UK
January 21, 1985- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 744
- Format
- 7", Single
- Runout / matrix
VS 744 A-3U-1-1- X1A-side runout, stamped
VS 744 B-1U-1-1-1B-side runout, stamped
Floy JoyOperator
Vinyl pressings
Operator
by Floy Joy · 1985
10 pressings5 countriesSoul-JazzSynth-popElectronicJazz
Operator 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.
How to spot a first pressing of Operator
10 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 5 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.
UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 744 - 12
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
VS 74412 A-1-U-↿⇀4Runout side A, stamped variant 1
VS 74412 B-1U-↿⇀ X᎑Runout side B, stamped variant 1
VS 74412 A-3U-1-2Side A runout variant 2
VS 74412 B-2U-1-1-Side B runout variant 2
UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VSD 744
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Free Single
UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 744 - 12DJ
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Promo, Single Sided
Australia
1985- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 744-12
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
Australia
1985- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS-744
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 10 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin VS 744-12First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin VS-744First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin VS-744First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Canada | Virgin VSX1261First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Europe | Virgin 601 710-213First year12", Stereo | 12", Stereo |
| 1985 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 744First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | UK | Virgin VS 744 - 12First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | UK | Virgin VS 744 - 12DJFirst year12", 45 RPM, Promo, Single Sided · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo, Single Sided · Promo |
| 1985 | UK | Virgin VSD 744First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1985 | UK | Virgin VS 744First year7", Single | 7", Single |
Tracklist
- AOperator
- BMission
- CUntil You Come Back To Me
- DTheme From The Age Of Reason
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Operator are there?
10 vinyl pressings of Operator are listed here, from 5 countries.
When was Operator first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, Australia, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Virgin VS 744, released January 21, 1985.
How do I tell if my copy of Operator is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 744, VS 744 - 12, VSD 744, VS 744 - 12DJ) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 744 A-3U-1-1- X1 and VS 744 B-1U-1-1-1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Operator on vinyl worth?
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.