Vinyl pressings
by Masquerade · 1983
Guardian Angel was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 8 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.
815 972 - 1 S 1 320 K 1Runout side A, stamped, variant 1
815 972 - 1 S 2 320 K 1Runout side B, stamped, variant 1
815 972 - 1 S 1 320 E 1Runout side A, stamped, variant 2
815 972 - 1 S 2 320 K 1 1A 2 V 0Runout side B, stamped, variant 2
815972 - 7 S1 3 20 AN 1Runout side A, variant 1
815972 - 7 S2 3 20 AD 1Runout side B, variant 1
815972 - 7 S1 3 20 Z 1Runout side A, variant 2
815972 - 7 S2 3 20 T 1Runout side B, variant 2
815 972-1 S 1 320 2 A SLabel side A - Variant 1
815 972-1 S 2 320 1 A 2 ZLabel side B - Variant 1
815 972-1 S 1 320 1 ELabel side A - Variant 2
815 972-1 S 2 320 B 1Label side B - Variant 2
5 SMX-61987 426Side A
3 SMX-61938 359Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Australia | Ariola K-9368First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | France | Carrere 13.373 / Carrere 13373First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Germany | Metronome 815 972-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Germany | Metronome 815 972-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Germany | Metronome 815 972-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Netherlands | CNR 145.082First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | New Zealand | Ariola K 9368First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | New Zealand | Arista K 9368First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | Portugal | Carrere 518103First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Scandinavia | Mega Records MRCS 2001First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Carrere Records Ltd. CART 306First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Carrere CAR 306First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Italy | Baby Records BR 503167", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1984 | Italy | Baby Records BR 5403812", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
14 vinyl pressings of Guardian Angel are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in Germany, UK, Australia, France and more. One of them is Metronome 815 972-1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 815 972-1, 815 972-7, CART 306, CAR 306) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 815 972 - 1 S 1 320 K 1 and 815 972 - 1 S 2 320 K 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.
