Vinyl pressings
by Jan Hammer · 1985
Miami Vice Theme 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.
47 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 15 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.
R/S Alsdorf 258842-0 A XSide A runout, stamped, etched: X, variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 258842-0 B DSide B runout, stamped, etched: D, variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 258842-0 A S5Side A runout, stamped, etched: S5, variant 2
R/S Alsdorf 258842-0 B D 59Side B runout, stamped, etched: D 59, variant 2
R/S Alsdorf 258843-7 AxRunout side A, variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 258843-7 BRunout side B, variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 258843-7 BxRunout side B, variant 2
R/S Alsdorf 258843-7 AxRunout side A, variant 2
MC 18657-PL6 R-10016 1-2 -)) Precision SMSide A runout
MC 18745A/B-PL6 R-10017 -)) 1-2 Precision SMSide B runout
MC 18657Label A
MC 18745A/BLabel B
MCA -4925- PL 4 Precision SM ◈-P-◈Runout A
MCA-4926 - PL 4 ◈-P-◈ I I Precision SMRunout B
(MCA4925)Label A
(MCA4926)Label B
MCAT 1000 A//1 ▽420 TSide A - runout, stamped, variant 1
MCAT 1000 B//1 ▽420 TSide B - runout, stamped, variant 1
MCAT 1000 A//1 ▽420 T 1 1 6Side A - runout, stamped, variant 2
MCAT 1000 A//1 ▽420 T 1 1 6Side B - runout, stamped, variant 2
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 | Australia | MCA Records 7-52666First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Australia | MCA Records 0-23575First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Australia | MCA Records 7-52666First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Australia & New Zealand | MCA Records 0-23575First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Australia & New Zealand | MCA Records 0-23575First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-52666First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-52666First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-23575First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1985 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-52666First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-52666First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-52666First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Europe | MCA Records 258 843-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | France | MCA Records 258 843-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | MCA Records 258 843-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Ireland | MCA Records MCA 1000First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | MCA Records MCAP-3293 / MCA Records MCA 505412", 33 ⅓ RPM, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
49 vinyl pressings of Miami Vice Theme are listed here, from 16 countries, released between 1985 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in Europe, US, UK, Germany and more. One of them is MCA Records 258 842-0, released November 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 258 842-0, 258 843-7, MCA-52666, MCA-23575) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, R/S Alsdorf 258842-0 A X and R/S Alsdorf 258842-0 B D. 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.
