UK
March 1981- Label and catalog number
- Ariola ASKY 3
- Format
- LP, Album · Gatefold Sleeve
- Runout / matrix
ASKY-3-A5Runout side A, variant 1
ASKY-3-B5Runout side B, variant 1
ASKY-3-A3 MRunout side A, variant 2
ASKY-3-B1 HRunout side B, variant 2
Vinyl pressings
Sky 3
by Sky · 1981
37 pressings23 countriesProg RockRock
Sky 3 was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Sky 3
33 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 23 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.
US
1981- Label and catalog number
- Arista AB 4288
- Format
- LP, Album · Terre Haute Pressing
- Runout / matrix
AB-4288-SA CT-2 STERLING T1Side A runout etched, except STERLING stamped
AB - 4288-SB CT3 STERLING T1Side B runout etched, except STERLING stamped
US
1981- Label and catalog number
- Arista AB 4288
- Format
- LP, Album · Pitman
- Runout / matrix
AB-4288-SA- CP-1 STERLINGSide A runout etched, except STERLING stamped
AB-4288-SB CP-1 STERLINGSide B runout etched, except STERLING stamped
US
1981- Label and catalog number
- Arista AB 4288
- Format
- LP, Album · Santa Maria Pressing
- Runout / matrix
1Ƨ AB-4288-SA- CS-2 STERLING B6Side A Runout, Etched ['Sterling' stamped]
1Ƨ AB-4288-SB- CS-1 STERLING A8Side B Runout, Etched ['Sterling' stamped]
Australia
March 1981- Label and catalog number
- Ariola VPL1-6558
- Format
- LP, Album · Gatefold
- Runout / matrix
ASKY 3 A-1Variation 1: Runout Side A
ASKY 3 B-1Variation 1: Runout Side B
ASKY-3-A5Variation 2: Runout Side A, Etched
ASKY-3-B5Variation 2: Runout Side B, Etched
Australia & New Zealand
March 1981- Label and catalog number
- Ariola VPL1-6558
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
ASKY 3 A8Runout Side A, Etched
MX196212 VPL16558-2 ASKY 3 B8Runout Side B, Etched
MX196211Label, Side A
MX196212Label, Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 37 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s36 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Brazil | Ariola 203 413First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Brazil | Ariola 203 413First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Canada | Arista AB 4288First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Canada | Arista AB 4288LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1981 | Germany | Ariola 32 848 4LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
| 1981 | Germany | Ariola 203 413First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Germany | Ariola 203 413First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Greece | Ariola ASKY 3First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| 1981 | Hong Kong | Ariola ASKY 3First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Ireland | Ariola ASKY 3First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Israel | Ariola CAN ASKY 3First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Italy | Arista ARL 39102First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Japan | Ariola K28P-145First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Japan | Ariola K28P-145First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Japan | Ariola 22RS-32First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
2010s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | UK | Let Them Eat Vinyl LETV391LPLP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl |
Tracklist
- A1The Grace0:30
- A2Chiropodie No. 14:22
- A3Westwind6:22
- A4Sarabande3:03
- A5Connecting Rooms7:10
- B1Moonroof4:03
- B2Sister Rose4:31
- B3Hello4:12
- B4Dance Of The Big Fairies3:30
- B5Meheeco6:35
- B6Keep Me Safe And Keep Me Warm, Shelter Me From Darkness0:54
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Sky 3 are there?
37 vinyl pressings of Sky 3 are listed here, from 23 countries, released between 1981 and 2015.
When was Sky 3 first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in UK, US, Australia, Australia & New Zealand and more. One of them is Ariola ASKY 3, released March 1981.
How do I tell if my copy of Sky 3 is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ASKY 3, AB 4288, VPL1-6558, 203 413) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ASKY-3-A5 and ASKY-3-B5. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Sky 3 on vinyl worth?
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.
