Vinyl pressings
by Public Image Limited · 1987
Seattle was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 6 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 98812 A-1U-1-1-H4 TOWNHOUSE DMMSide A runout, variant 1
VS 98812 B-1U-1-1-4 TOWNHOUSE DMM DDSide B runout, variant 1
VS 98812 A-1U-1-1- x1 TOWN HOUSE DMMSide A runout, variant 2
VS 98812 B-1U-1-1- TOWN HOUSE DMM D DSide B runout, variant 2
VS 98812 A-1U-1-1-T2 TOWNHOUSE DMM DDSide A. "TOWNHOUSE DMM" etched, rest stamped
VS 98812 B-1U-1-1-X1 TOWNHOUSE DMM DDSide B. "TOWNHOUSE DMM" etched, rest stamped
VS 988 A-1U-1-2-G TOWN HOUSE DMM DSide A runout, variant 1
VS 988 B-1U-1-2- G TOWN HOUSE DMM DSide B runout, variant 1
VS 988 A-1U-1- 1 1 M TOWN HOUSE DMM DSide A runout, variant 2
VS 988 B-1U-1-1- x1 TOWN HOUSE DMM DDSide B runout, variant 2
[SRC logo] ST-D4 53174-1 PrecisionSide A runout, variant 1
[SRC logo] ST-DM 53195-1 PrecisionSide B runout, variant 1
[SRC logo] ST-DM 53194-1 Precision 1-1Side A runout, variant 2
[SRC logo] ST-DM 53195-1 Precision 1-1Side B runout, variant 2
[SRC] ST-DM-53194-1 Precision 1-1Side A, etched
[SRC] ST-DM-53195-1 Precision 1-1Side B, etched
ST-DM-53194-SPLabel side A
ST-DM-53195-SPLabel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Australasia | Virgin VS988-12First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1987 | Australia | Virgin VS988First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Europe | Virgin 109 349 / Virgin 109 349-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Europe | Virgin 609 349 / Virgin 609 349-213First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Europe | Virgin 60934912", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing |
| 1987 | Italy | Virgin VIN 45238First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | UK | Virgin VS988First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | US | Virgin 0-96729 / Virgin 7 906729-0First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | US | Virgin DMD 1120First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | Virgin DMD 1120First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | UK | Virgin VS988-12.First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | Virgin VSX 988First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Box Set, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Box Set, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1987 | UK | Virgin VS988-12First year12", Single, White Label | 12", Single, White Label |
13 vinyl pressings of Seattle are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in UK, US, Australasia, Australia and more. One of them is Virgin VS988-12., released August 1987.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS988-12., VSX 988, VS988-12, VS988) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 98812 A-1U-1-1-H4 TOWNHOUSE DMM and VS 98812 B-1U-1-1-4 TOWNHOUSE DMM DD. 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.
