Vinyl pressings
by Japan · 1980
Gentlemen Take Polaroids was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. 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 1980, 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.
A VS 379 A4 RAYSSide A runout, variant 1
A VS 379 B3 RAYSSide B runout, variant 1
A VS 379 C3 RAYSSide C runout, variant 1
A VS 379 D4 RAYSSide D runout, variant 1
Λ VS 379 A5 RAYSSide A runout, etched, stamped
Λ VS 379 B3 RAYSSide B runout, etched, stamped
VS 379-ASide A label
VS 379-BSide B label
VS 379 A4 RAYSSide A
VS 379 B4 RAYSSide B
VS 379 A5 RAYSSide A, runout, etched, stamped, variant 1
VS 379 B4 RAYSSide B, runout, etched, stamped, variant 1
VS 379 C3 RAYSSide C, runout, etched, stamped, variant 1
VS 379 D3 RAYSSide D, runout, etched, stamped, variant 1
Λ VS 379 A4 RAYSSide A, runout, etched, stamped
Λ VS 379 B4 RAYSSide B, runout, etched, stamped
Λ VS 379 C3 RAYSSide C, runout, etched, stamped
Λ VS 379 D3 RAYSSide D, runout, etched, stamped
102513 A-1/80S Made in GermanySide A, runout, stamped
102513 B-1/80S Made in GermanySide B, runout, stamped
S 102 513 ASide A, label
S 102 513 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Germany | Virgin 102 513 / Virgin 102 513-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Japan | Virgin VIPX-1550 / Virgin VIRG-1550First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Japan | Virgin VIPX-1550 / Virgin VIRG-1550First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1980 | UK | Virgin VS 379First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | UK | Virgin VS 379First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | UK | Virgin VS 379First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Virgin VS 379First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | UK | Virgin VS 379First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Australia | Virgin VS 3797", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Australia | Virgin VS 3797", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of Gentlemen Take Polaroids are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1980 and 1981.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in UK, Germany, Japan. One of them is Virgin VS 379, released October 1980.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 379, 102 513, VIPX-1550) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A VS 379 A4 RAYS and A VS 379 B3 RAYS. 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.
