Vinyl pressings
by Wreckless Eric · 1980
A Popsong was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. 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 1980, the album's first year, in 7 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.
BUY-64-A1 SA ARunout side A, variant 1
BUY-64 2B. STEVE ARunout side B, variant 1
BUY-64-A2 7 SA ARunout side A, variant 2
BUY-64 A̶ 2B. 1 STEVE ARunout side B, variant 2
BUY-64-A1 SA ∴Runout side A, variant 1
BUY-64 2B. STEVE ∴Runout side B, variant 1
BLY 640 186 A MPOSide A runout
BLY 640 186 B MPOSide B runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Australia | Stiff Records K7866First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Belgium | Stiff Records 640 186First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1980 | France | Stiff Records 640 186 / Stiff Records 640186First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1980 | France | Stiff Records 640 186First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | Stiff Records 6.12 729 / Stiff Records BUY 64First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Germany | Stiff Records BUY 64 / Stiff Records 6.12729First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Stiff Records BUY 64First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Spain | Stiff Records MO 1937First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Spain | Stiff Records MO 1937First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | UK | Stiff Records buy 64First year7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label |
| 1980 | UK | Stiff Records buy 64First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of A Popsong are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in UK, Australia, Belgium, France and more. One of them is Stiff Records buy 64, released February 1, 1980.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use buy 64, K7866, 640 186, 6.12 729) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BUY-64-A1 SA A and BUY-64 2B. STEVE 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.
