Vinyl pressings
by Heaven 17 · 1981
Play To Win was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1981, 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.
VS 433 . 12 A1 TOWN HOUSERunout side A, variant 1
VS 433 . 12 B1 TOWN HOUSERunout side B, variant 1
VS 433 . 12 A2 7 ⋀ TOWN HOUSERunout side A, variant 2
VS 433 . 12 B1 0 ⋀ TOWN HOUSERunout side B, variant 2
VS 433 A4 TOWNHOUSE 6 ∴Runout etched/stamped side A
VS 433 B2 TOWNHOUSE 2 3 ∴Runout etched/stamped side B
VS 433-ALabel side A
VS 433-BLabel side B
VS.433.A-5 TOWNHOUSERunout Side A
VS 433 B-2 TOWNHOUSERunout Side B
VS 433-12 A R1Etched A
VS 433-12 BEtched B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Australia | Virgin VS 433First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Mexico | Virgin SL-7065First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1981 | Mexico | Virgin S-634First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Virgin 103.755First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1981 | UK | Virgin VS 433First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | UK | Virgin VS 433First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 433-12First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1981 | UK | Virgin VS 433-12 / Virgin VS 43312First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Spain | Virgin B-103.7787", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Spain | Virgin 0262 / Ariola 02627", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Virgin VS 433-12 / Virgin VS 4331212", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of Play To Win are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1981 and 1982.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in UK, New Zealand, Mexico, Netherlands and more. One of them is Virgin VS 433-12, released August 1981.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 433-12, VS 433, SL-7065, S-634) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 433 . 12 A1 TOWN HOUSE and VS 433 . 12 B1 TOWN HOUSE. 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.
