Vinyl pressings
by Mike Oldfield · 1984
To France was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
22 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 13 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 68612 A-1U-1-1⇀◠_Runout side A, stamped
cut by FAR-RR VS 686-I2-ARunout side A, etched
VS 68612 B-1U-1-I─∴Runout side B, stamped
cut by FAR-RR VS-686-I2-BRunout side B, etched
VSX-1225A-2 SNB 230Runout Side A [Variant 1]
VSX-1225B SNB 230Runout Side B [Variant 1]
VSX-1225A-2 SNB 230 EL DM 5Runout Side A [Variant 2]
VSX-1225A-2 SNB 230 EL DM 1Runout Side B [Variant 2]
106 590 A - 2 Made in Germany 020 cut by FAR - RR DSSide A runout, variant 1
106 590 B - 2 Made in Germany 020 cut by FAR - RR DSSide B runout, variant 1
106 590 - A - 1 020 Made in Germany DS cut by FAR - RRSide A runout, variant 2
106 590 - B - 2 II Made in Germany 020 cut by FAR-RR DSSide B runout, variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin VS 686First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin VS 68612First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin VS 686First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Canada | Virgin VSX 1225First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Canada | Virgin VS 1225First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Europe | Virgin 106 590 / Virgin 106 590-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Europe | Virgin 601 370-213 / Virgin 601 370First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1984 | France | Virgin 80117First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1984 | Ireland | Virgin VS 686First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Ireland | Virgin VS 686First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Italy | Virgin VINX 65First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Italy | Virgin VIN 45116First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1984 | Mexico | Virgin S 962First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 686First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Portugal | Virgin 520505First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
23 vinyl pressings of To France are listed here, from 13 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, Australia, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Virgin VS 686-12, released June 16, 1984.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 686-12, VS 686, VSX 1225, VS 1225) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 68612 A-1U-1-1⇀◠_ and cut by FAR-RR VS 686-I2-A. 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.
