🔘 Virginia Plain – Single (Reissue): Oct. 1977

Released: October 7, 1977 (UK)

Label: Polydor Records

Catalogue Number: 2001 739

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

A late‑’70s Polydor reissue of Roxy Music’s 1972 debut single — the art‑rock lightning bolt that launched the band’s career.

Issued during the band’s renewed commercial momentum, the reissue brought Virginia Plain back into circulation for a new audience.

🔘 Overview

Virginia Plain was originally released in August 1972 as Roxy Music’s debut single, a glam‑art manifesto that introduced the band’s unique blend of avant‑pop, style, and sonic experimentation. On October 7, 1977, Polydor reissued the track under catalogue number 2001 739, capitalising on the group’s rising late‑’70s profile following the success of Siren and their ongoing solo activities.

The reissue retained the original recording and was issued in a Polydor sleeve. Though it did not re‑enter the charts, it reaffirmed the song’s status as a cornerstone of early‑’70s glam innovation.

🔘 Track List (Common Configurations)

7" Vinyl — 2001 739

A. Virginia Plain

B. The Numberer

Written by: Bryan Ferry

Produced by: Peter Sinfield

🔘 Release Details

Label: Polydor Records

Formats: 7" Vinyl

Country: UK

Year: 1977

Notes:

- 1977 Polydor reissue of the 1972 debut single

- Original B‑side retained

- Issued in standard Polydor sleeve

- Released during renewed interest in Roxy Music’s early catalogue

🔘 Variants (Discogs‑Verified)

Variant 1

UK – Polydor – 2001 739 (1977)

Format: 7" Vinyl (Paper Label)

Variant 2

UK – Polydor – 2001 739 (1977)

Format: 7" Vinyl (Injection‑moulded label, select pressings)

🔘 Chart Data (BBC / Official Charts Company)

Peak Position: UK — No Chart Entry (1977 Reissue)

Weeks on Chart: —

Chart Run (Official Charts):

No UK chart position recorded for the 1977 reissue.

🔘 Context & Notes

Recording Notes

A sharp, kinetic art‑rock production featuring Ferry’s stylised vocals, Eno’s treatments, and the band’s early glam‑era energy.

Collector Notes

The 1977 Polydor reissue is prized for its clean label design and its role in reintroducing the track to late‑’70s listeners.

Legacy

A foundational glam‑art single — reissued at a moment when Roxy’s influence was being rediscovered by a new generation.

🔘 Related Material

Previous Reissue

Pyjamarama (mid‑’70s reissue activity)

Next Reissue

Early ’80s catalogue reissues

🔘 Discography (Selected, Chronological)

Virginia Plain — 1972

The Numberer — 1972

Virginia Plain (Reissue) — 1977

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

Aug. 1972 — Original single released

Oct. 7, 1977 — UK reissue released

🔘 Glam Flashback

A glam‑art detonation — stylish, strange, and utterly Roxy.

🔘 Sources

Polydor Records

Discogs

Official Charts Company

Roxy Music archival documentation