Vinyl pressings
by Warp 9 · 1983
Light Years Away was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1983, 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.
*PRESSED AT SOUND MAKERS,*N.J.Runout Stamp Both Sides
MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORKRunout Stamp Both Sides
PDS-460 (VOCAL)A-Side Runout Etching
HERbiE JR :>) ANgiEA-Side Runout Etching
PFF-360 F/W [smiley face] JR [Pressed At Soundmakers NJ]Side A [Etched / Stamped]
PFF-360 F/W [smiley face] JR [Pressed At Soundmakers NJ]Side B [Etched / Stamped]
MASTERING BY FRANKFORD WAYNE NEW YORK HERbiE JR ANgiE PDS-460 (VOCAL) JELLYBEAN ROCKS ThE HOUSE HERbiE ROCKS The GROOVES LADY "O" ROCKS ThE BEAT ARCY GROOVES ThE LOX ✯ PRESSED AT SOUND MAKERS N.J.Side A
MASTERED BY FRANKFORD WAYNE NEW YORK HERbiE JR :^) NOTE: SEE OThER SIDE FOR VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE PDS-460 (DUB) ✯PRESSED AT SOUND MAKERS N.J.Side B
ARISTA 12531 A//1▽420 1 11 1Runout side A, stamped
ARISTA 12531 B//1▽420 1 11 3Runout side B, stamped
ARIST 12 531-ALabel side A
ARIST 12 531-BLabel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Germany | Metronome 813 177-1First year12" | 12" |
| 1983 | Mexico | Gamma D-33-104First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1983 | Netherlands | Say What!? Records SW 1202First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Netherlands | Say What!? Records SW 7002First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Arista ARIST 531First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | US | Prism PDS 460First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1983 | US | Prism PDS-460 DJFirst year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | Prism PDS 40,060First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | Prism PFF 360First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1983 | US | Prism PFF 360DJFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1983 | US | Prism PDS 46012", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1983 | UK | Arista ARIST 12 531First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
12 vinyl pressings of Light Years Away are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in US, UK, Germany, Mexico and more. One of them is Prism PDS 460.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PDS 460, PFF 360, PDS-460 DJ, PDS 40,060) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, *PRESSED AT SOUND MAKERS,*N.J. and MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK. 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.
