Vinyl pressings
by The Stranglers · 1982
Midnight Summer Dream / Paradise was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
2 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year. 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.
XSS170791-B1 COLUMBIA NYRunout Side A [Stamped]. Variant 1
XSS170792-1B COLUMBIA NYRunout Side B [Stamped]. Variant 1
XSS170791-1B 1 COLUMBIA NY C P 0Runout Side A [Stamped]. Variant 2
XSS170792-1B 1 COLUMBIA NY ⋀ P 0Runout Side B [Stamped]. Variant 2
XSS170791-B1 COLUMBIA NYRunout Side A [Stamped]. Variant1
XSS170792-1B COLUMBIA NYRunout Side B [Stamped]. Variant 1
XSS170791-1B 1 COLUMBIA NY C 0Runout Side A [Stamped]. Variant 2
XSS170792-1B 1 COLUMBIA NY D 0Runout Side B [Stamped]. Variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | US | Epic 49-03564First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | US | Epic 49-03564First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1983 | Australia | Epic ES 8607", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | Australia | Epic ES 8607", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Europe | Epic EPCA 12.316712", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1983 | Europe | Epic A 3167 / Epic EPCA 31677", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Ireland | Epic EPC A 31677", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | South Africa | Epic EN 54437", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Spain | Epic EPC A 12.316712", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Spain | Epic EPC A 31677", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Epic EPC A31677", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | UK | Epic A 13-3167 / Epic EPC A13 316712", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Epic EPC A3167 / Epic A 31677", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
13 vinyl pressings of Midnight Summer Dream / Paradise are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1982 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in US. One of them is Epic 49-03564.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 49-03564) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, XSS170791-B1 COLUMBIA NY and XSS170792-1B COLUMBIA NY. 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.
