Vinyl pressings
by Fingerprintz · 1980
Distinguishing Marks was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1980, 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.
ST-VA-804525-C SP-01SM3-3Side A runout, variant 1
ST-VA-804526-CSide B runout, variant 1
ST-VA-804525-C SP-01SM3-3Side A runout, variant 2
ST-VA-804526-C 0-1SM1-3Side B runout, variant 2
ST-VA-804525-C (2) B-15262Side A runout, etched
ST-VA-804526-C (2) B-15263Side B runout, etched
ST-VA-804525-ARSide A label
ST-VA-804526-ARSide B label
V 2170 A2 ⊲ TOWNHOUSESide A runout etched
V 2170 B2 ⊲ TOWNHOUSE 1ç …..OF ALL VINYLSide B runout etched
VL 2201 AS-2 SnB DM 1Side A runout variant 1
VL 2201 BS-2 SnB DM 5Side B runout variant 1
VL 2201 AS-2 SnB DM 5Side A runout variant 2
VL 2201 BS-2 SnB DM 2Side B runout variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Australia | Virgin L 37438First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Australia | Virgin V 2170First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | Canada | Virgin VL 2201First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Canada | Virgin V 2170First yearLP | LP |
| 1980 | France | Virgin 202 824 / Virgin 202824First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Germany | Virgin 202 824First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Italy | Virgin VIL 12170First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | UK | Virgin V2170 / Virgin V 2170First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | US | Virgin VA 13136First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | US | Virgin VA 13136First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Mexico | Virgin LAE-335LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Portugal | Virgin VV-33.061YLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of Distinguishing Marks are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1980 and 1981.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Virgin VA 13136.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VA 13136, V2170, L 37438, VL 2201) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ST-VA-804525-C SP-01SM3-3 and ST-VA-804526-C. 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.
