Yes, the Darkness’s 2003 album Permission to Land was released on vinyl, but it was not a standard, widely available pressing at the time. The original 2003 UK release did include a vinyl edition, though it was limited and quickly overshadowed by the CD’s massive success. For years, fans searching for an affordable copy faced high prices on the second-hand market. However, the album received a proper, widely distributed vinyl reissue in 2015, and again in 2021, making it much easier to find today. This article covers the album’s vinyl history, how to identify pressings, what to pay, and common pitfalls when buying.
The Original 2003 Vinyl Pressing
When Permission to Land was released on 22 September 2003, the music industry was deep in the CD era. Vinyl production was a niche afterthought, and the Darkness’s label, Must Destroy, pressed a small run of LPs primarily for DJs and die-hard collectors. This original pressing is a UK-only release on black vinyl, with a plain black inner sleeve and a barcode on the back cover. It did not include a download card—those didn’t exist yet. The catalogue number is MUSTDDLP2, and it was pressed at a time when the band was still building their following. Because the run was small, mint copies now sell for £80–£150 on Discogs and eBay, and even well-played copies rarely dip below £50. If you see a copy claiming to be an original 2003 pressing for £20, it is almost certainly a later reissue.
The 2015 Reissue and Why It Matters
In November 2015, the album was reissued on vinyl as part of a broader campaign around the band’s comeback. This pressing was widely available through major retailers and the band’s own store, and it remains the most common version on the market. It was released on 180-gram black vinyl, with a printed inner sleeve containing lyrics and photos. The catalogue number is MUSTDDLP2R, and it includes a download code. This reissue fixed the main complaint collectors had about the original: it was affordable and easy to find. New copies typically sell for £20–£30, and used copies for £15–£25. If you just want the album on vinyl and don’t care about being a collector, this is the version to buy.
The 2021 Anniversary Reissue
For the album’s 20th anniversary in 2023, a special edition was released, but there was also a 2021 reissue that often confuses buyers. In 2021, the album was reissued on translucent orange vinyl, a limited run of 1,000 copies sold through the band’s website and select independent record stores. This version has a different catalogue number (MUSTDDLP2OR) and a sticker on the shrink-wrap reading “Limited Edition Orange Vinyl.” It does not include a download code. Because it was limited, it now sells for £40–£70. Be careful: some sellers list the 2021 orange pressing as “rare” and ask for £100+, but the market has settled at around £50. The 2023 20th-anniversary edition was a black vinyl reissue with a bonus 7-inch single of “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” (live), and it is still widely available for £30–£35.
How to Identify Which Pressing You Have
If you’re buying second-hand, you need to know which version you’re getting. The easiest way is to check the matrix numbers etched into the run-out groove (the smooth area near the label). The 2003 original has “MUSTDDLP2 A-1” and “MUSTDDLP2 B-1” (or similar, with a mastering engineer’s initials). The 2015 reissue has “MUSTDDLP2R A-1” and “MUSTDDLP2R B-1”. The 2021 orange pressing has “MUSTDDLP2OR A-1” and “MUSTDDLP2OR B-1”. You can also check the cover: the original has a glossy finish and a small “Must Destroy” logo on the back, while the 2015 reissue has a matte finish and a “BMG” logo on the spine. The 2021 orange version has a hype sticker, but if that’s gone, the matrix numbers are definitive.
Sound Quality and Pressing Differences
All three pressings were cut from the same digital master, so the sound is essentially identical. The 2015 and 2021 pressings are on heavier vinyl (180g vs. the original’s 140g), which reduces surface noise and warping, but the audio itself is the same. Some listeners claim the original pressing has a slightly warmer midrange, but this is subjective and likely due to the mastering of the time, not the vinyl weight. If you’re an audiophile, the 2015 reissue is the safest bet because it’s the most consistent. The 2021 orange pressing is more of a collector’s item, and the orange vinyl can sometimes have a slightly higher noise floor (a faint crackle) than black vinyl, but this is not a universal issue.
Where to Buy and What to Pay
Your options for buying are Discogs, eBay, and local record stores. Discogs is the best for finding specific pressings because sellers list the exact matrix numbers and condition. As of 2025, here are realistic price ranges:
- Original 2003 pressing (VG+ or better): £60–£120
- 2015 black reissue (new or sealed): £20–£30
- 2021 orange pressing (new or sealed): £40–£60
- 2023 20th-anniversary edition (new): £30–£35
Be wary of anything listed below £15 for the 2015 reissue—it might be a bootleg or a warped copy. Also, check seller ratings and photos. A record listed as “Mint” should still have its original shrink-wrap (if sealed) or no visible scratches (if opened).
Common Problems and Misconceptions
The most common issue is that people buy the 2015 reissue thinking it’s the original. The covers look almost identical from the front; the only difference is the back cover and spine. Another misconception is that the album was never released on vinyl until 2015—this is false, as the 2003 pressing exists, but it’s rare. A real problem with the 2003 pressing is that some copies have a slight surface noise on side B, specifically during “Love on the Rocks with No Ice.” This is a manufacturing defect, not a sign of wear. Also, the 2021 orange pressing is often sold as “numbered,” but it was not numbered—that’s a seller’s embellishment. Finally, if you buy a used copy, check for ring wear (a circular mark on the cover) and whether the inner sleeve has split, which is common on the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2003 original vinyl worth the high price? Only if you’re a serious collector. The sound is the same as the 2015 reissue, so for listening, the reissue is better value. The original is a piece of music history, but you’re paying for rarity, not audio quality.
Does the 2015 reissue include the bonus track “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” (acoustic)? No. The vinyl versions all have the same 10-track tracklist as the original CD. The acoustic version was only available as a CD single and on some digital editions.
Is the orange 2021 pressing a limited edition? Yes, it was limited to 1,000 copies, but it was not numbered. The band announced it via social media, and it sold out quickly, but you can still find it on Discogs and eBay.
Can I play a 180g vinyl on an old turntable? Yes, but older turntables with very light tonearms may not track the heavier vinyl as well. If you have a turntable from the 1970s, you should be fine, but if it’s a cheap suitcase player, you might notice skipping. The 2015 reissue is fine on any modern turntable with a counterweight.
Why is the album called Permission to Land? The title is a play on the band’s love of aviation and the theatricality of rock. It’s a nod to the idea of a rock band “landing” on the music scene, and it also references the absurdity of asking for permission to do something as bold as playing rock music. The album’s cover art, with the band in a field with a plane, reinforces this theme.
Are there any picture discs or colored vinyl versions other than the orange? No. The only colored vinyl is the 2021 orange pressing. There is no picture disc, no clear vinyl, and no splatter variant. If you see one, it’s a bootleg.
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