Vinyl pressings
by Russ Abbot · 1984
Atmosphere was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 3 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.
FIRE 4-A2 DAMONT TownhouseRunout groove side A variant 1
FIRE 4-B2 DAMONT TownhouseRunout groove side B variant 1
FIRE 4 A-1 RUSS ABBOTT A-1 2 DAMONT AERunout groove side A variant 2
FIRE 4 B-1 RUSS ABBOTT B-1 2 DAMONT TOWNHOUSE ABRunout groove side B variant 2
RUSS ABBOTT A-1 FIRE-4 A1 DAMONT [scratched out]A side runout
RUSS ABBOTT B-1 FIRE-4 B-1 DAMONT [scratched out] TOWNHOUSEB side runout
RUSS ABBOTT A-1 FIRE-4 A1 DAMONT [scratched out]A side runout
RUSS ABBOTT B-1 FIRE-4 B-1 DAMONT [scratched out] TOWNHOUSEB side runout
FIRET 4 A-1 DAMONT TOWNHOUSE RUSS ABBOTT A-1Side A runout
FIRET 4 B-1 DAMONT TOWNHOUSE RUSS ABBOTT B-1Side B runout
FIRET 4 A-1 DAMONT TOWNHOUSE RUSS ABBOTT A-1Side A runout
FIRET 4 B-1 DAMONT TOWNHOUSE RUSS ABBOTT B-1Side B runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | France | Carrere 8.489 / Carrere 8489First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | France | Carrere 13717First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | UK | Spirit Record Co. Ltd. FIRE T.4. / Spirit Record Co. Ltd. FIRE T 4First year12" | 12" |
| 1984 | UK | Spirit Record Co. Ltd. FIRET 4First year12", White Label | 12", White Label |
| 1984 | Ireland | Polydor 881 751 - 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | UK | Spirit Record Co. Ltd. FIRE 4First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | UK | Spirit Record Co. Ltd. FIRE 4First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | UK | Spirit Record Co. Ltd. FIRE 4First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | Ariola 107 1797", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Finland | Polarvox Oy FIRE T412" | 12" |
| 1985 | Finland | Polarvox Oy FIRE 47" | 7" |
| 1985 | Germany | Ariola 601 59912", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Italy | Durium DEX 1306712", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Italy | Durium DE 3259 / Durium Marche Estere DE. 32597", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1985 | Italy | Durium DE 3259 / Durium Marche Estere DE. 32597", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | RCA Victor 1044087", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
20 vinyl pressings of Atmosphere are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1984 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, Ireland, France. One of them is Spirit Record Co. Ltd. FIRE 4, released December 10, 1984.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FIRE 4, FIRE T.4., FIRET 4, 881 751 - 7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, FIRE 4-A2 DAMONT Townhouse and FIRE 4-B2 DAMONT Townhouse. 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.
