UK
1982- Label and catalog number
- Polydor POSPX 538
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition
Level 42The Chinese Way
Vinyl pressings
The Chinese Way
by Level 42 · 1982
13 pressings7 countriesJazz-FunkSynth-popFunk / Soul
The Chinese Way was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of The Chinese Way
3 pressings came out in 1982, 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.
Ireland
1982- Label and catalog number
- Polydor POSP 538
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
Spain
1982- Label and catalog number
- Polydor 2059 578
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 13 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s13 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Ireland | Polydor POSP 538First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Spain | Polydor 2059 578First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Polydor POSPX 538First year12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1983 | Germany | Polydor 2059 5787", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Guatemala | Polydor 2059 5787", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Netherlands | Polydor 810 884-77", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | Polydor LEVEL 643 (817065-1)12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1983 | US | Polydor 811 537-112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | Polydor 811 537-112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | Polydor POSPX 53812", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | Polydor POSP 538 / Polydor 20595787", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Polydor POSPX 53812", Single · Colored vinyl | 12", Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1983 | UK | Polydor POSPX 538 / Polydor POSPX 50012", Single | 12", Single |
Tracklist
- AThe Chinese Way
- B88 (Live)
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Chinese Way are there?
13 vinyl pressings of The Chinese Way are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1982 and 1983.
When was The Chinese Way first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, Ireland, Spain. One of them is Polydor POSPX 538.
How do I tell if my copy of The Chinese Way is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use POSPX 538, POSP 538, 2059 578) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Chinese Way on vinyl worth?
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.
