Vinyl pressings
by Falco · 1985
Rock Me Amadeus 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.
12 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 6 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+M-SP-012170-A-RE1-RCA-2 HERbiR JR :v) (stamped) MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NNEW YORKSide A
A+M-SP-012170-B-RE1-RCA-1 HERbiR JR :v) (stamped) MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NNEW YORKSide B
SP-012170-ASide A, Label
SP-012170-BSide B, Label
MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORKSides A and B, stamped
A+M-SP-012170-AJIn-RE1-ES Emw HERbIE JR : v)Side A, etched
A+M-SP-012170-B-RE1-ES HERbIE JR : v) EmwSide B, etched
SP-012170-ASide A, Label
A+M-SP-012170-A'''-REI-ES HERbIE JR :^)A-side runout inscription [Hand etched]
MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORKA-side runout inscription [Machine stamped]
A+M-SP-012170-B-REI-ES HERbIE JR :^)B-side runout inscription [Hand etched]
MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORKB-side runout inscription [Machine stamped]
SP-012170-ASide A Label
SP-012170-BSide B Label
A+M-SP-012170-A-RE1-RCA-2 HERbiR JR :v) (stamped) MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NNEW YORKSide A - variant 1
A+M-SP-012170-B-RE1-RCA-1 HERbiR JR :v) (stamped) MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NNEW YORKSide B - variant 1
A1A A+M-SP-012170-A-RE1-RCA-2 HERbie JR :v) (stamped) MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORKSide A - variant 2
A1A A+M-SP-012170-B-RE1-RCA-2 HERbie JR :v) (stamped) MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORKSide B - variant 2
A+M-SP-012170-A-RE1-ESA
A+M-SP-012170-B-RE1-ESB
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 | Barbados | A&M Records SP-12170First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Bolivia | A&M Records SEP 10479First year7", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM | 7", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1985 | Bolivia | A&M Records SEP 10479First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Ecuador | A&M Records SP-12170, 45-12"-88000-5First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Mexico | A&M Records AMS-43009First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo · Colored vinyl | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo · Colored vinyl |
| 1985 | Philippines | A&M Records AEP-86-1201First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | US | A&M Records SP-12170First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | US | A&M Records SP-12170First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | US | A&M Records SP-12170First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | US | A&M Records SP-12170First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1985 | US | A&M Records SP-12170First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | US | A&M Records SP-12170First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Japan | A&M Records C12Y-300112", Single | 12", Single |
| 1986 | Japan | A&M Records AMP-1200812", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | South Africa | A&M Records AMRS 1496-1212", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | UK, Europe & US | Ariola 888751461177", 45 RPM, Record Store Day, Single, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Record Store Day, Single, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | A&M Records AM 8668 / A&M Memories AM 86687", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
20 vinyl pressings of Rock Me Amadeus are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1985 and 2015.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in US, Barbados, Bolivia, Ecuador and more. One of them is A&M Records SP-12170.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SP-12170, SEP 10479, SP-12170, 45-12"-88000-5, AMS-43009) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A+M-SP-012170-A-RE1-RCA-2 HERbiR JR :v) (stamped) MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NNEW YORK and A+M-SP-012170-B-RE1-RCA-1 HERbiR JR :v) (stamped) MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NNEW YORK. 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.
