UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 881
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
VS 881 A-1U-1- 1 - 1 DSide A, runout, stamped
VS 881 B-2U-1-1 - x 1 DSide B, runout, stamped
Vinyl pressings
Contenders
by Heaven 17 · 1986
21 pressings8 countriesSynth-popElectronic
Contenders was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. 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 Contenders
19 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 8 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
1986- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 881-12
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
VS 88112 A-1U-1-1-X1Run-out Side A
VS 88112 B-1U-1-1-X1Run-out Side B
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VSD 881-12
- Format
- 12"
- Runout / matrix
VSD 88112 A-1U-1-1- DSide A
VSD 88112 B-1U-1-1- DSide B
VSD 88112 C-1U-1-1- DSide C
VSD 88112 D-1U-1-1- DSide D
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 881-12 DJ
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Promo
- Runout / matrix
VS 881-12 A-1U-1-1- DRunout side A stamped
VS 881-12 B-1U-1-1- DRunout side B stamped
VS 881-12 DJ-AMatrix label side A
VS 881-12 DJ-BMatrix label side B
UK
1986- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VSD 881-12
- Format
- 12", Single, Mispress
- Runout / matrix
VSD 88112 A-1U-1-1- DSide A
VS 88112 B-1U-1-2- DSide B
VSD 88112 C-1U-1-1- DSide C
VSD 88112 D-1U-1-1- DSide D
US
1986- Label and catalog number
- Virgin 7-99468
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 21 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s21 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia | Virgin VS 88112First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Australia | virgin vs881First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Canada | Virgin VSX 1338 / Virgin VSX1338First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Europe | Virgin 608 599 / Virgin 608 599-213First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Europe | Virgin 108 599 / Virgin 108 599-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | France | Virgin 008816First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1986 | Italy | Virgin VIN 45212First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Italy | Virgin VIN 149First year12" | 12" |
| 1986 | Italy | Virgin VINX 149First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Spain | Virgin F-608.648First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Spain | Virgin A 108648First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Spain | Virgin A 108648First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Virgin VS 881-12 DJFirst year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | UK | Virgin VS 881First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Virgin VS 881-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
Tracklist
- AContenders
- BExcerpts From "Diary Of A Contender"
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Contenders are there?
21 vinyl pressings of Contenders are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
When was Contenders first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, US, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Virgin VS 881.
How do I tell if my copy of Contenders is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 881, VS 881-12, VSD 881-12, VS 881-12 DJ) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 881 A-1U-1- 1 - 1 D and VS 881 B-2U-1-1 - x 1 D. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Contenders 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.
