Vinyl pressings
by Vangelis · 1989
Themes was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
16 pressings came out in 1989, 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.
VGTV 1 A-1U-1-1Side A run-out, variant 1
VGTV 1 B-1U-1-2Side B run-out, variant 1
VGTV 1 A-1U-1-1Side A run-out, variant 2
VGTV 1 B-1U-1-1Side B run-out, variant 2
839 518-1ASide A
839 518-1BSide B
3º 839 518-1 1 02 Ⓟ 1990 2003º is upside down.
3º 839 518-1 2 04 Ⓟ 1990 2003º is upside down.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Argentina | Polydor 839 518-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1989 | Australasia | Polydor 839 518-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1989 | Brazil | Polydor 839 518-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1989 | Canada | PolyTel 83 9518 1 / PolyGram 839 518 1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1989 | Europe | Polydor 839518-1 / Polydor VGTV-1First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1989 | Greece | Polydor 839 518-1 / Polydor VGTV-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1989 | Greece | Polydor 839 518-1First yearLP, Compilation, White Label | LP, Compilation, White Label |
| 1989 | Italy | Polydor 839518-1 / Polydor 839 518-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1989 | Portugal | Polydor 839518-1First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1989 | South Africa | Polydor STARL 5577First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1989 | Spain | Polydor 839 518-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1989 | Spain | Polydor 839 518-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1989 | US | Polydor 839 518-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1989 | Venezuela | Polydor 30.586-LFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1989 | Yugoslavia | PGP RTB 221031 / Polydor 839 518First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Colombia | Polydor 8395191LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1990 | Colombia | Polydor 839518-1LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1990 | South Korea | Polydor 839 518-1 / Sung Eum Limited SEL-RG 1480LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
19 vinyl pressings of Themes are listed here, from 16 countries, released between 1989 and 1990.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in UK, US, Argentina, Australasia and more. One of them is Polydor VGTV-1, released July 17, 1989.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VGTV-1, 839 518-1, 83 9518 1, 839518-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VGTV 1 A-1U-1-1 and VGTV 1 B-1U-1-2. 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.
