Vinyl pressings
by The Clash · 1979
Train In Vain 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.
9 pressings came out in 1979, 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.
ZSS-167132-IA. STERLING 7Side A runout, etched / stamped
ZSS-167133-IA. STERLING Z̶S̶S̶-̶1̶6̶6̶Side B runout, etched / stamped
ZSS 167132Side A label
ZSS 167133Side B label
ZSS-167132-IA STERLINGSide A runout, etched / stamped
ZSS-167133-IB. STERLINGSide B runout, etched / stamped
ZSS 167132Side A label
ZSS 167133Side B label
T ZSS-167132-1D STERLING T II/Side A runout, etched / stamped, variant 1
T1 -- ZSS-167.133-1C STERLINGSide B runout, etched / stamped, variant 1
T ZSS-167132-1D STERLING TISide A runout, variant 2
T ZSS-167133-1C STERLING TIISide B runout, variant 2
ZSS 167132 - 1E STERLING SSSSSide A Runout/Matrix Scratched/Stamped
ZSS-167133 - 1E STERLING SSSS (ZSS 166 ZSS 166)Side B Runout/Matrix Scratched/Stamped (Scratched Out)
T1 TSS-167155-1B STERLING 3ASide A runout
T1 TSS-167155-1B STERLING ASide B runout
TSS 167155Side A label
TSS 167155Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Bolivia | Discos CBS 30286First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1979 | Brazil | Epic 46.014First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1979 | Brazil | Epic 46.014First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1979 | Costa Rica | Epic 45327First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | US | Epic AS 749First year10", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 10", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1979 | US | Epic 9-50851First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | US | Epic 9-50851First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1979 | US | Epic 9-50851First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1979 | US | Epic 9-50851First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Canada | Epic 9-508517", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | US | Epic 9-508517", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1980 | US | Epic 9-508517", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | US | Epic 15 030887", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | US | Epic 9-508517", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | Epic E4-10777", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| ? | US | Epic 15 030887", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| ? | US | Epic 15 030887", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| ? | US | Epic 15 030887", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
18 vinyl pressings of Train In Vain are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1979 and 1980.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in US, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica. One of them is Epic 9-50851.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 9-50851, AS 749, 30286, 46.014) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZSS-167132-IA. STERLING 7 and ZSS-167133-IA. STERLING Z̶S̶S̶-̶1̶6̶6̶. 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.
