Europe
1989- Label and catalog number
- Metronome 889 741-1
- Format
- 12", Stereo
- Runout / matrix
889 741-1S1 320Side A
889 741-1S2 320Side B
Vinyl pressings
Raindrops
by Kool & The Gang · 1989
22 pressings7 countriesSwingbeatFunk / Soul
Raindrops 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.
How to spot a first pressing of Raindrops
21 pressings came out in 1989, the album's first year, in 7 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.
Europe
1989- Label and catalog number
- Metronome 889 491-1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
889 491 -1 S 1 3 20Side A
889 491 -1 S 2 3 20Side B
Europe
1989- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 874 557-1
- Format
- 12"
Europe
1989- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 874 402-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
874 402 - 7 1W 320Runout A
874 402 - 7 2W 320Runout B
Europe
1989- Label and catalog number
- Metronome 889 490-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
889 490 - 7 S 1 3 20 DRunout side A
889 490 - 7 S 2 3 20 BRunout side B
Europe
1989- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 876 032-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 22 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s22 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Australia | Mercury 874 403-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Europe | Metronome 889 741-1First year12", Stereo | 12", Stereo |
| 1989 | Europe | Metronome 889 491-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | Europe | Mercury 874 557-1First year12" | 12" |
| 1989 | Europe | Mercury 874 402-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Europe | Metronome 889 491-112", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1989 | Europe | Metronome 889 490-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Europe | Mercury 876 032-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | France | Mercury 2035First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | France | Mercury 874 402 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Germany | Mercury 889 490-7First year7" | 7" |
| 1989 | Netherlands | Mercury 889 490-7First year7" | 7" |
| 1989 | UK | Mercury MERXX 293First year12" | 12" |
| 1989 | UK | Mercury MERXR 293First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | Mercury MERX 293 / Mercury 874 557-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
Tracklist
- ARaindrops3:45
- BAmor Amore (Instrumental)3:44
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Raindrops are there?
22 vinyl pressings of Raindrops are listed here, from 7 countries.
When was Raindrops first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in Europe, UK, US, Australia and more. One of them is Metronome 889 741-1.
How do I tell if my copy of Raindrops is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 889 741-1, 889 491-1, 874 557-1, 874 402-7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 889 741-1S1 320 and 889 741-1S2 320. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Raindrops 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.
