Vinyl pressings
by Scritti Politti · 1984
Absolute 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.
21 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 9 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.
VS 680 A-2U-1-1-1 TOWNHOUSEA side runout, stamped, variant 1
VS 680 B-2U-1-1-5 TOWNHOUSEB side runout, stamped, variant 1
VS 680 A-1U-1-1-7 TOWNHOUSEA side runout, stamped, variant 2
VS 680 B-2U-1-1-7 TOWNHOUSEB side runout, stamped, variant 2
VS 680 A-2U-1-1-1 TOWNHOUSEA side runout
VS 680 B-2U-1-1-5 TOWNHOUSEB side runout
VS 680 ALabel, A side
VS 680 BLabel, B side
VSY 680 12 A1 GRAMPIANA-side, etched
VSY 680 12 B1 GRAMPIANB-side, etched
TOWNHOUSEA & B sides, stamped
VS68012 A-1U-1- 3-13 TOWNHOUSERunout side A, variant 1
VS68012 B-1U-1- 3-13 TOWNHOUSERunout side B, variant 1
VS68012 A-2U-1-1 ¯ TOWNHOUSERunout side A, variant 2
VS68012 B-1U-1-2-4 TOWNHOUSERunout side B, variant 2
VS DJ 680 A-1J-1-1-x1Stamped A side
VS 680 B-2U-1-1-7 TOWNHOUSEStamped B side
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 | Australia | Virgin VS 680-12First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin VS 680First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin VS 680First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin VS 680First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin VS 680First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin VS 680-12First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Europe | Virgin 601 364 / Virgin 601 364-213First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1984 | Europe | Virgin 106 595 / Virgin 106 595-100First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | France | Virgin 80111First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Ireland | Virgin VS 680First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 680-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 680First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Portugal | Virgin 521705 / Edisom 521705First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | South Africa | Virgin VS 572First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Spain | Virgin F601529First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
21 vinyl pressings of Absolute are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, Australia, Europe, France and more. One of them is Virgin VS 680, released May 29, 1984.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 680, VSY 68012, VS 680-12, 601 364) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 680 A-2U-1-1-1 TOWNHOUSE and VS 680 B-2U-1-1-5 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.
