Vinyl pressings
by Jesse Rae · 1985
Over The Sea was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1985, 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.
YZ-36P-ASide A runout, variant 1
YZ-36P-BSide B runout, variant 1
YZ-36P-A. 1 MT.Side A runout, variant 2
YZ-36P-B. 1 MT.Side B runout, variant 2
Y̶Z̶3̶6̶ ̶D̶J̶ ̶A̶/̶/̶1̶ ̶▽̶ ̶4̶2̶0̶ ̶V̶ 11 4 SAM 24 A//1 ▽ 420 VRunout side A
YZ 36 B//1 ▽ 420 V 11 1Runout side B
Y Z 3 6 A // 1 ∇ 4 2 0 VA-Side Runout [Stamped]
HARD 1 B // 1 ∇ 4 2 0 HB-Side Runout [Stamped]
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Germany | WEA Records 249 093-0First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1985 | Italy | WEA Records Ltd. 24 9094-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | UK | Scotland Video Records YZ36P / Scotland Video Records 249094-7First year7", 45 RPM, Shape, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", 45 RPM, Shape, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1985 | UK | Scotland Video Records YZ36 / Scotland Video Records 249094-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | UK | Polydor HARD 1 / Polydor 881881-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Mispress | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Mispress |
| 1985 | UK | Scotland Video Records YZ36T / Scotland Video Records 249093-0First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1985 | UK | Luzuli Video SAM 376First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | UK | Scotland Video Records SAM 242 / Scotland Video Records 249094-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | UK | Scotland Video Records YZ 36 V / Scotland Video Records 249094-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Germany | WEA 249 094-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of Over The Sea are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, Germany, Italy. One of them is Scotland Video Records YZ36P.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use YZ36P, YZ36, YZ36T, SAM 242) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, YZ-36P-A and YZ-36P-B. 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.
