Vinyl pressings
by Kirsty MacColl · 1989
Kite was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1989, the album's first year, in 7 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.
KMLP 1 A-1U-1-1 DSide A runout, variant 1
KMLP 1 B-1U-1-1 DSide B runout, variant 1
KMLP 1 A-1U-1-1 D Townhouse DmmSide A runout, variant 2
KMLP 1 B-1U-1-2 D Townhouse DmmSide B runout, variant 2
ST-CH-[Scratched Out]-897653-A Specialty Records Corporation Stamp Future Disc-T.B.Etched runout side A
ST-CH-[Scratched Out]-897654-A Specialty Records Corporation StampEtched runout side B
ST-CH-897653-SPLabel side A
ST-CH-897654-SPLabel side B
KMLP 1ASide A etched
KMLP 1BSide B etched
DM209904 A-1/3-89Side A
DM209904 B-1/3-89Side B
VNC5159-ASide A runout
VNC5159-BSide B runout
VNC 5159ASide A label
VNC 5159BSide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Australasia | Virgin KMLP1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | Canada | Virgin VL 3078First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | Europe | Virgin KMLP1 / Virgin 209 904First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1989 | South Africa | Virgin VNC 5159First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | Spain | Virgin T-209 904First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1989 | UK | Virgin KMLP1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1989 | US | Charisma 91323-1First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | UK | Demon Records DEMREC 274LP, Album, Reissue · Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Reissue · Colored vinyl |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | UK | Demon Records DEMREC962LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 2024 | UK | Demon Records DEMREC1199LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered |
10 vinyl pressings of Kite are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1989 and 2024.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in UK, US, Australasia, Canada and more. One of them is Virgin KMLP1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use KMLP1, 91323-1, VL 3078, VNC 5159) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, KMLP 1 A-1U-1-1 D and KMLP 1 B-1U-1-1 D. 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.
