Vinyl pressings
by Sham 69 · 1979
Questions And Answers was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1979, the album's first year, in 6 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.
M3 327 055 1 7YPART 86 836 1 STRAWBERRYRunout side A, stamped [STRAWBERRY etched]
M3 327 056 1 7YPART 86 837 1 STRAWBERRYRunout side B, stamped [STRAWBERRY etched]
7Y Part 86 836Label side A
7Y Part 86 837Label side B
M3 327 055 1 7YPART 86 836 1 STRAWBERRYA Side
M3 327 056 1 7YPART 86 837 1 STRAWBERRYB Side
7YPart 86.836Label A
7YPart 86.837Label B
POSP 27 A//3 ∇ E STR STRAWBERRYA-side runout
POSP 27 B//2 ∇ E STR STRAWBERRYB-side runout
POSP 27 A//3▽ESTR STRAWBERRY 1A Side
POSP27 B// ESTR STRAWBERRY 1 7B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | France | Polydor POSP 27 / Polydor 2059 090First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | Italy | Polydor 2059 090First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1979 | Japan | Polydor DPQ 6148First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1979 | Japan | Polydor DPQ 6148First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1979 | Spain | Polydor 20 59 090First year7", EP | 7", EP |
| 1979 | UK | Polydor POSP 27 / Polydor 2059 0907", 45 RPM, Single, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress |
| 1979 | UK | Polydor POSP 27 / Polydor 2059 090First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1979 | UK | Polydor POSP 27 / Polydor 2059 090First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | UK | Polydor POSP 27 / Polydor 2059 0907", 45 RPM, Single, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress |
| 1979 | Ireland | Polydor POSP 27 / Polydor 2059 090First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1979 | UK | Polydor POSP 27 / Polydor 2059 090First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | UK | Polydor POSP 27First year7", Single | 7", Single |
12 vinyl pressings of Questions And Answers are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in UK, Ireland, France, Italy and more. One of them is Polydor POSP 27, released March 1979.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use POSP 27, 2059 090, DPQ 6148, 20 59 090) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, M3 327 055 1 7YPART 86 836 1 STRAWBERRY and M3 327 056 1 7YPART 86 837 1 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.
