Vinyl pressings
by Level 42 · 1985
World Machine 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.
27 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 20 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 25 A // 2 ∇ 420 H 1 1 2 TOWNHOUSERunout, variant 1, side A
POLH 25 B // 2 ∇ 420 H 1 1 5 TOWNHOUSERunout, variant 1, side B
POLH 25 A // 2 ▽ 420 H TOWNHOUSERunout, variant 2, side A
POLH 25 B // 1 ▽ 420 H TOWNHOUSERunout, variant 2, side B
827 487-1ASide A etched
-MASTERED ON COPPER-Side A stamped
827 487-1BSide b etched
POLR-2009 A SNB 230 EL DM 17Side A runout, variant 1
POLR-2009 B SNB 230 EL DM 13Side B runout, variant 1
POLR-2009 A SNB 230 EL DM 17Side A runout, variant 2
POLR-2009 B SNB 230 EL DM 16Side B runout, variant 2
827 487 1 1Y 1 ℗ 1985 670 03 111Runout side A
827 487 1 2Y 1 ℗ 1985 670 03 117Runout side B
827 487 1 1Y 1Label side A
827 487 1 2Y 1Label side B
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 827 487-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Canada | Polydor POLR 2009First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Europe | Polydor 827 487-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | France | Polydor 827 487-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | France | Polydor 827 487-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Germany | Polydor 827 487-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | Polydor 827 487-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Greece | Polydor 827487-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Greece | Polydor 827487-1 / Polydor 8274871First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| 1985 | Greece | Polydor 827487 1 / Polydor POLH 25First yearLP, Album, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited |
| 1985 | Guatemala | PolydorFirst yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Ireland | Polydor POLH 25 / Polydor 827 487-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Israel | Polydor 827 487-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Italy | Polydor 827 487-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Japan | Polydor 28MM 0465First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Europe | Polydor 378 944-2LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Europe | Universal Music Recordings UMCLP097LP, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2025 | UK & Europe | Polydor UMCLP074LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
52 vinyl pressings of World Machine are listed here, from 27 countries, released between 1985 and 2025.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, US, Japan, Australasia and more. One of them is Polydor POLH 25, released October 11, 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use POLH 25, 422-827 487-1 Y-1, 28MM 0465, 827 487-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, POLH 25 A // 2 ∇ 420 H 1 1 2 TOWNHOUSE and POLH 25 B // 2 ∇ 420 H 1 1 5 TOWNHOUSE. 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.
