Vinyl pressings
by Ultravox · 1980
Passing Strangers 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.
9 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year, in 5 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 2457 A//2▽ETH 11 1 TOWNHOUSEVariant 1, runout side A, stamped
CHS 2457 B//2▽ETH 11 3 TOWNHOUSEVariant 1, runout side B, stamped
CHS 2457 A//2▽ETH TOWNHOUSE 11 3Variant 2, runout side A, stamped
CHS 2457 B //1▽ETH TOWNHOUSE 11 2Variant 2, runout side B, stamped except for the etched B
CHS 122457 A//2∇ETH TOWNHOUSE 1 1 6Run-out side A, variant 1
CHS 1 2 2457 B//1∇ETH TOWNHOUSE 1 1 IRun-out side B, variant 1
CHS 122457 A//1∇ETH TOWNHOUSE 1 1 2Run-out side A, variant 2
CHS 1 2 2457 B//1∇ETH TOWNHOUSE 1 1 2Run-out side B, variant 2
CHS 2457-A1A side - etched
CHS 2457-B1 -RAYS DAMONTB side - etched
102508 A-1/80S Made in GermanyRunout side A stamped
102508 B-1/80S Made in GermanyRunout side B stamped
S 102 508 AMatrix label side A
S 102 508 BMatrix label side B
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 | Benelux | Chrysalis 102.491First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Germany | Chrysalis 600 287-213 / Chrysalis 600 287First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Japan | Chrysalis WWS-17077First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Japan | Chrysalis WWS-17077First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 12245712", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1980 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 2457First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 12 2457First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 2457First year7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1980 | Australia | Festival Records K 8386 / Chrysalis CHS-2457First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Germany | Chrysalis 102 508 / Chrysalis 102508-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
10 vinyl pressings of Passing Strangers are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in UK, Australia, Germany, Benelux and more. One of them is Chrysalis CHS 2457, released September 26, 1980.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CHS 2457, CHS 12 2457, K 8386, 102 508) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, CHS 2457 A//2▽ETH 11 1 TOWNHOUSE and CHS 2457 B//2▽ETH 11 3 TOWNHOUSE. 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.
