Marillion – Misplaced Childhood (1985) | Original UK EMI Vinyl LP | Variant 1 | NM / VG+

An outstanding original 1985 UK pressing of Marillion's landmark progressive rock album Misplaced Childhood, released on EMI Records, catalogue number EJ 2403401, complete with its original gatefold sleeve.

This copy has been positively identified as Discogs Matrix / Runout Variant 1, with both sides matching the documented inscriptions exactly.

The vinyl is in beautiful Near Mint (NM) condition, while the original gatefold sleeve is an exceptionally strong Very Good Plus (VG+), visually approaching Near Mint.

A superb example of one of the most celebrated British progressive rock albums of the 1980s.

About the Album

Released in June 1985, Misplaced Childhood was Marillion's third studio album and the record that transformed the band from progressive rock favourites into major international stars.

Produced by Chris Kimsey, whose previous credits included work with The Rolling Stones, the album marked a defining moment in the band's career.

Unlike a conventional collection of individual songs, Misplaced Childhood is a continuous concept album exploring childhood memories, lost innocence, emotional turmoil, relationships and personal identity.

Much of its lyrical inspiration came from vocalist Fish (Derek Dick), drawing upon personal experiences and reflections on his life.

The album combines atmospheric keyboards, soaring guitar passages, intricate arrangements and Fish's unmistakable vocal delivery to create one of the most distinctive progressive rock recordings of its era.

Its commercial breakthrough came with the singles Kayleigh and Lavender, which introduced Marillion to a much wider audience.

Kayleigh reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, while Lavender reached No. 5. The album itself went straight to No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart.

Despite this mainstream success, Misplaced Childhood retained the elaborate musical structures, recurring themes and sophisticated storytelling that had established Marillion as leading figures in the progressive rock revival.

Four decades later, it remains an essential album for collectors of British progressive rock.

Original UK Pressing Information

• Artist: Marillion

• Album: Misplaced Childhood

• Record Label: EMI

• Catalogue Number: EJ 2403401

• Release Year: 1985

• Country: United Kingdom

• Format: 12" Vinyl LP, Album, Stereo

• Sleeve: Original Gatefold

• Vinyl Colour: Black

• Genre: Rock

• Style: Progressive Rock, Neo-Prog

• Producer: Chris Kimsey

• Pressing Identification: Original UK Issue – Discogs Matrix Variant 1

This copy carries the original black EMI labels featuring the distinctive Marillion logo.

The label also confirms the original 1985 sound recording copyright and identifies EMI Records Ltd as the recording company.

Matrix / Runout Details – Verified Variant 1

Both runouts have been individually examined and confirmed as an exact match for the documented Discogs Variant 1.

Side One:

EJ 2403401 A-2-1-1-D

Side Two:

EJ 2403401 B-1U-1-1-15 D A-B-I

The principal matrix details are stamped, while the A-B-I inscription is etched.

These inscriptions identify the specific manufacturing variant and distinguish this copy from other documented UK pressings of the album.

For collectors who value precise pressing identification, the complete matrix information is supplied rather than simply describing the record as a generic 1985 edition.

Track Listing

Side One

1. Pseudo Silk Kimono

2. Kayleigh

3. Lavender

4. Bitter Suite

5. Heart of Lothian

Side Two

1. Waterhole (Expresso Bongo)

2. Lords of the Backstage

3. Blind Curve

4. Childhoods End?

5. White Feather

The album's ten tracks form a connected musical journey, with recurring themes and seamless transitions between several compositions.

Condition Report

Vinyl: Near Mint (NM)

The record is in outstanding visual condition, with beautifully preserved playing surfaces and no significant visible signs of wear.

An exceptionally clean example of this original 1985 pressing, carefully inspected and graded according to the recognised Goldmine grading system.

Original Gatefold Sleeve: Very Good Plus (VG+) – Exceptional

The original gatefold sleeve is in excellent condition, presenting at the very upper end of the VG+ grade and visually approaching Near Mint.

The artwork remains extremely attractive, making this a particularly appealing copy for collectors who appreciate both the music and its original presentation.

The sleeve has been conservatively graded VG+ rather than NM to maintain accurate and consistent grading standards.

Please refer to the photographs for a detailed view of the actual record and gatefold sleeve being offered.

Why This Edition Is Collectable

Misplaced Childhood occupies a special place in British progressive rock history.

It represents the commercial and creative peak of the Fish-fronted Marillion era, successfully combining ambitious progressive rock songwriting with memorable melodies and international chart success.

Original 1985 UK vinyl editions are particularly appealing to collectors who want to experience the album in its original analogue format, complete with the striking gatefold artwork.

This example offers several attractive features:

• Original 1985 UK EMI pressing

• Fully verified Discogs Matrix / Runout Variant 1

• Outstanding Near Mint vinyl

• Exceptionally strong VG+ original gatefold sleeve

• Original black EMI labels

• Complete matrix inscriptions documented for both sides

An excellent addition to any collection of Marillion, Fish-era progressive rock, neo-progressive rock or original 1980s British vinyl.

Important Information

All records offered by Comfortably Spun Records are individually inspected and visually graded using the recognised Goldmine grading system.

Vinyl is visually graded only and has not been play-tested. Visual grading does not guarantee completely noise-free playback.

Every record is professionally cleaned before dispatch and carefully packaged for safe delivery.

All photographs show the actual record and sleeve offered for sale, not stock images.

Comfortably Spun Records – Proper Records. Proper Rock.