Vinyl pressings
by Heaven 17 · 1984
Sunset Now was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
22 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 12 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 708 A-4U-1-2-17 𝄞Runout, side A, variant 1
VS 708 B-2U-1-4-1 𝄞Runout, side B, variant 1
VS 708 A-4U-1-1-9 𝄞Runout, side A, variant 2
VS 708 B-2U-1-2-8 𝄞Runout, side B, variant 2
VS 70812 A-5U-1-1 1 BILBO TAPE oneSide A stamped / etched - variant 1
VS 70812 B-5U-1-1 1 BILBO TAPE oneSide B stamped / etched - variant 1
VS 70812 A-4U-1-1-9 BILBO TAPE oneSide A stamped / etched - variant 2
VS 70812 B-4U-1-1-6 BILBO TAPE oneSide B stamped / etched - variant 2
AD·1·9269·SA 2 MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK ¢ I A1BSide A runout
AD·1·9269·SB - 1 I A3F -Side B runout
AD·1·9269·SA MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK ¢ EMWRunout side A
AD·1·9269·SB EMWRunout side B
AD1-9269-SALabel side A
AD1-9269-SBLabel side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin VS 70812First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin VS 708First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin VS 708First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin VS 70812First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Canada | Virgin VSX 1235First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Canada | Virgin VS1235First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Europe | Virgin 601 510 / Virgin 601510 -213First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Europe | Virgin 106 774 / Virgin 106 774-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Europe | Virgin 601 51012", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Test Pressing · Test pressing, Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Test Pressing · Test pressing, Promo |
| 1984 | Ireland | Virgin VS 708First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Italy | Virgin VINX 67First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Italy | Virgin VIN 45119First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 708-12First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 708First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Portugal | Virgin 524005First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
24 vinyl pressings of Sunset Now are listed here, from 12 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, US, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Virgin VS 708.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 708, VS 708-12, AD1-9269, ADI-9269) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 708 A-4U-1-2-17 𝄞 and VS 708 B-2U-1-4-1 𝄞. 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.
