Vinyl pressings
by Kansas · 1983
Drastic Measures 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.
18 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 11 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.
MASTERDISKStamped Both Sides
G1 PAL-38733-2B HW C3Side One Runout Etched, Variant 1
G1 PBL-38733-2A C3Side Two Runout Etched, Variant 1
G1 PAL-38733-2B HW E 13Side One Runout Etched, Variant 2
PAL-38733- 1B I MASTERDISK HW ○ PSide A Runout, Variant 1
BL- 38733- 1F I A P ○Side B Runout, Variant 1
PAL-38733- 1B I MASTERDISK HW PSide A Runout, Variant 2
BL-38733- 1E I MASTERDISK HWSide B Runout, Variant 2
A EPC [KIR deleted] 25561 A1Runout side A
A EPC [KIR deleted] 25561 B1Runout side B
EPC 25561 A1 1 C VSide A
EPC 25561 B1 1 1 VSide B
AL-38733-1A 2HZ: DMSide A runout, variant 1
BL-38733-1A 2HZ: 2 DMSide B runout, variant 1
AL-38733-1A 2HZ: ② DM 2Side A runout, variant 2
BL-38733-1A 2HZ: DM 5Side B runout, variant 2
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 | Australia | Epic ELPS 4391First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Australia | Epic ELPS 4391First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | Colombia | CBS 14-1693First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Europe | Kirshner KIR 25561First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1983 | Europe | Epic EPC 25561 / CBS Associated EPC 25561First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1983 | Europe | Epic EPC 25561First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1983 | Greece | Kirshner KIR 25561First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Japan | CBS/Sony 25AP 2668First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1983 | Japan | CBS/Sony 25AP 2668First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1983 | Mexico | Epic LNS-17430First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | South Korea | CBS KJPL-0380First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Taiwan | Star Power LMSP-030LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| 1983 | UK | Epic EPC 25561First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | UK | Epic EPC 25561First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | US | CBS Associated Records QZ 38733 / CBS Associated Records 38733First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
19 vinyl pressings of Drastic Measures are listed here, from 12 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in US, UK, Canada, Australia and more. One of them is CBS Associated Records QZ 38733.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use QZ 38733, Z 38733, EPC 25561, QZ38733) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MASTERDISK and G1 PAL-38733-2B HW C3. 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.
