Vinyl pressings
by C + C Music Factory · 1991
Things That Make You Go Hmmmm... was first pressed on vinyl in 1991. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
17 pressings came out in 1991, 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.
XSS 73688 A 1A G2 (A) A2 STERLINGSide A runouts -variant 1
XSS 73688 B 1A G1 A5 STERLINGSide B runouts -variant 1
XSS 73688 A 1A G1 (A) A5 STERLINGSide A runouts -variant 2
XSS 73688 B 1A G1 B6 STERLINGSide B runouts -variant 2
XSS-73688A-1BRunout A, etched
XSS-73688B-1BRunout B, etched
XSS 73688ASide A label
XSS 73688BSide B label
ZSS-73687-A-1A G1 STERLING (A) A3Etched Side A
ZSS-73687-B-1A G1 D STERLING (A) A1Etched Side B
ZSS 73687AA-Side Label
ZSS 73687BB-Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Australia | CBS 656690 6 / Columbia 656690 6First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1991 | Costa Rica | CBS 7118791-BFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Misprint, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Misprint, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1991 | Europe | Columbia 656690 7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1991 | Europe | Columbia 656690 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1991 | Mexico | CBS PRLP-95511First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo, Colored vinyl | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo, Colored vinyl |
| 1991 | Philippines | Columbia QCLEP-18273 / Columbia 44 73688First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1991 | Spain | CBS/Sony COL 656690 6First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1991 | Spain | CBS/Sony COL 656690 6First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1991 | Spain | CBS/Sony ARIC 0028First year7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1991 | UK | Columbia XPR 1638First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | US | Columbia 44 73934First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1991 | US | Columbia ACD 73934First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | US | Columbia 38-73687First year7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1991 | US | Columbia 44 73688First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1991 | US | Columbia 44 73688First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
17 vinyl pressings of Things That Make You Go Hmmmm... are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1991, in US, UK, Europe, Australia and more. One of them is Columbia 44 73688, released June 1991.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 44 73688, 656690 8, 44 73934, 38-73687) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, XSS 73688 A 1A G2 (A) A2 STERLING and XSS 73688 B 1A G1 A5 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.
