Vinyl pressings
by Loose Ends · 1984
Tell Me What You Want was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 5 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.
VS 65812 A-2U-1-1-A side, stamped variant 1
VS 65812 B-2U-1-1-3B side, stamped variant 1
GNATA side, etched variant 1,2
VS 65812 A-2U-1-1 1A side, stamped variant 2
VS 658 A-2U-1-1-X1Runout Side A
VS 658 B-2U-1-1-Runout Side B
VS65812 A-1U-1-1-1Side A runout
VS65812 B-1U-1-1-1Side B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Canada | Virgin VSX1201First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Canada | Virgin VS1201First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | France | Virgin 90153First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | France | Virgin 80140First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1984 | Germany | Virgin 601 176-213First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Italy | Virgin VINX 45First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | UK | Virgin VS 658-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | UK | Virgin VSY 658-12First year12", Picture Disc · Picture disc | 12", Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1984 | UK | Virgin VS 658First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1984 | UK | Virgin VS 65812First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | UK | Virgin VS65812First year12", White Label | 12", White Label |
| 1985 | US | MCA Records MCA-2359612", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1985 | US | MCA Records MCA-527027", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | US | MCA Records MCA-527027", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | US | MCA Records MCA-2359612", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
15 vinyl pressings of Tell Me What You Want are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1984 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, Canada, France, Germany and more. One of them is Virgin VS 658-12.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 658-12, VSY 658-12, VS 658, VS65812) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 65812 A-2U-1-1- and VS 65812 B-2U-1-1-3. 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.
