Vinyl pressings
by The Hollies · 1976
Russian Roulette was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1976, the album's first year, in 7 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.
2383421 A//2 1B 11 1 MELYSSide A runout, variant 1
2383421 B//3 1B 1 3 5 MELYSSide B runout, variant 1
2383421 A//2 1B 11 5 MELYSSide A runout, variant 2
2383421 B//3 1B 1 1 8 MELYSSide B runout, variant 2
( Side A , Stamped ) 2383 421 A // 2 1B
( Side B , Stamped ) 2383 421 B // 3 1B
2374 124 S1 320 1 FRunout Side A, stamped [1 F etched], variant 1
2374 124 S2 320 1 L VRunout Side B, stamped [1 L V etched], variant 1
2374 124 S1 320 1 CRunout A, variant 2
2374 124 S2 320 1 GRunout B, variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Australia | Rainbow RDL 1562First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | Australia | Polydor 2907 037First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | Brazil | Polydor 2383 421First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | Germany | Polydor 2374 124First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1976 | Germany | Polydor 2374 124First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | Japan | Polydor MPF 1047First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | Netherlands | Polydor 2383 421First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | New Zealand | Parlophone PCS 6128First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | UK | Polydor 2383 421First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1976 | UK | Polydor 2383 421First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| 1977 | France | Polydor 2383 421LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Scandinavia | Polydor 2374 124LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Spain | Polydor 23 83 421LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Australia | Summit Concorde SCD499 012 / Polydor SCD499 012LP, Album | LP, Album |
14 vinyl pressings of Russian Roulette are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1976 and 1980.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in UK, Australia, Brazil, Germany and more. One of them is Polydor 2383 421.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2383 421, RDL 1562, 2907 037, 2374 124) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2383421 A//2 1B 11 1 MELYS and 2383421 B//3 1B 1 3 5 MELYS. 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.
