Vinyl pressings
by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince · 1989
I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. 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 1989, the album's first year, in 5 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.
JIVET225 A1 DAMONT UTOPIA. MS. ESide A, etched
JIVE T 225 B1 2 DAMONT UTOPIA. MS. ESide B, etched
JIVE T 225A*Side A label
JIVE T 225B*Side B label
1282.7.J ARunout etched side A
1282.7.J BRunout etched side B
1282-7-J-ALabel side A
1282-7-J-BLabel side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Australasia | Jive 1278-1-JDFirst year12" | 12" |
| 1989 | Australasia | Jive 1278-7-JFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Canada | Jive 1278-1-JDFirst year12" | 12" |
| 1989 | Canada | Jive 1282-7-JFirst year7" | 7" |
| 1989 | Europe | Jive ZT 43388First year12" | 12" |
| 1989 | UK | Jive JIVE 225First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | US | Jive 1278-1-JDFirst year12" | 12" |
| 1989 | US | Jive 1278-1-JDCDFirst year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | US | Jive 1282-7-JFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | US | Jive 1278-1-JD / Jive 1278-1-JDCDFirst year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | Jive JIVET 225 / Jive JIVE T 225First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
11 vinyl pressings of I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in UK, US, Australasia, Canada and more. One of them is Jive JIVET 225, released October 23, 1989.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use JIVET 225, JIVE 225, 1278-1-JD, 1282-7-J) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, JIVET225 A1 DAMONT UTOPIA. MS. E and JIVE T 225 B1 2 DAMONT UTOPIA. MS. E. 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.
