Japan
May 21, 1980- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AMP-720
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Stereo
Brothers JohnsonThe Real Thing
Vinyl pressings
The Real Thing
by Brothers Johnson · 1980
18 pressings11 countriesFunkFunk / Soul
The Real Thing was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of The Real Thing
2 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year. 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.
Japan
1980- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AMP-720
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 18 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s17 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Japan | A&M Records AMP-720First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1980 | Japan | A&M Records AMP-720First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1981 | Australia | A&M Records K-83687", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Brazil | A&M Records 47.031-A7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Canada | A&M Records AM 23437", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Europe | A&M Records AMS 91457", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Europe | A&M Records AMS 12.9149 / A&M Records AMS 12-914912", Maxi-Single, 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1981 | Italy | A&M Records AMS 91457", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1981 | New Zealand | A&M Records K 83687", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Spain | A&M Records AMS 91457", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | A&M Records AMS 81497" | 7" |
| 1981 | UK | A&M Records AMSX 814912" | 12" |
| 1981 | UK | A&M Records AMS 81497", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | US | A&M Records SP-1716012", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | US | A&M Records 2343-S7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Year unknown1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Portugal | A&M Records 1 PAM - 2343 H7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
Tracklist
- AThe Real Thing3:48
- B1I Want You5:13
- B2This Had To Be5:13
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Real Thing are there?
18 vinyl pressings of The Real Thing are listed here, from 11 countries, released between 1980 and 1981.
When was The Real Thing first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in Japan. One of them is A&M Records AMP-720, released May 21, 1980.
How do I tell if my copy of The Real Thing is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AMP-720) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Real Thing on vinyl worth?
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.
