US
1987- Label and catalog number
- Chrysalis 4V9 43171Chrysalis 4V9-43171
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
4V9 43171 AS C4 G1 A 6 STERLINGSide A runout
4V9 43171 BS C3 G1 A17 STERLINGSide B runout
4V9 43171 ASLabel A side
4V9 43171 BSLabel B side
Vinyl pressings
The Real Thing
by John "Jellybean" Benitez · 1987
25 pressings10 countriesSynth-popElectronicPop
The Real Thing was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. 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 Real Thing
22 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 9 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
1987- Label and catalog number
- Chrysalis VS4 43167
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- Chrysalis BEANX 1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- Chrysalis VS4 43167
- Format
- 7", Promo
US
1987- Label and catalog number
- Chrysalis 4V9 43171
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Promo
UK
September 14, 1987- Label and catalog number
- Chrysalis CHS 3167
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
CHS 3167 A3Side A runout, variant 1
CHS 3167 B4Side B runout, variant 1
CHS 3167 B3 A BSide A runout, variant 2
CHS 3167 B3 ASide B runout, variant 2
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 25 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s23 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Australia | Chrysalis K-434First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Canada | Chrysalis CS 43171First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Canada | Chrysalis VS4 43167First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | Canada | Chrysalis 43167First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | Canada | Chrysalis 43167First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Europe | Chrysalis 609 476First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | France | Chrysalis 870 144-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | France | Chrysalis 870 144-7 / Phonogram 870144-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Ireland | Chrysalis CHS 3167First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Japan | Chrysalis RP07-2021First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Japan | Chrysalis RP07-2021First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Spain | Chrysalis CHST 3167First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 12 3167First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 3167First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | US | Chrysalis 4V9 43171 / Chrysalis 4V9-43171First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Japan | Chrysalis PRP-831012", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| ? | UK | Chrysalis CHS 12 316712", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
Tracklist
- AThe Real Thing4:32
- BAm I Dreaming (Instrumental)4:42
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Real Thing are there?
25 vinyl pressings of The Real Thing are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1987 and 1988.
When was The Real Thing first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in US, UK, Europe, Canada and more. One of them is Chrysalis 4V9 43171.
How do I tell if my copy of The Real Thing is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4V9 43171, VS4 43167, BEANX 1, CHS 3167) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 4V9 43171 AS C4 G1 A 6 STERLING and 4V9 43171 BS C3 G1 A17 STERLING. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Real Thing 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.
