Vinyl pressings
by Sham 69 · 1978
If The Kids Are United was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1978, 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.
2059050 A // 1 STR 1 1 15 STRAWBERRY.Runout, A-side, stamped [Variant 1]
2059050 B // 1 STR 1 2 7 STRAWBERRY.Runout, B-side, stamped [Variant 1]
2059050 A // 1 STR 1 1 13 STRAWBERRY.Runout, A-side, stamped [Variant 2]
2059050 B // 1 STR 1 1 21 STRAWBERRY.Runout, B-side, stamped [Variant 2]
SHAM 69 A3 2059-050 A3 STRAWBERRYSide A runout
SHAM 69 B3 2059-050 B3 STRAWBERRYSide B runout
2059 050 ASide A label
2059 050 BSide B label
SHAM 69 A3 STRAWBERRYSide A runout, variant 1
SHAM 69 B3 2059-050 B3 STRAWBERRYSide B runout, variant 1
SHAM 69 A3 2059-050 A3 STRAWBERRYSide A runout, variant 2
SHAM 69 B3 2059-050 B3 STRAWBERRYSide B runout, variant 2
2059050 A//1 STR 1 2 1 8Runout, A-side, stamped
2059050 B//1 STR 1 1 2 2Runout, B-side, stamped
STRAWBERRY.Runout, both sides, etched
2059050 A//1 STR 1 STRAWBERRYSide A runout
2059050 B//1 STR 1 STRAWBERRYSide B runout
2059050 A//1 STR 11 15Side A, stamped
2059050 B//1 STR 11 127Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Germany | Polydor 2059 050First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | Germany | Polydor 2059 050First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | Ireland | Polydor 2059 050First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1978 | UK | Polydor 2059 050First year7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1978 | UK | Polydor 2059 050First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | UK | Polydor 2059 050First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | UK | Polydor 2059 050 / Polydor 2059-050First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mispress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mispress |
| 1978 | UK | Polydor 2059 050 / Polydor 2059-050First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mispress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mispress |
| 1978 | UK | Polydor 2059 050First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | UK | Polydor 2059 050First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | UK | Polydor 2059 050First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | UK | Polydor 2059-050First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
12 vinyl pressings of If The Kids Are United are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in UK, Germany, Ireland. One of them is Polydor 2059 050, released July 1978.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2059 050, 2059-050) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2059050 A // 1 STR 1 1 15 STRAWBERRY. and 2059050 B // 1 STR 1 2 7 STRAWBERRY.. 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.
