Vinyl pressings
by Malcolm McLaren · 1984
Fans 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.
16 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 12 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.
MMDL 2 A-1U-1-1⥛ ARUNSide A runout, stamped & etched, Variant 1
MMDL 2 B-1U-1-1⥛Side B runout, stamped, Variant 1
MMDL 2 A-1U-1-1⥛ ARUNSide A runout, Variant 2
MMDL 2 B-1U-1-2⥛Side B runout, Variant 2
ST IL - 845601 - A SRC STERLINGRunout side A variant 1
ST IL - 845602 - A SRC STERLINGRunout Side B, Etched
ST IL - 845601 - A I - I SRC STERLING ⚾Runout side A variant 2
ST IL - 845602 - A I - I SRC STERLING ⚾Runout side B variant 2
[STERLING] Ⓧ SP AR ST·IL 845601–A 1–2 B–20514-A SLM △ 8591 0-1 [SRC logo]Side A, etched
[STERLING] Ⓧ STIL-845602–A 1–2 B–20515-A [SRC logo] SPAR SLM △ 8591–X 0–1Side B, etched
ST-IL-845601-ARSide A label
ST-IL-845602-ARSide B label
MX215309 MMLP2-1 ÅSide A runout
MX215310 MMLP2-2 ÅSide B runout
MX215309Side A label
MX215310Side B label
VM-2308A SNB 230 EL DM 5Side A runout
VM-2308B SNB 230 EL DM 11Side B runout
DM 206 702 A-1/84 S IIRunout side A, stamped, variant 1
DM 206 702 B-1/84 S IIRunout side B, stamped, variant 1
DM 206 702 A-1/84 S IIRunout side A, stamped, variant 2
DM 206 702 B-1/84 S II IIRunout side B, stamped [II etched], variant 2
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 | Australia | Virgin MMLP 2First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin MMLP 2First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Canada | Charisma VM 2308 / Virgin VM 2308First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Europe | Virgin 206 702 / Charisma 206 702First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | France | Charisma 70 304 / Virgin 70 304First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | France | Charisma 70 304First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Greece | Virgin VG 50105 / Charisma VG 50105First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Israel | Charisma MMDL 2First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Italy | Charisma MMLP 2First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Japan | Charisma 25VB-1012 / Virgin 25VB-1012First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Japan | Charisma 25VB-1012 / Virgin 25VB-1012First yearLP, Promo · Promo | LP, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Charisma MMDL 2First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Spain | Charisma T-206.702First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | UK | Charisma MMDL 2 / Virgin MMDL 2First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | US | Island Records 7 90242-1 / Island Records 90242-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | Charisma VM 2308 / Virgin VM 2308LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | US | Island Records 7 90242-1 / Island Records 90242-1LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
20 vinyl pressings of Fans are listed here, from 14 countries, released between 1984 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, US, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Charisma MMDL 2.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MMDL 2, 7 90242-1, 90242-1, MMLP 2) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MMDL 2 A-1U-1-1⥛ ARUN and MMDL 2 B-1U-1-1⥛. 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.
