Vinyl pressings
by Greg Kihn · 1985
Citizen Kihn 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.
16 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 15 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.
SJ-17152 A 1A-2HZ: DM2Runout Side A, variant 1
SJ-17152 B 1A-2HZ: DM5Runout Side B, variant 1
SJ-17152 A 1A-2HZ: DM-3Runout Side A, variant 2
SJ-17152 B 1A-2HZ: DM-7Runout Side B, variant 2
A SJ-1-17152 Z1 #1 0Side A runout - variant 1
A SJ-2-17152 Z1 #1 0Side B runout - variant 1
A SJ-1-17152 Z2 #1 0Side A runout - variant 2
A SJ-2-17152 Z2 #1 0Side B runout - variant 2
SLEM-1278-A 24-IV-85 ECAEtched side 1
SLEM-1278-B 24-IV-85 ECAEtched side 2
ST240303 A AP '301Side 1 runout hand etched
ST240303 B AP '301Side 2 runout hand etched
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 | Argentina | EMI-Odeon S.A.I.C. 81 2403031 8298First yearLP | LP |
| 1985 | Australia | EMI America ST.240303First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Canada | EMI America SJ-17152First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Europe | EMI America 1C 064-24 0303 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | France | EMI America 2403031First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Greece | EMI America 062-2403031First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Italy | EMI America 64 2403031First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Japan | EMI America EYS-81706First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Japan | EMI America EYS-81706First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Philippines | EMI America LP-SJ-17152 / EMI America SJ-17152-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Portugal | EMI America 2403031First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Spain | EMI America 064 240303 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | UK | EMI America EJ 24 0303 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | US | EMI America SJ-17152First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Venezuela | EMI America 25508First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
16 vinyl pressings of Citizen Kihn are listed here, from 15 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in Canada, UK, US, Mexico and more. One of them is EMI America SJ-17152.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SJ-17152, EJ 24 0303 1, SLEM-1278, 81 2403031 8298) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SJ-17152 A 1A-2HZ: DM2 and SJ-17152 B 1A-2HZ: DM5. 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.
