On the Record: Daft Punk – Homework (1997 Original French Vinyl Pressing)

Daft Punk’s Homework didn’t just launch the French duo’s career — it reshaped house music forever. Released in 1997, Homework delivered gritty analog grooves, thumping basslines, and instant classics like “Da Funk,” “Around the World,” and “Revolution 909.” But for vinyl collectors, it’s the original 1997 French pressing on Soma/Virgin France that carries the most weight.

Pressed in limited quantities on 2LP vinyl, the first French edition (catalog #: V 2821) stands out with its minimalist sleeve, red spine text, and early mix/mastering work that purists consider superior to later reissues. As prices for Daft Punk collectibles soared after their 2021 breakup, Homework's first press has become one of the most hunted electronic albums on wax.

Behind the Pressing

Originally released by Virgin France and distributed via Soma (their original label), the first press featured:

2xLP black vinyl

Red spine text on matte black jacket

Virgin/Soma logos on labels

Crisp mastering with noticeable analog warmth

No barcode on some early versions

While later reissues have come and gone, they often use slightly altered artwork, repressing plates, and updated mastering — lacking the raw punch of the 1997 cut.

How to Identify the Original 1997 French Pressing

Catalog Number: V 2821 (sometimes accompanied by 7243 8 42609 1 8)

Labels: Soma/Virgin France branding, not Parlophone/Columbia

Spine: Red text on black matte background

Matrix/Runout: Hand-etched codes vary slightly by plant, but original pressings often include early lacquer cut references (e.g., "SNA" or "Masterdisk")

Sleeve: No hype sticker, no barcode on the back (in many copies)

⚠️ Many bootlegs and unofficial reissues exist — especially with worn or blurry artwork and no proper matrix markings. Stick to French originals for the real deal.

Collector’s Value

Original French pressings of Homework in excellent condition often sell for $400–$900 AUD, with sealed copies commanding even higher prices since Daft Punk’s breakup. Later pressings and anniversary editions exist — but for die-hards, this is the definitive version.

Why It Matters

Homework captured the heart of French house and reshaped global dance music — all from two masked producers working out of their bedrooms. The 1997 original pressing is the raw, analog document of that seismic shift. It’s not just a collector’s piece — it’s a foundational record in modern electronic music.