Vinyl pressings
by Siouxsie & The Banshees · 1983
Dear Prudence 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.
23 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 12 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.
SHE 4 A//2▽420 U 13 1Runout, variant 1, side A
SHE 4 B//3▽420 U 15 1 ƱTOPIARunout, variant 1, side B
SHE 4 A//3▽ 420 U 11 23Runout, variant 2, side A
SHE 4 B//3▽ 420 U 13 11 ƱTOPIARunout, variant 2, side B
SHE-4 A1Side A runout, variant 1
SHE-4 B1Side B runout, variant 1
SHE 4 A2 ƱTOPIA MPOSide A runout, variant 2
SHE 4 B2 ƱTOPIA MPOSide B runout, variant 2
ƱTOPIAA & B Sides Runout, Etched
SHEX 4 A//1▽420 U 1 1 9A Side Runout, Stamped, variant 1
SHEX 4 B//1▽420 U 1 1 1B Side Runout, Stamped, variant 2
SHEX 4 A//1▽420 U 1 1 8A Side Runout, Stamped, variant 2
SHE 4 A 2 MPO ƱTOPIARunout, variant 1, side A
SHE 4 B 2 MPO ƱTOPIARunout, variant 1, side B
SHE 4 A//3▽420 U 1 1 10 ƱTOPIASide A runout
SHE 4 B//3▽420 U 1 3 3 ƱTOPIASide B runout
SHE 4 A // 2▽420 U 1-6Side A, stamped
SHE 4 B // 3▽420 U 15 6Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | France | Polydor 815 501-7 / Wonderland 815 501-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | France | Polydor 815 501-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Greece | Polydor 815501-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | Ireland | Wonderland SHE 4First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Ireland | Wonderland SHE 4 / Polydor SHE 4First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Italy | Polydor 815 501-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Netherlands | Polydor 815 501-7 / Polydor 815501-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Netherlands | Polydor 815 501-7 / Polydor 815501-7First year7", 45 RPM, Misprint | 7", 45 RPM, Misprint |
| 1983 | New Zealand | Polydor 815 501-7 / Wonderland 815 501-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Portugal | Wonderland 815 501-7 / Polydor 815 501-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | South Africa | Polydor PS 8044 / Polydor 815 501-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Spain | Polydor 815 501-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Wonderland SHE 4 / Polydor SHE 4First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Wonderland SHE 4 / Polydor SHE 4First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Wonderland SHEX 4 / Polydor 815 501-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint |
29 vinyl pressings of Dear Prudence are listed here, from 14 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, Germany, Japan, France and more. One of them is Wonderland SHE 4, released September 23, 1983.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SHE 4, SHEG 4, SHEX 4, 815 501-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SHE 4 A//2▽420 U 13 1 and SHE 4 B//3▽420 U 15 1 ƱTOPIA. 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.
