Vinyl pressings
by The Specials · 1980
Rat Race 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.
20 pressings came out in 1980, 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.
CHSTT 11 A POLYGRAM ITCH.. RAYSRunout A1 variant 1
CHSTT 11 A POLYGRAM REDDREAD A BRunout A2 variant 1
TRR 650 CHSTT 11 A POLYGRAM ITCH A2 RAYS BRunout A1 stamped / etched / stamped / etched variant 2
TTR 650 CHSTT 11 B POLYGRAM B RED DREAD A2Runout A2 stamped / etched / stamped variant 2
CHSTT 11 A POLYGRAM ITCH A3 RAYS ATTR 650Runout side A
CHSTT 11 A POLYGRAM REDDREAD A 5 D TTR 650Runout side B
CHS TT 11 A1 ITCH A D RAYS ISide A runout etched
CHS TT 11 A2 RED DREAD A D ISide B runout etched
CHS TT11 A1Side A label
CHS TT11 A2Side B label
CHS TT 11 A ▽ 3 420 12 TRIDENTSide A1 runout (Stamped/Etched)
CHS TT 11 B // 2 ▽ ET 13 3 RED DREADSide a2 runout (Stamped/Etched)
CHS TT 11 A=4 480 11 1 TRIDENTRunout Side A1 (variant 2)
CHS TT 11 B 3 420 11 3 TRIDENTRunout Side A2 (variant 2)
CHS TT 11 A ▽3 420 17 11 TRIDENTSide A1 runout
CH S TT 11 B // 2 ▽?? 11 5 RED DREADSide A2 runout
CHS TT 11 (A1)Side A1 label
CHS TT 11 (a2)Side A2 label
MX56501Side A label
MX56502Side B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Australia | Chrysalis K-7961First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | France | Chrysalis 6198 357First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1980 | Germany | Chrysalis 101 995First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1980 | Germany | Chrysalis 6198 357First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Germany | Chrysalis 101.995 / Chrysalis 101 995First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Ireland | Two-Tone Records CHS TT 11First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Italy | Chrysalis 6198 357First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Japan | Two-Tone Records WWS-17022 / Chrysalis WWS-17022First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Chrysalis 101.995First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Chrysalis 101 995-100 / Chrysalis 101 995First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | New Zealand | Chrysalis K-7961First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Spain | Chrysalis A-101.977First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Spain | Chrysalis CHS TT 11 / Two-Tone Records CHS TT-11First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Spain | Chrysalis CHS TT 11 / Two-Tone Records CHS TT 11First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | UK | Two-Tone Records CHS TT 11First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
20 vinyl pressings of Rat Race are listed here, from 10 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in UK, Australia, France, Germany and more. One of them is Two-Tone Records CHS TT 11, released May 24, 1980.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CHS TT 11, CHS TT11, K-7961, 6198 357) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, CHSTT 11 A POLYGRAM ITCH.. RAYS and CHSTT 11 A POLYGRAM REDDREAD A B. 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.
