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Canada | Geffen Records 92 88007First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Ecuador | The Rocket Record Company 884 173-7 / The Rocket Record Company 45-38010First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Europe | The Rocket Record Company 884 173-7First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1985 | France | The Rocket Record Company 884 173-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | France | The Rocket Record Company 884 173-1First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1985 | France | The Rocket Record Company 884 173-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | France | The Rocket Record Company 884 173-1First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1985 | Germany | The Rocket Record Company 884 173-7 / The Rocket Record Company 884 173-7 QFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | The Rocket Record Company 884 173-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | Guatemala | The Rocket Record Company 884 173-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Germany | The Rocket Record Company 868 256-77", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1991 | Germany | The Rocket Record Company 868 257-112", Single | 12", Single |
56 vinyl pressings of Nikita are listed here, from 27 countries, released between 1985 and 1991.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, US, Ireland, Australia and more. One of them is The Rocket Record Company EJS 9, released October 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EJS 9, EJS 912, EJSD 9, 7-28800) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EJS 9 A//2▽420H and EJS 9 B//1▽420H. 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.
