US
1977- Label and catalog number
- De-Lite Records DSR-9501
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
DSR 9501-A4Side 1 (runout)
DSR 9501-B4Side 2 (runout)
P DSR-9501-A4 STERLINGRunout side 1 (variant 2)
P DSR. 9501-B3 o STERLINGRunout side 2 (variant 2)
Kool & The GangThe Force
Vinyl pressings
The Force
by Kool & The Gang · 1977
10 pressings7 countriesSoulFunkDiscoFunk / Soul
The Force was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. 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 Force
6 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 4 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
1977- Label and catalog number
- De-Lite Records DSR-9501
- Format
- LP, Album · Santa Maria Pressing
- Runout / matrix
S DSR 9501-A (2) △22948 STERLINGSide A, etched/stamped
S DSR 9501-B (2) △22948-X D STERLINGSide B, etched/stamped
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- De-Lite Records DSR-9501
- Format
- LP, Album · Terre Haute Pressing
- Runout / matrix
T1 DSR 9501-A1 12Runout side A, variant 1
T1 DSR 9501-B1 12Runout side B, variant 1
T1 DSR 9501-A2 - 12 STERLING CIRunout side A, variant 2
T1 DSR 9501-B2 12 IC STERLINGRunout side B, variant 2
UK
1977- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 6372 700
- Format
- LP, Album
Canada
1977- Label and catalog number
- De-Lite Records DSR-9501
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
DSR 9501-A 57BSide A
DSR 9501-B 57BSide B
France
1977- Label and catalog number
- De-Lite Records 940 558
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
BLY 940558 A₁Runout groove side A, etched, variant 1
BLY 940558 B₁Runout groove side B, etched, variant 1
BLY 940558 ARunout groove side A, etched, variant 2
BLY 940558 B¹Runout groove side B, etched, variant 2
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.
1970s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Canada | De-Lite Records DSR-9501First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | France | De-Lite Records 940 558First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | UK | Mercury 6372 700First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | US | De-Lite Records DSR-9501First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | US | De-Lite Records DSR-9501First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | US | De-Lite Records DSR-9501First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Greece | Mercury 6372 750LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Greece | Mercury 6372 750LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1978 | Italy | Mercury 6372 750LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Japan | De-Lite Records VIP-6513LP, Album, Promo, Reissue · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Reissue · Promo |
Tracklist
- A1A Place In Space4:49
- A2Slick Superchick4:05
- A3Just Be True4:21
- A4The Force4:26
- B1Mighty Mighty High6:51
- B2Oasis6:06
- B3Life's A Song2:58
- B4Free2:11
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Force are there?
10 vinyl pressings of The Force are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1977 and 1978.
When was The Force first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in US, UK, Canada, France. One of them is De-Lite Records DSR-9501.
How do I tell if my copy of The Force is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use DSR-9501, 6372 700, 940 558) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DSR 9501-A4 and DSR 9501-B4. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Force 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.
