Vinyl pressings
by Meco Monardo · 1980
Plays Music From 'The Empire Strikes Back' was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
14 pressings came out in 1980, 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.
RO13086AS BW2 (Scratched out symbols between catalogue code and BW)Side 1, Etched
RO13086BS BW1 (Scratched out symbols between catalogue code and BW)Side 2, Etched
RO 13086AS BW2 (Scratched out symbols between catalogue code and BW2)Side 1, Etched
RO 1 3086 BS BW2 (Scratched out symbols between catalogue code and BW2)Side 2, Etched
RO 1 3086AS-PW1 (PR) PRunout Side A
RO 1 3086-BS-PW1 (PR) P STERLINGRunout Side B
RO-1-3086-AS 2299 002Label Side A
RO-1-3086-AS 2299 002Label Side B
T1 RO 1 3086 AS-CT1 C2A side runout
T1 RO 1 3086-BS-CT1 B STERLINGB side runout
RO-1-3086ASA side label
RO-1-3086BSB side label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Australia | RSO 2479 267First year12", EP | 12", EP |
| 1980 | Canada | RSO RO-1-3086First year12" | 12" |
| 1980 | Canada | RSO RO-1-3086First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1980 | Japan | RSO 15GW 1001First year12", EP | 12", EP |
| 1980 | Mexico | RSO 3028 / RSO 2479 267First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mini-Album · Colored vinyl | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mini-Album · Colored vinyl |
| 1980 | Mexico | RSO 3028 / PolyGram 2479 267First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mini-Album · Colored vinyl | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mini-Album · Colored vinyl |
| 1980 | Mexico | RSO RO-1-3086 / PolyGram 2479 267First yearLP, Mini-Album, Promo · Promo, Colored vinyl | LP, Mini-Album, Promo · Promo, Colored vinyl |
| 1980 | Philippines | RSO RO-1-3086 / RSO 2299 002First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1980 | Singapore, Malaysia & Hong Kong | RSO 2479-267First yearLP, EP | LP, EP |
| 1980 | Spain | RSO 24 79 267First year12" | 12" |
| 1980 | US | RSO RO-1-3086 / RSO 2299 002First year10", Promo, Stereo · Promo | 10", Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1980 | US | RSO RO-1-3086First year10", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 10", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1980 | US | RSO RO-1-3086First year10", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 10", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1980 | US | RSO RO-1-3086First year10", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 10", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
14 vinyl pressings of Plays Music From 'The Empire Strikes Back' are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in US, Australia, Canada, Japan and more. One of them is RSO RO-1-3086.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use RO-1-3086, 2479 267, 15GW 1001, 3028) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RO13086AS BW2 (Scratched out symbols between catalogue code and BW) and RO13086BS BW1 (Scratched out symbols between catalogue code and BW). 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.
