Vinyl pressings
by Mike Oldfield · 1985
The Complete was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
23 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 15 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.
MOC 1 A -3U-1-1-1 Bilbo Tape OneVariant 1, Side A
MOC 1B -8U-1-1-1Variant 1, Side B
MOC 1 D-8U-1-1-1 Bilbo Tape OneVariant 1, Side C
MOC 1 C -7U-1-1-1 Bilbo Tape OneVariant 1, Side D
2 VD-2345-A 2 * CR TLC-PRunout Side A etched, (* something that looks like a scribble)
2 VD 2345 B 2 * TLC-P CRRunout Side B etched, (* something that looks like a scribble)
2 VD-2345-C2#2 * CRRunout Side C etched, (* something that looks like a scribble)
2-VD 2345 D2 CR * TLC-PRunout Side D etched, (* something that looks like a scribble)
DM 302676 A-1 / 85S IIRunout A-side, variant 1
DM 302676 B-1 / 85 S II IIIRunout B-side, variant 1
DM 302677 A-1 / 85S II IIRunout C-side, variant 1
DM 302677 B-1 / 85 S II IIIRunout D-side, variant 1
DM 302676 A-1 / 85S II IIVSide A, variant 1
DM B-3817 B-1 / 85S I IISide B, variant 1
DM 302677 A-1 / 85S I IVSide C, variant 1
DM 302677 B-1 / 85 S II IIISide D, variant 1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin MOC 1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin MOC 1First yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin MOC 1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Canada | Virgin VD 2345First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Europe | Virgin 302 689-503 / Virgin 302 689First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Europe | Virgin 302 678 / Virgin 302 678-503First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | Virgin 302 678 / Virgin 302 678-503First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Europe | Virgin 302 678 / Virgin 302 678-503First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | Virgin 302 678 / Virgin MOC1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Europe | Virgin 302 689 / Virgin 302 689-503LP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo |
| 1985 | France | Virgin 60041First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | Virgin 302 678LP, Compilation, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Compilation, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1985 | Greece | Virgin 162-501 38/39 / Virgin 062- VG 50138/9First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Ireland | Virgin MOC 1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Israel | Virgin MOC 1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Italy | Virgin MOC 1LP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo |
| ? | Spain | Virgin XL 302678LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Spain | Virgin XL 302678LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
32 vinyl pressings of The Complete are listed here, from 18 countries, released between 1985 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, Australia, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Virgin MOC 1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MOC 1, VD 2345, 302 689-503, 302 678) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MOC 1 A -3U-1-1-1 Bilbo Tape One and MOC 1B -8U-1-1-1. 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.
