Vinyl pressings
by World Party · 1986
Ship Of Fools 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.
5 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 2 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.
VS 4 43052-AS-RE1 C2 E G1 A2 STERLINGSide A Runout
VS 4 43052 BS C2 G1 A4 1 STERLINGSide B Runout
(VS4 43052 AS)Side A Label Matrix
(VS4 43052 BS)Side B Label Matrix
VS 4 43052-AS-RE1 C2 E G1 A2 STERLINGRunout A
VS 4 43052 BS C1 E G1 A4 STERLINGRunout B
VS4 43052 ASLabel A
VS4 43052 BSLabel B
P (AP) VAS 2482 A-1 STERLINGA runout, STERLING stamped
P (AP) VAS 2482 A-1 STERLINGA runout, STERLING stamped
CS crossed out CHS 43052-AA Side runout, etched
CHS 43052-BB Side runout, etched
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 | Canada | Chrysalis CHS 43052First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | US | Chrysalis VAS-2482First year12", Promo, 45 RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 45 RPM · Promo |
| 1986 | US | Chrysalis VS4 43052 / Ensign VS4 43052First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1986 | US | Chrysalis VS4 43052First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | US | Chrysalis VS4 43052 / Ensign VS4 43052First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1987 | Australia | Chrysalis K-116 / Ensign ENY 6047", Single · Colored vinyl | 7", Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1987 | Australia | Chrysalis K-227 / Ensign ENY 6067", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1987 | Australia & New Zealand | Chrysalis X 14485 / Ensign ENYX 60612", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1987 | Europe | Chrysalis 608 87712", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Europe | Chrysalis 108 8777", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | France | Ensign 888 376-7 / Chrysalis 888 376-77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Ireland | Chrysalis ENY 606 / Ensign ENY 6067", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Japan | Chrysalis WWS-177017", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | South Africa | Chrysalis PD 25107", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | Chrysalis ENY 606 / Ensign ENY 6067", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
23 vinyl pressings of Ship Of Fools are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in US, Canada. One of them is Chrysalis VS4 43052.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS4 43052, VAS-2482, CHS 43052) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 4 43052-AS-RE1 C2 E G1 A2 STERLING and VS 4 43052 BS C2 G1 A4 1 STERLING. 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.
