Europe
1988- Label and catalog number
- Metronome 871 340-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
871 340 - 7 S 1 320 C 1Runout side A, stamped
871 340 - 7 S 2 320 A 1Runout side B, stamped
Kool & The GangStrong
Vinyl pressings
Strong
by Kool & The Gang · 1988
10 pressings5 countriesSoulFunkDiscoElectronic
Strong was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. 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 Strong
10 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 5 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
1988- Label and catalog number
- Metronome 872 038-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
872 038 7 S1 = 670 04Runout side A, stamped
872 038 7 S2 =2 670 04Runout side B, stamped
872 038-7.1Label side A
872 038-7.2Label side B
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 872 038-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 872 039-1
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
872039 -1 AS CBS-1 DMM G2 A6Runout side A
872039 -1 BS CBS-1- DMM G2 A1Runout side B
872 039-1 ASLabel side A
872 039-1 BSLabel side B
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 872 038-7 DJ
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo
France
1988- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 872 038-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 10 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Europe | Metronome 871 340-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Europe | Metronome 872 038-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | France | Mercury 872 038-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Germany | Mercury 871 341-1First year12" | 12" |
| 1988 | Germany | Metronome 871 341-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1988 | Germany | Metronome 872 038-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Netherlands | Mercury 872 355-1First year12" | 12" |
| 1988 | US | Mercury 872 038-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | US | Mercury 872 039-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1988 | US | Mercury 872 038-7 DJFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
Tracklist
- AStrong3:54
- BFunky Stuff3:47
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Strong are there?
10 vinyl pressings of Strong are listed here, from 5 countries.
When was Strong first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in Europe, US, France, Germany and more. One of them is Metronome 871 340-7.
How do I tell if my copy of Strong is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 871 340-7, 872 038-7, 872 039-1, 872 038-7 DJ) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 871 340 - 7 S 1 320 C 1 and 871 340 - 7 S 2 320 A 1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Strong 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.
