US
1969- Label and catalog number
- Motown M-1147
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM · ARP Pressing
- Runout / matrix
X4KM-2725-1 B 4 D-S-I-570M02 DM ARPRunout side A
X4KM-2396-1 B 4 F1-F2-K-LI-542M07 DM ARPRunout side B
Four TopsWhat Is A Man
Vinyl pressings
What Is A Man
by Four Tops · 1969
26 pressings14 countriesSoulFunk / Soul
What Is A Man was first pressed on vinyl in 1969. 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 What Is A Man
23 pressings came out in 1969, the album's first year, in 13 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
1969- Label and catalog number
- Motown M 1147
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
US
1969- Label and catalog number
- Motown M-1147
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM · Monarch Pressing
- Runout / matrix
△75721 [MR logo] ⁄|⁄ǀ⁄|⁄ǀ⁄|⁄K X4KM-2725-1 O D-S-I-570M02Runout side A
△75722 ⁄|⁄ǀ⁄|⁄ǀ⁄|⁄K [MR logo] X4KM-2396-1 O F1-F2-K-U-542M07Runout side B
D-S-I-570M02Label side A
F1-F2-K-U-542M07Label side B
US
1969- Label and catalog number
- Motown M 1147
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
D-5-I-570M02Label, Both Sides
US
1969- Label and catalog number
- Motown M 1147
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
D-5-I-570M02Label, Both Sides
US
1969- Label and catalog number
- Motown M-1147
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
X4KM-2725-1 0 D-S-I-570M02 0 Δ75721 (MR in circle)
X4KM-2725-1 0 D-S-I-570M02 0 ✓Δ75721 (MR in circle)
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 26 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1960s23 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Australia | Tamla Motown TMO-8778First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1969 | Australia | Tamla Motown TMO-8778First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1969 | Canada | Tamla Motown M-1147First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1969 | France | Tamla Motown 2C 006-90.196 M / Tamla Motown 2 C 006-90196 MFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1969 | Germany | Tamla Motown TM 1147First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1969 | Germany | Tamla Motown TM 1147First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1969 | Ireland | Tamla Motown TMG(I) 698First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1969 | Lebanon | Tamla Motown 1 TA 7017First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1969 | New Zealand | Tamla Motown TMM.725First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1969 | Norway | Tamla Motown TMK 130First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1969 | Sweden | Tamla Motown TMK 130First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1969 | Turkey | Tamla Motown 69808First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1969 | UK | Tamla Motown TMG 698First year7", Promo, 45 RPM · Promo | 7", Promo, 45 RPM · Promo |
| 1969 | US | Motown M-1147First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1969 | US | Motown M 1147First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
Year unknown3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Brazil | Motown CS-1127", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| ? | US | Motown Y 590F7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | US | Collectables COL-5907", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
Tracklist
- AWhat Is A Man2:34
- BDon't Bring Back Memories2:57
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of What Is A Man are there?
26 vinyl pressings of What Is A Man are listed here, from 14 countries.
When was What Is A Man first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1969, in US, UK, Netherlands, Australia and more. One of them is Motown M-1147.
How do I tell if my copy of What Is A Man is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use M-1147, M 1147, TMG 698, TM 25.978) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, X4KM-2725-1 B 4 D-S-I-570M02 DM ARP and X4KM-2396-1 B 4 F1-F2-K-LI-542M07 DM ARP. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is What Is A Man 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.
