Vinyl pressings
by Ultravox · 1982
Hymn 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.
19 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 7 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.
CHS 2657 A//1∇420 H TOWN HOUSEVariant 1 A-side run-out, stamped
CHS 2657 B//2∇420 H TOWN HOUSEVariant 1 B-side run-out, stamped
CHS 2657 A//2∇420 H 1 1 3 TOWN HOUSEVariant 2 A-side run-out, stamped
CHS 2657 B//1∇420 H 1 1 4 TOWN HOUSEVariant 2 B-side run-out, stamped
CHSP+2657-A ORLAKEA side - etched
CHSP+2657-B ORLAKEB side - etched
TOWN HOUSE | CHS 2657 A-3 | DAMONTSide A
CHS 2657 B-3 | TOWN HOUSE | DAMONTSide B
CHS 12-2657 A-2 DAMONTA side - etched
CHS 12-2657 B-1 DAMONTB side - etched
TOWN HOUSEA and B side - stamped
CHS 2657 A//▽420 H TOWNHOUSESIDE A
CHS 2657 B//▽420 H TOWNHOUSESIDE B
CHS 122657 A//1▽420 H 1 1 2 TOWN HOUSE
CHS 122657 B//1▽420 H 1 1 9 TOWN HOUSE
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 | Europe | Chrysalis 104 934 / Chrysalis 104 934-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Europe | Chrysalis 600 728 / Chrysalis 600 728-213First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Ireland | Chrysalis CHS 2657First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Japan | Chrysalis WWS-17345 / Chrysalis CHS-2657First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Japan | Chrysalis WWS-17345 / Chrysalis CHS-2657First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Chrysalis K 8934First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Spain | Chrysalis CHSC - 2657 / Chrysalis CHSC 2657First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Spain | Chrysalis CHS-2657First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | ChrysalisFirst year12", 45 RPM, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1982 | Scandinavia | Chrysalis CHS-2657 / Chrysalis CHS 2657First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Spain | Chrysalis CHS 2657First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 2657First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 12 2657 / Chrysalis CHS 12 267First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint |
| 1982 | UK | Chrysalis CHSP 2657First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Picture Disc · Limited, Picture disc |
| 1982 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 2657First year7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl |
22 vinyl pressings of Hymn are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1982 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, Scandinavia, Europe, Ireland and more. One of them is Chrysalis CHS 2657, released November 19, 1982.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CHS 2657, CHSP 2657, CHS 12 2657, CHS-2657) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, CHS 2657 A//1∇420 H TOWN HOUSE and CHS 2657 B//2∇420 H TOWN HOUSE. 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.
