Vinyl pressings
by Specimen · 1983
Returning 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.
11 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 4 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 24 A//4 ∇ 420Runout side A, stamped, variant 1
LONX 24 B//3 ∇ 420 1 1Runout side B, stamped, variant 1
LONX 24 A // 4▽420 11 2Runout side A, stamped, variant 2
LONX 24 B // 3▽420 11 2Runout side B, stamped, variant 2
LON-24-A ORLAKESide A runout, hand-etched
LON-24-B ORLAKE ZPSMC 10360Side B runout, hand-etched
ZPSMC 10359Side A label
ZPSMC 10360Side B label
LON 24 A//2▽420 U 1 1Side A Stamped
LON 24 B//1▽420 U 1 1Side B Stamped
ƱTOPIABoth sides, Etched
ZPSMC 10359Label Side A
LON24 A//1 420 U 1 3Side A runout
LON24 B//2 420 U 1 2Side B runout
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 810 138-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | France | London Records 100 362First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LONX 24First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LON 24First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LONPD 24First year7", 45 RPM, Shape, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Shape, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LON 24First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | UK | London Records LON 24First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | US | Sire PRO-A-2119First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | Sire 7-29371First year7", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | Sire 7-29371First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | US | Sire 7-29371First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene, Stereo · Promo |
11 vinyl pressings of Returning are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, US, Australia, France. One of them is London Records LONX 24.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LONX 24, LON 24, LONPD 24, 7-29371) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, LONX 24 A//4 ∇ 420 and LONX 24 B//3 ∇ 420 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.
