Vinyl pressings
by Hunters & Collectors · 1982
Talking To A Stranger 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.
4 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 3 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.
5 SMX59679 4'39" 8AVariant 1 Side A Runout Groove Hand-Etched
3 SMX59680 7'18" 8AVariant 1 Side B Runout Groove Hand-Etched
5 SMX59679 4'39" 8AVariant 2 Side A Runout Groove Hand-Etched
4 SMX59680 7'18" 8AVariant 2 Side B Runout Groove 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Italy | Virgin VIN 45069First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Italy | Virgin VINX 4First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | New Zealand | White Label Records K 8754First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Australia | White Label Records K87547", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| 1982 | Australia | White Label Records K 8754First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1983 | Canada | OZ Records AM-6287", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | US | A&M Records SP-12076 / Oz Records SP-1207612", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | A&M Records SP-12076 / OZ Records SP-1207612", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS 566-12 / Virgin VS566-1212", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS 5667", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of Talking To A Stranger are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1982 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in Australia, Italy, New Zealand. One of them is White Label Records K 8754, released July 12, 1982.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use K 8754, VIN 45069, VINX 4) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 5 SMX59679 4'39" 8A and 3 SMX59680 7'18" 8A. 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.
