Vinyl pressings
by Roger Waters · 1987
Radio K.A.O.S. 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.
32 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 22 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.
KAOS 1 A-1U-1-1-<1 DD TOWNHOUSE DMMRunout, side A, stamped/etched. Var. 1
KAOS 1 A-1U-1-1-11 DD TOWNHOUSE DMMRunout, side A, stamped/etched. Var. 1
KAOS 1 B-1U-1 TOWNHOUSE DMM DRunout, side B, stamped/etched. Var. 1
KAOS 1 A-1U-1-2 DD TOWNHOUSE DMMRunout, side A, stamped/etched. Var. 2
KAOS 1 A-1U-1- TOWNHOUSE DMM DRunout, side A, stamped & etched
KAOS 1 B-1U-1- TOWNHOUSE DMM DRunout, side B, stamped & etched
KAOS 1 ALabel, side A
KAOS 1 BLabel, side B
KAOS DJ KOAS DJ (scratched out) 1 A -1-1-1-1 DSide A runout
KAOS DJ 1 B-2-1-1-1 DDSide B runout
KAOS 1 ASide A label
KAOS 1 BSide B label
<P AP> AL-40795-GIA GISide A etched variant 1
<P AP> BL-40795-GIA GISide B etched variant 1
AL-40795-2A G3 B4 MASTERDISKSide A etched variant 2
BL-40795-2A G3 C7Side B etched variant 2
AL-40795 1A2HZ: DM-2Side A runout, variant 1
BL-40795 1A2HZ: DM-2Side B runout, variant 1
AL-40795 1A2HZ: DM-3Side A runout, variant 2
BL-40795 1A2HZ: DM-3Side B runout, variant 2
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 | Argentina | Columbia 120-935First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Argentina | Columbia 120-935First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Australia | CBS 450518 1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1987 | Brazil | CBS 230.506First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Brazil | Discos CBS 230506First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Europe | Columbia 24 0783 1 / Columbia 064-24 0783 1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1987 | France | EMI 2407831 / EMI 24 0783 1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1987 | France | EMI 24 0783 1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1987 | Greece | EMI 062-2407831First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Greece | EMI 062-2407831First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Hong Kong | CBS/SONY HONG KONG LTD. CYA 1227First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1987 | Israel | Columbia FC 40795 / Columbia KAOS 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Italy | EMI 64 2407831First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Japan | CBS/Sony 28AP 3361First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Mexico | CBS CLS-450518First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | South Korea | Columbia HM 98LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| ? | US | Columbia FC 40795LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
36 vinyl pressings of Radio K.A.O.S. are listed here, from 23 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in UK, US, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is EMI 24 0783 1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 24 0783 1, KAOS 1, FC 40795, CAS 2722) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, KAOS 1 A-1U-1-1-<1 DD TOWNHOUSE DMM and KAOS 1 A-1U-1-1-11 DD TOWNHOUSE DMM. 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.
