Vinyl pressings
by Mikron · 1985
Polynesia 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.
8 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 5 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.
187 ARunout side A, hand etched
187 BRunout side B, hand etched
(CT 187 - 1)Center label side A
(CT 187 - 2)Center label side B
POLYNESIA A 185Runout side A, etched
185 B POLYNESIARunout side B, etched
MPO WEA 721811 A ƮRunout side A
MPO WEA 721811 B ƮRunout side B
RR-12009/A etRunout side A
RR-12009/B etRunout 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | France | Flarenasch 722.811First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | France | Flarenasch 721811 / Flarenasch 721.811First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | Rush Records RR 7009First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Germany & Switzerland | Rush Records RR 12009First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Italy | Il Discotto Productions ART 1059 / Il Discotto Productions ART. 1059First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1985 | Italy | Il Discotto Productions NP 1059First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1985 | Spain | Max Music MAX-130First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | Spain | Max Music S 130First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | France | Flarenasch 722.81112", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Rush Records 1200912", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
10 vinyl pressings of Polynesia are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in Italy, France, Germany, Germany & Switzerland and more. One of them is Il Discotto Productions ART 1059.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ART 1059, NP 1059, 722.811, 721811) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 187 A and 187 B. 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.
