Vinyl pressings
by Mike Oldfield · 1980
Arrival 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.
10 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year, in 10 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-374-A1 TOWNHOUSE VS 374 A1Runout side A, variant 1
VS-374-B2 TOWNHOUSERunout side B, variant 1
VS-374-A2 TOWNHOUSERunout side A, variant 2
VS-374-B2 TOWNHOUSERunout side B, variant 2
102389 A-1/80S Made in GermanyRunout side A
102389 B-1/80S Made in GermanyRunout side B
S 102 389 ALabel Side A
S 102 389 BLabel Side B
[AGI logo] 809 102389 A 102389A ƮRunout side A
[AGI logo] 809 1̶ ̶0̶2̶ ̶8̶6̶ ̶8̶ 102389 B 102389B ƮRunout side B
102369-ALabel side A
102369-BLabel side B
102389 A-1/80S Made in GermanyRun Out Groove-Side A
102389 B-1/80S Made in GermanyRun Out Groove-Side B
S 102 389 ALabel Side A
S 102 389 BLabel Side B
VS-374-A1 TOWNHOUSE VS 374 A-1 DRunout side A
VS-374-B3 TOWNHOUSE DRunout side B
VS 374-ALabel side A
VS 374-BLabel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Australia | Virgin VS 374First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | Europe | Virgin 102 389 / Virgin 102 389 - 100First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | France | Virgin 102389First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | Virgin 102 389 / Virgin 102 389 - 100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Ireland | Virgin VS 374First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Italy | Virgin VIN 45032First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Virgin 102.389 / Virgin 102 389 - 100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Portugal | Virgin VV 45.033ESFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Spain | Virgin A-102389 / Virgin A-102.389First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Virgin VS 374First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
10 vinyl pressings of Arrival are listed here, from 10 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in UK, Europe, France, Germany and more. One of them is Virgin VS 374.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 374, 102 389, 102389, VIN 45032) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS-374-A1 TOWNHOUSE VS 374 A1 and VS-374-B2 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.
