Vinyl pressings
by The Slits · 1981
Return Of The Giant Slits was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 3 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.
Utopia CBS.S . 85269·A-2Side A runout, etched - U is Lyre symbol
Utopia CBS_S_85269-B_2Side B runout, etched - U is Lyre symbol
CBS 85269 ASide A label
CBS 85269 BSide B label
CBS.S . 85269·A-2 ƱTOPIA ASide A runout
CBS_S_85269-B2 ƱTOPIA ASide B runout
CBS.S.85269.A2 UtopiaVariant 1 side A runout, etched
CBS.S.85269.B2 UtopiaVariant 1 side B runout, etched
CBS.S.85269.A2 CI ƱTOPIA <Variant 2 side A runout, etched
CBS.S.85269.B2 ƱTOPIA. <Variant 2 side B runout, etched
01-85269-1A-1 R ARunout side A
01-85269-1B-1 R ARunout side B
CBS 85269-1Label side A
CBS 85269-2Label side B
25-3P-338A1 〄CS 1A4Side A runout
25-3P-338B1 1A1Side B runout
25-3P-338A1 〄CS 1A4Side A runout
25-3P-338B1 1A1Side B runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Europe | CBS 85269First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Japan | Epic 25•3P-338First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Japan | Epic 25•3P-338First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | UK | CBS CBS 85269First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| 1981 | UK | CBS CBS 85269First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | UK | CBS CBS 85269 / CBS XPS 125First yearLP, Album, Limited Edition, 7", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo, Limited | LP, Album, Limited Edition, 7", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo, Limited |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | US | Real Gone Music RGM-0602 / Columbia 88985445211LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2017 | US | Real Gone Music RGM 0602LP, Reissue, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Reissue, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 2017 | US | Real Gone Music RGM-0602 / Sony Music Commercial Music Group 88985445211LP, Album, Club Edition, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue · Limited, Numbered, Club edition, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Club Edition, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue · Limited, Numbered, Club edition, Colored vinyl |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Europe | Music On Vinyl MOVLP3851 / Artone MOVLP3851LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2025 | Europe | Music On Vinyl MOVLP3851 / Artone Label Group MOVLP3851LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl |
11 vinyl pressings of Return Of The Giant Slits are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1981 and 2025.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in UK, Europe, Japan. One of them is CBS CBS 85269, released October 1981.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CBS 85269, 85269, 25•3P-338) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, Utopia CBS.S . 85269·A-2 and Utopia CBS_S_85269-B_2. 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.
