US
1972- Label and catalog number
- Janus Records J 203
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
STERLINGA & B sides stamped
J 2314-EA side label
J 2318B side label
J-2314-EA side hand etching
CymandeThe Message
Vinyl pressings
The Message
by Cymande · 1972
12 pressings8 countriesFunkFunk / Soul
The Message was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. 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 Message
6 pressings came out in 1972, the album's first year, in 3 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.
US
1972- Label and catalog number
- Janus Records J-203
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo · Pitman Pressing
- Runout / matrix
p J-2314-E STERLINGA-Side Runout Etching
p J-2318B-Side Runout Etching
J 2314-ESide A Label:
J 2318Side B Label:
US
1972- Label and catalog number
- Janus Records J 203
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
S-45-J-2314-E-Z-5. [Stamped: 1 ✲ STERLING]Etched in runout A
S-45-J-2318-Z-5. [Stamped: 2 ✲ J]Etched in runout B
J 2314-ELabel A
J 2318Label B
US
1972- Label and catalog number
- Janus Records J-203
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono
- Runout / matrix
p J 2314-E-M STERLINGMono Side Runout
p J-2314-E STERLINGStereo Side Runout
J 2314-EMono And Stereo Labels Identical
New Zealand
1972- Label and catalog number
- Janus Records J 203
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM · Solid Center
South Africa
1972- Label and catalog number
- MVN MVS 380
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
STERLINGA & B sides stamped
J 2314-EA side label
J 2318B side label
J-2314-EA side hand etching
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 12 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | New Zealand | Janus Records J 203First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | South Africa | MVN MVS 380First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | US | Janus Records J 203First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | US | Janus Records J-203First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1972 | US | Janus Records J 203First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | US | Janus Records J-203First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1973 | France | RCA Victor 41.0847", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | Sweden | Sonet ALA-47", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | UK | Alaska ALA 47", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | UK | Alaska ALA 47", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Ghana | Tower CRS 06547", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| ? | Jamaica | Janus Records J-2037", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
Tracklist
- AThe Message3:28
- BZion I3:29
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Message are there?
12 vinyl pressings of The Message are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1972 and 1973.
When was The Message first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in US, New Zealand, South Africa. One of them is Janus Records J 203.
How do I tell if my copy of The Message is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use J 203, J-203, MVS 380) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, STERLING and J 2314-E. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Message 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.
