Vinyl pressings
by Mike Oldfield · 1974
Mike Oldfield's Single was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. 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 1974, 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.
VS 101 A - 3URun out groove A-side, variant 1
VS.101 B - 1U KTRun out groove B-side, variant 1
VS 101 A - 3U LGRun out groove A-side, variant 2
VS 101 B - 1U OR KTRun out groove B-side, variant 2
VS 101 A - 3URun Out Groove A-Side, variant 1
VS.101 B - 1U KTRun Out Groove B-Side, variant 1
VS 101 A - 3U 1 GRun Out Groove A-Side, variant 2
VS 101 B - 1U 1 KT GRun Out Groove B-Side, variant 2
S 13438 A-1 Made in GermanyRunout side A stamped
S 13438 B-1 Made in GermanyRunout side B stamped
̶V̶M̶ VIM-45001-1 16/5/74Runout area side A
VIM-45001-2 16/5/74Runout area side B
VIN 45001/1Label side A
VIN 45001/2Label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Germany | Virgin 13 438 ATFirst year7", Single, Stereo | 7", Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | Greece | Virgin VS.101First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Italy | Virgin VIN 45001First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Portugal | Virgin VS 101First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1974 | Portugal | Virgin VS 101 / Virgin 5000.101First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Scandinavia | Virgin VS.101First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | Spain | Virgin 13 438 A / Virgin 13.438-AFirst year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1974 | UK | Virgin VS.101First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | UK | Virgin VS.101 / Virgin VS 101First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | South Africa | Virgin PD.9990First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1975 | Yugoslavia | Virgin VS.101 / PGP RTB S 538827", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of Mike Oldfield's Single are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1974 and 1975.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in UK, South Africa, Germany, Greece and more. One of them is Virgin VS.101.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS.101, PD.9990, 13 438 AT, VIN 45001) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 101 A - 3U and VS.101 B - 1U KT. 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.
