Vinyl pressings
by Various Artists · 1986
Absolute Beginners was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 6 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.
VD 2514 A-1U-1-1-2 Bilbo.TAPEOneSide A stamped and etched
VD 2514 B-1U-1-1- Bilbo.TAPEOneSide B stamped and etched
VD 2514 C-1U-1-1-1 Bilbo.TAPEOneSide C stamped and etched
VD 2514 D-1U-1-1- Bilbo.TAPEOneSide D stamped and etched
VD - 2514 - A1 1S1 6-5Side 1
VD - 2514 - A2 1S1Side 2
VD - 2514 - B1 1S1 6-5Side 3
VD - 2514 - B2 1S2Side 4
DM 302704 A-1/3-86Runout side A
DM 302704 B-1/3-86Runout side B
DM 302705 A-1/3-86Runout side C
DM 302705 B-1/3-86Runout side D
DM 302704 A-1/3-86SIDE ONE (stamped)
DM 302704 B-1/3-86SIDE TWO (stamped)
DM 302705 A-1/3-86SIDE THREE (stamped)
DM 302705 B-1/3-86SIDE FOUR (stamped)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Europe | Virgin 804 869-955 / Virgin 302 704First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Europe | Virgin 302 706-420 / Virgin 302 704First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | France | Virgin 125 141First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Italy | Virgin VD 2514First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Japan | Virgin 20VB-1084-85First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Spain | Virgin XD 804869First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | Virgin VD 2514First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Japan | Virgin 20VB-1084·85First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Europe | UMC 0865659 / UMC 0865660LP, Album, Reissue, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Reissue, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 2020 | Europe | UMC 0865657 / UMC 00602508656576LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 2020 | UK | UMC 0865661 / UMC 00602508656613LP, LP, All Media, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Numbered, Colored vinyl | LP, LP, All Media, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Numbered, Colored vinyl |
11 vinyl pressings of Absolute Beginners are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1986 and 2020.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, Japan, Europe, France and more. One of them is Virgin VD 2514.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VD 2514, 20VB-1084·85, 804 869-955, 302 706-420) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VD 2514 A-1U-1-1-2 Bilbo.TAPEOne and VD 2514 B-1U-1-1- Bilbo.TAPEOne. 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.
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