Vinyl pressings
by Seona Dancing · 1983
Bitter Heart was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
17 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 10 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.
LONX 32 B // 1▽420 R 1 2 2Side A stamped runout
LONX 32 A // 3▽420 R 1 1 1Side B stamped runout
ZPMSC 10405Side A label
ZPMSC 10406Side B label
LON-32-A MT*1 DAMONT.1 ISide A etched runout
LON-32-B MT*1 DAMONT ISide B etched runout
ZPMSC 10403Side A label
ZPMSC 10404Side B label
LONX 32 B // 1∇420 R 1 1 3Runout side A
LONX 32 A // 3∇420 R 1 1 7Runout side B
LON-DJ-32-A MT*1 DAMONT ASide A runout, etched
LON-DJ-32-B MT*1 DAMONT BSide B runout, etched
ZPMSC 10417Side A label
ZPMSC 10404Side B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Australia | London Records 810 284-1First yearLimited Edition, 12", 45 RPM · Limited | Limited Edition, 12", 45 RPM · Limited |
| 1983 | Australia & New Zealand | London Records 810 175-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Europe | London Records 810 284-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | France | London Records 810 284-1First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | France | London Records 810.175-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Germany | Metronome 817 106-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1983 | Germany | Metronome 817 106-7 / Metronome 817 106-7 MEFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Netherlands | London Records 810 175-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | Philippines | London Records EP-LDN-203First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1983 | Philippines | London Records LON-11First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | South Africa | London Records SV 0068First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | South Africa | London Records TOS.1475First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LONX 32First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LONDJ 32 / London Records 810 175-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LONX 32 / London Records 810 284-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
18 vinyl pressings of Bitter Heart are listed here, from 10 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, Japan, Australia, Australia & New Zealand and more. One of them is London Records LONX 32, released September 30, 1983.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LONX 32, LON 32, LONDJ 32, S07P 1046) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, LONX 32 B // 1▽420 R 1 2 2 and LONX 32 A // 3▽420 R 1 1 1. 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.
