Vinyl pressings
by Level 42 · 1985
A Physical Presence 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.
22 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 16 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.
POLH 23 A // 1 ▽ 420 H 1 1 1 1Side A runout, stamped
POLH 23 B // 1 ▽ 420 H 1 1 5Side B runout, stamped
POLH 23 C // 1 ▽ 420 H 1 1 1Side C runout, stamped
POLH 23 D // 1 ▽ 420 H 1 1 1Side D runout, stamped
POLH 23 A // 1 ▽ 420 H TOWNHOUSE 1 1 ⑪ L 18065Side A runout
POLH 23 B // 1 ▽ 420 H TOWNHOUSE 1 1 ⑪ L 18066 CSide B runout
POLH 23 C // 1 ▽ 420 H TOWNHOUSE 1 1 ⑪ L 18067Side C runout
POLH 23 D // 1 ▽ 420 H TOWNHOUSE 1 1 ⑪ L 18068Side D runout
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 | Australasia | Polydor 825 677-1 / Polydor 827 030-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Canada | Polydor 825 677 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Canada | Polydor 825 677 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Europe | Polydor 825 677-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | France | Polydor 825 677-1 / Polydor 827 030-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Germany | Polydor 825 677-1 / Polydor LP 825 677-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Israel | Polydor 825 677-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Italy | Polydor 825 677-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Japan | Polydor 38MM 0451/2First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Japan | Polydor 38MM 0451/2First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Netherlands | Polydor 827 030-1 / Polydor 827 031-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | New Zealand | Polydor 825 677-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Portugal | Polydor LP 825 677-1 / Polydor 825677-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Spain | Polydor 825 677-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Spain | Polydor 825 677-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Polydor 825 677-1LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
25 vinyl pressings of A Physical Presence are listed here, from 16 countries, released between 1985 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, US, Ireland, Australasia and more. One of them is Polydor POLH 23, released June 21, 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use POLH 23, 422 827 031-1 Y-1, 422 827 030-1 Y-1, 825 677-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, POLH 23 A // 1 ▽ 420 H 1 1 1 1 and POLH 23 B // 1 ▽ 420 H 1 1 5. 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.
