Vinyl pressings
by Olivia Newton-John · 1972
What Is Life was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
18 pressings came out in 1972, the album's first year, in 12 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.
℗1972 C72 ✶Z1 E 00 2001285 = 2 S1A-side runout, variant 1
℗1972 C72 ✶Z1 E 00 2001285 = 2 S2B-side runout, variant 1
℗1972 C72 ✶Z1 D 1 00 2001285 = 2 S1A-side runout, variant 2
℗1972 C72 ✶Z1 C 1 00 20010̶ 285 = 2 S2 1B-side runout, variant 2
7N 25575 A-1△6A Side
7N 25575 B-1△6B Side
7N 25575 A-1/_\GSide A stamped
7n 25575 B-1/_\GSide B stamped
.1017-S W-2 P ISide A runout
.1018-S W-2 P ISide B runout
.1017-SSide A label
.1018-SSide B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Australia | Interfusion ITFK-4577First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Canada | Polydor 2001 285 DJFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1972 | Germany | Polydor 2001 285First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1972 | Ireland | Pye Records 7N25575First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Ireland | Pye Records 7N25575First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Mexico | Polydor 2229 049First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | New Zealand | Interfusion ITFK 4577First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Portugal | Polydor 2001 285First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1972 | Spain | Polydor 20 01 285First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | UK | Pye International 7N.25575First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | UK | Pye International 7N.25575First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | UK | Pye Records 7N.25575First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | US | UNI Records 55317First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1972 | US | UNI Records 55317First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | US | UNI Records 55317First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
18 vinyl pressings of What Is Life are listed here, from 12 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in Germany, UK, US, South Africa and more. One of them is Polydor 2001 285.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2001 285, 7N.25575, 55317, PS.207) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ℗1972 C72 ✶Z1 E 00 2001285 = 2 S1 and ℗1972 C72 ✶Z1 E 00 2001285 = 2 S2. 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.
