Vinyl pressings
by The Piranhas · 1980
Play Kwela! was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
17 pressings came out in 1980, 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.
SIR 4044 A2 △Tone W-9KDRunout groove side A
SIR 4044 - B1 W-1Runout groove side B
SIR 4044 APrinted on A side label
SIR 4044 BPrinted on B side label
SIR 4044 A2 △Tone | DAMONT BVRunout, side A, etched
SIR 4044 B2 △Tone |Runout, side B, etched
SIR 4044 A*Label, side A
SIR 4044 B*Label, side A
SIR 4044 - A1 W-20KD(Variant 1) Runout, A-side, etched
SIR 4044 - B1 W-19KD(Variant 1) Runout, B-side, etched
SIR 4044 - A1 F1 W-7 KD(Variant 2) Runout, A-side, etched
SIR 4044 - B1 F1 W-7 KD(Variant 2) Runout, B-side, etched
SIR.4044.A2 △Tone DSide A runout, etched
SIR.4044.B2 △Tone ASide B runout, etched
SIR 4044-A1 I D Arunout A
SIR 4044-B1 I D Brunout B
SIR 4044 A*Label matrix, side A
SIR 4044 B*Label matrix, side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Australia | RCA Victor 103684First year7" | 7" |
| 1980 | Australia | RCA Victor 103684First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | France | Hansa 102 276First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Germany | Hansa International 102 258 / Hansa 102 258First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | Hansa International 102 258 / Hansa 102 258First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Italy | Durium DE 3151 / Durium Marche Estere DE. 3151First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1980 | Italy | Durium Marche Estere DE. 3151 / Hansa DE. 3151First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1980 | Spain | Ariola A-102 258 / Hansa A-102 258First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1980 | UK | Sire SIR 4044 / Hansa SIR 4044First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Sire SIR 4044 / Hansa SIR 4044First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Sire SIR 4044First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Sire SIR 4044First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Sire SIR 4044 / Hansa SIR 4044First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Sire SIR 4044First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Sire SIR 4044 / Hansa SIR 4044First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
18 vinyl pressings of Play Kwela! are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1980 and 1982.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in UK, Australia, France, Germany and more. One of them is Sire SIR 4044, released July 18, 1980.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SIR 4044, 103684, 102 276, 102 258) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SIR 4044 A2 △Tone W-9KD and SIR 4044 - B1 W-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.
