Vinyl pressings
by Vangelis · 1981
Chariots Of Fire / Eric's Theme was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
36 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 14 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.
603 POSP 246 A POLYGRAM A0Side A runout, stamped
ASide A runout, etched
603 POSP 246 B POLYGRAM A4Side B runout, stamped
ASide B runout, etched (upside down)
POSP 246 A//1∇ E M ARUNA-side runout
POSP 246 B//1∇ E MB-side runout
ARUN POSP246 A // 1▽ E M 1 4 1 1Side A runout, etched/stamped
POSP246 B // 1▽ E M 1 3 1 4Side B runout, stamped
POSP 246 A // 1 ▽ E M ARUNSide A runout
POSP 246 B // 1 ▽ E MSide B runout
81 NP 5711A
81 NP 5714B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Austria | Polydor 2059 341First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1981 | Canada | Polydor PD 2189First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1981 | France | Polydor 2059 341First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1981 | Germany | Polydor 2059 341First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Germany | Polydor 2059 341First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Germany | Polydor 2059 341First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Ireland | Polydor POSP 246First year7" | 7" |
| 1981 | Ireland | Polydor POSP 246First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Japan | Polydor 7DM 0052First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Japan | Polydor 7DM 0052First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Japan | Polydor 7DM 0052First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Mexico | Polydor S/N 242First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Polydor 2059 341First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | New Zealand | Polydor 2059 341First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Philippines | Polydor PRO-3644 / Polydor 2059 341First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Spain | Polydor 863 220-77", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Spain | Polydor 863 220-77", 45 RPM, Promo, Reissue · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Reissue · Promo |
43 vinyl pressings of Chariots Of Fire / Eric's Theme are listed here, from 16 countries, released between 1981 and 1992.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in UK, US, Austria, Canada and more. One of them is Polydor POSP 246.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use POSP 246, PD 2189, PD 2189, 49, POSP 246 DJ) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 603 POSP 246 A POLYGRAM A0 and A. 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.
