US
March 1985- Label and catalog number
- Mango MLPS 9786Island Records MLPS 9786
- Format
- LP, Compilation, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
MLPS 9786-ASide A label
MLPS 9786-BSide B label
Linton Kwesi JohnsonReggae Greats
Vinyl pressings
Reggae Greats
by Linton Kwesi Johnson · 1985
13 pressings9 countriesDub PoetryReggae
Reggae Greats 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.
How to spot a first pressing of Reggae Greats
11 pressings came out in 1985, 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.
US
March 1985- Label and catalog number
- Mango MLPS 9786Island Records MLPS 9786
- Format
- LP, Compilation, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
MLPS 9786-ASide A label
MLPS 9786-BSide B label
UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- Island Records IRG6Island Records IRG 6
- Format
- LP, Album, Compilation
- Runout / matrix
IRG 6 A-1U-1-1-*9 GRAEMESide A runout, stamped. "GRAEME" hand-etched.
IRG 6 B-1U-1-1Side B runout, stamped.
UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- Island Records IRG6Island Records IRG 6
- Format
- LP, Album, Compilation
- Runout / matrix
IRG 6 A-2U-1-2Side A
IRG 6 B-2U-1-2Side B
UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- Island Records IRG6Island Records IRG 6
- Format
- LP, Compilation, White Label
- Runout / matrix
IRG 6 A-1U-1-1-*9 GRAEMESide A runout, stamped. "GRAEME" hand-etched.
IRG 6 B-1U-1-1Side B runout, stamped.
Canada
1985- Label and catalog number
- Island Records ISL-9786Mango ISL-9786
- Format
- LP, Compilation
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 13 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s12 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Canada | Island Records ISL-9786 / Mango ISL-9786First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Europe | Island Records 207 136 / Island Records 207 136-620First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | Island Records IRG 6 / Island Records 824693-1First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1985 | France | Island Records 824 693 1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Greece | Island Records IRG6 / Island Records IRG 6First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Italy | Island Records RGMP 6First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | UK | Island Records IRG6 / Island Records IRG 6First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1985 | UK | Island Records IRG6 / Island Records IRG 6First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1985 | UK | Island Records IRG6 / Island Records IRG 6First yearLP, Compilation, White Label | LP, Compilation, White Label |
| 1985 | US | Mango MLPS 9786 / Island Records MLPS 9786First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1985 | US | Mango MLPS 9786 / Island Records MLPS 9786First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1987 | Brazil | Island Records 604.7269LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
1990s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | South Africa | Island Records GSL 366LP, Album, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Album, Compilation, Reissue |
Tracklist
- A1Reggae Sounds3:05
- A2Independent Intavenshan4:15
- A3Street 663:43
- A4Bass Culture4:59
- A5Di Great Insohreckshan4:00
- B1It Noh Funny3:38
- B2Sonny's Lettah (Anti-Sus Poem)3:50
- B3Reggae Fi Radni4:21
- B4Fite Dem Back4:00
- B5Making History4:21
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Reggae Greats are there?
13 vinyl pressings of Reggae Greats are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1985 and 1990.
When was Reggae Greats first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in US, UK, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Mango MLPS 9786, released March 1985.
How do I tell if my copy of Reggae Greats is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MLPS 9786, IRG6, ISL-9786, 207 136) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MLPS 9786-A and MLPS 9786-B. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Reggae Greats 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.
