Vinyl pressings
by The Clash · 1988
London Calling was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 2 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.
CLASHT 2 A1Runout side A, variant 1
CLASHT 2 B1Runout side B, variant 1
CLASH . 2 A1 TY1 ΛRunout side A, variant 2
CLASH - 2 . B.1 TY1 Λ 3Runout side B, variant 2
CLASH.2. A1 TY1 ARunout side A
CLASH.2.B2. ARunout side B
∆ MX 250669 651571.7 S1Side A Runout, Hand Etched
∆ MX 250670 651571.7 S2Side B Runout, Hand Etched
MX250669Side A Label
MX250670Side B Label
∆ MX 250669 651571.7 S1Side A Runout, Hand Etched
∆ MX 250670 651571.7 S2Side B Runout, Hand Etched
MX250669Side A Label
MX250670Side B Label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | UK | CBS CLASH T2First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | UK | CBS CLASH 2First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | UK | CBS CLASH B2First year7", 45 RPM, Box Set, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Box Set, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1988 | Australia | CBS 651571 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Australia | CBS 651571 6First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Australia | CBS 651571 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Europe | Columbia 656946 612", Reissue, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", Reissue, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1991 | France | Columbia SAMP 2373 612", Maxi-Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Maxi-Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | Europe | Columbia 656946 6 / Columbia 31-656946-2212", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1991 | Europe | Columbia 656946 77", Single, Reissue | 7", Single, Reissue |
| 1991 | Europe | Columbia 656946 77", Reissue | 7", Reissue |
| 1994 | France | Columbia 660951 7 / Columbia 14-660951-007", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Europe | Columbia 886919592477", 45 RPM, Record Store Day, Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Record Store Day, Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited |
13 vinyl pressings of London Calling are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1988 and 2012.
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in UK, Australia. One of them is CBS CLASH T2.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CLASH T2, CLASH 2, CLASH B2, 651571 7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, CLASHT 2 A1 and CLASHT 2 B1. 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.
