Vinyl pressings
by Queen · 1982
Body Language 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.
52 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 24 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.
EMI 5293 A-2A-side runout, stamped. Variant 1
EMI 5293 B-4B-side runout, stamped. Variant 1
EMI 5293 A-4A-side runout, stamped. Variant 2
EMI 5293 B-3B-side runout, stamped. Variant 2 & 4
EMI 5293 A-2Side A runout, stamped, variant 1
EMI 5293 B-1Side B runout, stamped, variant 1
EMI 5293 A-2Side A runout, stamped, variant 2
EMI 5293 B-3Side B runout, stamped, variant 2
EMI 5293 A-3A side runout
EMI 5293 B-2B side runout
NICKZA-Side run-out, mastering hand-etch
EMI 5293 A-1A side runout
EMI 5293 B-1B side runout
NICKZA-Side run-out, mastering hand-etch
EMI 5293 A-3A side runout
NICKZA-side run-out, mastering hand-etch
EMI 5293 B-3B side runout
EMI 5293 A-1A-side runout, stamped. Variant 1
EMI 5293 B-3B-side runout, stamped. Variant 1
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 | Australia | Elektra E 47452First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Australia | Elektra E-47452First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Bolivia | EMI International BO-1382First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Canada | Elektra AS-11567First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Canada | Elektra SKE 47452 / Elektra SKE-47452First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Canada | Elektra KE-47452First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Canada | Elektra SKE 47452 / Elektra SKE-47452First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Chile | EMI 32C 006-64788First year7", Single, Stereo | 7", Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Colombia | EMI 446-1109First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Europe | EMI 1C 006-64 788 / EMI Electrola 1C 006-64 788First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Europe | EMI 1C K 052-64 788 Z / EMI Electrola 1C K 052-64 788 ZFirst year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Europe | EMI 1C 006-64 788 / EMI Electrola 1C 006-64 7887", 45 RPM, Single, Repress, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress, Stereo |
| 1982 | France | EMI 2C 008-64788First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | France | EMI 2C 008-647887", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing |
| 1982 | Guatemala | EMI 4604First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
55 vinyl pressings of Body Language are listed here, from 24 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, US, Mexico, Brazil and more. One of them is EMI EMI 5293, released April 19, 1982.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EMI 5293, E-47452, AS-11567, 33C 006-64788) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EMI 5293 A-2 and EMI 5293 B-4. 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.
