Vinyl pressings
by Fun Boy Three · 1982
The Telephone Always Rings was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 6 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.
CHS 122609 A//1▽420 P 1 8Runout side A, stamped, variant 1
CHS 122609 B//1▽420 P 1 4Runout side B, stamped, variant 1
CHS 122609 A//1▽420 P 1 1 3Runout side A, stamped, variant 2
CHS 122609 B//1▽420 P 1 1 3Runout side B, stamped, variant 2
LYN-11557-1Y I CHSP-2609-A GA-side runout
LYN-11558-1Y I CHSP-2609-B LB-side runout
CHS 2609 A//1∇ 420 P 1 1 tone 2Side A Runout, Variant 1
CHS 2609 B//1∇ 420 P 1 1 2Side B Runout, Variant 1
CHS 2609 A//2∇420 P 1 1 2 toneSide A Runout, Variant 2
CHS 2609 B//1∇420 P 1 1 1Side B Runout, Variant 2
CHSP·2609-A A LYN-11557-1Y 1A-Side runout
CHSP·2609-B A LYN-11558-1Y 1B-Side runout
CHS 2609 A2Side A Runout Etched
CHS 2609 B2Side B Runout Etched
DamontRunout Etched
TOWN HOUSERunout Stamped
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Australia | Chrysalis K-8743First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Europe | Chrysalis 104.339First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Ireland | Chrysalis CHS 2609First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Chrysalis K 8743First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Portugal | Chrysalis 6198 562First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 2609First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Chrysalis CHSP 2609First year7", Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1982 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 12 2609First year12", 45 RPM, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1982 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 2609First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1982 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 2609First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 2609First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 12 2609First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Chrysalis CHSP 2609First year7", Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
13 vinyl pressings of The Telephone Always Rings are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, Australia, Europe, Ireland and more. One of them is Chrysalis CHS 12 2609, released May 1982.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CHS 12 2609, CHSP 2609, CHS 2609, K-8743) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, CHS 122609 A//1▽420 P 1 8 and CHS 122609 B//1▽420 P 1 4. 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.
