Vinyl pressings
by Roger Chapman · 1980
Mail Order Magic was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year, in 2 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.
S-II 6.24 515-01-1/1 Manufactured in GermanyRunout side A, variant 1
S-II LLP 5080 B 6.24 515-01-2 Manufactured in GermanyRunout side B, variant 1
6.24 515-01-1/1 S-IIRunout side A, variant 2
6.24 515-01-2 S-II LLP 5080BRunout side B, variant 2
6.24 515-01-1/1 Manufactured in Germany S-IIRunout side A, variant 1
6.24 515-01-2 Manufactured in Germany S-II LLP 5080 BRunout side B, variant 1
6.24 515-01-1/1 S-IIRunout side A, variant 2
6.24 515-01-2 Manufactured in Germany S-II LLP 5080 BRunout side B, variant 2
S-II 6 . 24 515 - 01 - 1 / 1Runout side A
S-II LLP 5080 B 6 . 24 515 - 01 - 2Runout side B
6.24 515-01-1Label side A
6.24 515-01-2Label side B
S-II 6.24 515-01-1/1
LLP 5080B 6.24 515-01-2
6.24 515-01-1/1 S-IIRunout side A, variant 2
6.24 515-01-2 S-II LLP 5080BRunout side B, variant 2
2925 118 1Y 1 670 04 1 1 2Runout side A, stamped
2925 118 2Y 1 670 04 1 1 2Runout side B, stamped
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Germany | Line Records 6.24 515 / Line Records 6.24 515 BLFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Germany | Line Records 6.24 515 / Line Records 6.24 515 APFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | Line Records 6.24 515 / Line Records 6.24515 APFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Germany | Line Records 6.24 515 / Line Records 6.24 515 APFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | Line Records 6.24 515 / Line Records 6.24 515 BLFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Polydor 2925 118First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Norway | Talent TLS 4053LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1981 | UK | Kamera Records KAM 001LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Germany | RCA NL 71 029LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1986 | Germany | Polydor 843 741-1LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | Germany | Maze Music SPV 60-4627LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
11 vinyl pressings of Mail Order Magic are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1980 and 1989.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in Germany, Netherlands. One of them is Line Records 6.24 515.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 6.24 515, 2925 118) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, S-II 6.24 515-01-1/1 Manufactured in Germany and S-II LLP 5080 B 6.24 515-01-2 Manufactured in Germany. 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.
