Vinyl pressings
by Burning Spear · 1985
Reggae Greats was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 8 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.
A-1 ᐉ MLPS - 9785-A STERLINGSide A runout
A-1 ᐉ MLPS - 9785-B STERLINGSide B runout
MLPS 9785-ASide A label
MLPS 9785-BSide B label
I RG 5 A-2U-1-1 GDRunout side A
I RG 5 B-2U-1-1Runout side B
ISL 9785 A (8) TLC - ASide A runout
ISL 9785 B (8) TLC - TSide B runout
ISL-9785-ASide A label
ISL-9785-BSide B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Canada | Mango ISL 9785 / Island Records ISL 9785First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | Island Records IRG 5 / Island Records 824870-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | France | Island Records 824 870-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Germany | Island Records 207 135-620First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Germany | Island Records 804 724-985 / Island Records 207 135First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Greece | Island Records 062-VG IRG 5First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | South Africa | Island Records ILPH 1018First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | UK | Island Records IRG 5First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | US | Mango MLPS 9785 / Island Records MLPS 9785First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1988 | US | Mango MLPS 9785LP, Compilation, Reissue, Repress, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Repress, Stereo |
10 vinyl pressings of Reggae Greats are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1985 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in US, UK, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Mango MLPS 9785, released March 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MLPS 9785, IRG 5, ISL 9785, 824 870-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A-1 ᐉ MLPS - 9785-A STERLING and A-1 ᐉ MLPS - 9785-B STERLING. 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.
