Vinyl pressings
by The Rock Steady Crew · 1984
Ready For Battle was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. 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 1984, the album's first year, in 10 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.
DM 206298 A-1/84 S II Made in GermanySide A Variant 1
DM 206298 B-1/84 S II Made in GermanySide B Variant 1
DM 206298 A-1/84 S II lll Made in GermanySide A Variant 2
DM 206298 B-1/84 S II lll Made in GermanySide B Variant 2
RSCLP 1 A-2U-1-1-3 ARUNSide A runout, stamped exc ARUN etched, variant 1
RSCLP 1 B-2U-1-1-4Side B runout, stamped, variant 1
RSCLP 1 A-1U-1-1⥛4 ARUNSide A runout, stamped exc ARUN etched, variant 2
RSCLP 1 B-2U-1-1⥛2Side B runout, stamped, variant 2
△ MX204399 [star] RSCLP1-1Side 1 runout
△ MX204400 RSCLP1-2Side 2 runout
MX204399Side 1 label
MX204400Side 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin RSCLP 1 / Charisma RSC LP1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Australia | Virgin RSCLP 1 / Charisma RSC LP1First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1984 | Canada | Charisma VL 2299First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Europe | Virgin 206 298 / Virgin 206 298-620First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | France | Virgin 70258 / Charisma 70258First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Greece | Charisma 062-VG 50070First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Italy | Virgin RSC LP1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | New Zealand | Charisma RSC LP1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Portugal | Virgin 623105 / Charisma 623105First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | South Africa | Virgin VNC 5052First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | UK | Charisma RSCLP 1 / Charisma RSC LP1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Colombia | Virgin 05(1331)02046 / RCA Victor 05(1331)02046LP, Album | LP, Album |
12 vinyl pressings of Ready For Battle are listed here, from 11 countries, released between 1984 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in Europe, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Virgin 206 298.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 206 298, RSCLP 1, VL 2299, 70258) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DM 206298 A-1/84 S II Made in Germany and DM 206298 B-1/84 S II Made in Germany. 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.
