Australia
1978- Label and catalog number
- M7 MSD 240
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
MSD240A DA (DA etched)Side One
MSD240B DA (DA etched)Side Two
The VisitorsTheme From Close Encounters
Vinyl pressings
Theme From Close Encounters
by The Visitors · 1978
11 pressings8 countriesDiscoElectronic
Theme From Close Encounters was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Theme From Close Encounters
11 pressings came out in 1978, the album's first year, in 8 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.
UK
1978- Label and catalog number
- Ember Records EMBS 356
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
EMBS 356 A-1♢MBRunout, A-side etched
EMBS . 356 . B2 ♢TRunout, B-side etched
UK
1978- Label and catalog number
- Ember Records EMBS 356
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
EMBS 356 A-1♢MBRunout, A-side etched
EMBS . 356 . B2 ♢TRunout, B-side etched
Belgium
1978- Label and catalog number
- Vogue VB.527
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
France
1978- Label and catalog number
- Eurodisc 17299
- Format
- 7"
France
1978- Label and catalog number
- Eurodisc 911 155Eurodisc 17299
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 11 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s11 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Australia | M7 MSD 240First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Belgium | Vogue VB.527First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | France | Eurodisc 17299First year7" | 7" |
| 1978 | France | Eurodisc 911 155 / Eurodisc 17299First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | Italy | Durium DE. 2987First year7" | 7" |
| 1978 | New Zealand | Music World MAS 240First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | New Zealand | Music World MAS 240First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Scandinavia | Polydor 2052 156First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1978 | Spain | Discophon S-5372 / Ember Records S-5372First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | UK | Ember Records EMBS 356First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | UK | Ember Records EMBS 356First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
Tracklist
- ATheme From Close Encounters4:10
- BThe Other Side4:19
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Theme From Close Encounters are there?
11 vinyl pressings of Theme From Close Encounters are listed here, from 8 countries.
When was Theme From Close Encounters first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in Australia, UK, Belgium, France and more. One of them is M7 MSD 240.
How do I tell if my copy of Theme From Close Encounters is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MSD 240, EMBS 356, VB.527, 17299) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MSD240A DA (DA etched) and MSD240B DA (DA etched). Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Theme From Close Encounters on vinyl worth?
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.