Vinyl pressings
by Japan · 1983
Canton / Visions Of China (Live) was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 4 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 581-12 A1Side A runout, variant 1
VS 581-12 B1 ƱTOPIASide B runout, variant 1
VS 581-12 A2 ƱTOPIA ASide A runout, variant 2
VS 581-12 B1 :) ƱTOPIA ASide B runout, variant 2
VS 581 A-3U-1-1-1Side A runout, stamped
A PORKY PRIME CUTSide A runout, etched
VS 581 B-3U-1-1-1Side B runout, stamped
PECKOSide B runout, etched
ƱTOPIA VS 581 A1 ⋀Side A runout, hand-etched, [⋀ stamped]
VS 581 B1 ƱTOPIA ⋀Side B runout, hand-etched, [⋀ stamped]
VS581 ASide A label
VS581 BSide B label
ƱTOPIA [ ] VS·581·A2Side A runout, etched & stamped
ƱTOPIA [ ] VS·581·B2Side B runout, etched & stamped
VS 581-ASide A label
VS 581-BSide B label
VS 581 A-3U-1- 1 - 1Side A runout, stamped
A PORKY PRIME CUTSide A runout, etched
VS 581 B-3U-1- 1 - 1Side B runout, stamped
PECKOSide B runout, etched
ƱTOPIA VS·581·A2Side A runout, etched & stamped
ƱTOPIA VS·581·B2Side B runout, etched & stamped
VS 581-ASide A label
VS 581-BSide B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Italy | Virgin VINX 12First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS581First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS581-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS581-12 / Virgin VS 581-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Europe | Virgin 600 870 / Virgin 600 870-213First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Ireland | Virgin VS581First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS581First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS581First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS 581 / Virgin VS581First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS581First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS 581First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Virgin VS581-12 / Virgin VS 581-1212", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | UK | Virgin VS581-12 / Virgin VS 581-1212", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo |
13 vinyl pressings of Canton / Visions Of China (Live) are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, Europe, Ireland, Italy. One of them is Virgin VS581-12, released May 1983.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS581-12, VS581, VS 581, 600 870) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 581-12 A1 and VS 581-12 B1 ƱTOPIA. 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.
