Vinyl pressings
by Queen · 1982
Back Chat was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
35 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 19 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.
12 EMI 5325 A-1-1-1-1 NICKZA side runout - version 1
12 EMI 5325 B-3-1-1-5 GARY KINGB side runout - version 1
12 EMI 5325 A-3-1-1-2A side runout - version 2
12 EMI 5325 B-3-1-1-5B side runout - version 2
EMI 5325 A - 1 - 1 - 1 - 6 NICKZRunout, A-side, variant 1
EMI 5325 B - 3 - 1 - 2 - 6Runout, B-side, variant 1
EMI 5325 A-2-1-1-2 NICKZRunout, A-side, variant 2
EMI 5325 B-3-1-1-4Runout, B-side, variant 2
EMI 5325AA side label
EMI 5325BB side label
7-69941 A S 2 SP 1-1Run-out A, etched
7-69941 BS2 SP 1-1Run-out B, etched
7-69941 AS2 SP △ 2474 SP-ARA runout
7-69941 - BS3 R9836 - BS3 SLM △ 2474-XB runout
7-69941 A S 2 SP 1-1Run-out A, etched
7-69941 BS2 SP 1-1Run-out B, etched
7-69941-ALabel Side A
7-69941-BLabel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Argentina | EMI DIF 214First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1982 | Brazil | EMI 31C 006 64851First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Canada | Elektra 96 99417First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1982 | Canada | Elektra 96 99417First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Europe | EMI 1A 006-64851First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Europe | EMI 1A 052Z-64851First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1982 | Europe | EMI 1A 006-648517", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing |
| 1982 | France | EMI 2C 008-64851First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1982 | France | EMI 2C 008-64851 / EMI 2C008-64.851First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | France | EMI 2C 008-648517", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1982 | Greece | EMI SPR 232First year12", Maxi-Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Maxi-Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | Guatemala | EMI 4608 / EMI 5325First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Guatemala | EMI 4608 / EMI 5325First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | India | EMI EMI 5325First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Italy | EMI 3C 006-64851First year7", Single | 7", Single |
38 vinyl pressings of Back Chat are listed here, from 19 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, US, Ireland, Peru and more. One of them is EMI 12EMI 5325, released August 9, 1982.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12EMI 5325, EMI 5325, 7-69941, 0-67975) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12 EMI 5325 A-1-1-1-1 NICKZ and 12 EMI 5325 B-3-1-1-5 GARY KING. 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.
