Vinyl pressings
by Thin Lizzy · 1973
Randolph's Tango was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1973, 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.
℗ 1973 ZCPDR-53312 Manufactured in Germany SRunout side A, stamped
℗ 1973 ZCPDR-53383 Manufactured in Germany SRunout side B, stamped
ZDR 53 312Label side A
ZDR 53 383Label side B
ZDR 53 312Label side A
ZDR 53 383Label side B
ZCPDR-53312-TI-2CRunout, A-side, stamped
ZDR-53383-TI-ICRunout, B-side, stamped
ZDR-53384-T1-1CRunout side A
ZDR-53383-T1-1CRunout side B
DR 53384-1 5-21-73 Bell Sound sf 31693Runout side A
DR 53383-1 5-21-73 (Ƨ) Bell Sound sf 31721Runout side B
DR 53384Label side A
DR 53383Label side B
T1 DR 53384 - 2 sfEtched
Bell SoundStamped
T1 DR 53383 - 2 sfEtched
Bell SoundStamped
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Denmark | Decca F 13402First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | Germany | Decca DL 25575First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1973 | Germany | Decca DL 25575First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | Ireland | Decca F.13402First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Italy | Decca F 13402First year45 RPM, Single, 7" | 45 RPM, Single, 7" |
| 1973 | New Zealand | Decca DEC.604First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | UK | Decca F134027", Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1973 | UK | Decca F13402First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | US | London Records 45-20078First year7", Promo, Single, 45 RPM · Promo | 7", Promo, Single, 45 RPM · Promo |
| 1973 | US | London Records LON 20078First year7", Promo, Single, 45 RPM · Promo | 7", Promo, Single, 45 RPM · Promo |
| 1973 | US | London Records 45-20078-DJFirst year7", Promo, Single, 45 RPM · Promo | 7", Promo, Single, 45 RPM · Promo |
| 1973 | UK | Decca F 13402First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | Australia | Decca Y-10262First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1973 | Australia | Decca Y-10262First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
14 vinyl pressings of Randolph's Tango are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in Germany, UK, US, Australia and more. One of them is Decca DL 25575.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use DL 25575, F13402, F 13402, 45-20078) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ℗ 1973 ZCPDR-53312 Manufactured in Germany S and ℗ 1973 ZCPDR-53383 Manufactured in Germany S. 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.
