Vinyl pressings
by The Rumour · 1979
Frozen Years 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.
11 pressings came out in 1979, 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.
6. 12447-01-1 Manufactured in Germany H1Runout A, stamped
6. 12447-01-2 Manufactured in Germany H1Runout B, stamped
6.12 447-01-1Label A
6.12 447-01-2Label B
BUY 43 A-3U R 1 SA.Runout A stamped / etched
BUY 43 B-1U R PHAL 1 SA.Runout B stamped / etched / stamped / etched
RUM 1 - A BRR SA.Runout A, etched
RUM - 1 - B MADRAS.Runout B, etched
SMX53169 2ARunout A, etched
SMX53170 2ARunout B, etched
640 168ASide A Etched
640 168BSide B Etched
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 | Australia | Stiff Records K-7417First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | Belgium | Stiff Records 640.168First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | Germany | Stiff Records 6.12 447 / Stiff Records BUY 43First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | Japan | Stiff Records VIP-2723First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | Japan | Stiff Records VIP-2723First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | Netherlands | Stiff Records BUY 43First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1979 | Netherlands | Stiff Records BUY 43First year7", Single, Stereo | 7", Single, Stereo |
| 1979 | Spain | Stiff Records MO 1865First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | Spain | Stiff Records MO 1865First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1979 | UK | Stiff Records RUM 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | UK | Stiff Records BUY43First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of Frozen Years are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in Germany, UK, Australia, Belgium and more. One of them is Stiff Records 6.12 447.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 6.12 447, BUY43, RUM 1, K-7417) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 6. 12447-01-1 Manufactured in Germany H1 and 6. 12447-01-2 Manufactured in Germany H1. 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.
