Vinyl pressings
by Archie Bell & The Drells · 1979
Strategy was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. 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 1979, the album's first year, in 4 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.
PIR-AB-ZS9-3710-3 FWRunout A-side etched
PIR-AB-ZS9-3710-4 F/WRunout B-side etched
ZS9 3710-3 AA-AFLabel side-A
ZS9 3710-4 AA-AFLabel side-B
PIR-AE-ZS9-3710-3 F/w sA-Side Runout
PIR-AE-ZS9-3710-4 F/W sB-Side Runout
AA-AF ZS9 3710-3A-Side Label
AA-AF ZS9 3710-4B-Side Label
PIR-AD-ZS9-3710-3 F/W TIIRunout side A
PIR-AC-ZS9-3710-4 F/W TIRunout side B
AA-AF ZS9 3710-3Label side A
AA-AF ZS9 3710-4Label side B
p P.I.R. AA-4Z8-3701-3 F/W NSRunout Etchings (Both Sides)
AA-AF 4Z8 3701-3Labels
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Jamaica | Philadelphia International Records 428 3701First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1979 | Jamaica | Philadelphia International Records ZS93710First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1979 | South Africa | Philadelphia International Records PH 1928First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | UK | Philadelphia International Records S PIR 7842First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | UK | Philadelphia International Records S PIR 7842First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | US | Philadelphia International Records 4Z8 3701First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1979 | US | Philadelphia International Records 4Z8 3701First year12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1979 | US | Philadelphia International Records ZS9 3710First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo, Mono, Promo · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo, Mono, Promo · Promo, Mono |
| 1979 | US | Philadelphia International Records ZS9 3710First year7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1979 | US | Philadelphia International Records ZS9 3710First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1979 | US | Philadelphia International Records ZS9 3710First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
11 vinyl pressings of Strategy are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in US, UK, Jamaica, South Africa. One of them is Philadelphia International Records ZS9 3710, released July 1979.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ZS9 3710, 4Z8 3701, S PIR 7842, 428 3701) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, PIR-AB-ZS9-3710-3 FW and PIR-AB-ZS9-3710-4 F/W. 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.
