Vinyl pressings
by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly · 1985
Too Many Games 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.
11 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 3 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.
12 CL 363 A-1-1-1- PenthouseStamped in runout, Side A
12 CL 363 B-1-1-1- PenthouseStamped in runout, Side B
12CL 363APrinted on label, Side A
12CL 36BPrinted on label, Side B
CL 363 A-1-1-1--2Runout (Stamped) Side A
CL 363 B-1-1-1--X 1Runout (Stamped) Side B
Penthouse 12 CL 363 a-1-1-1-1Side A runout, stamped
12 CL 363 B-1-1-1-1 PenthouseSide B runout, stamped
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Netherlands | Capitol Records 1A 006 20 0726 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | UK | Capitol Records 12CL 363First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | UK | Capitol Records 12CLX 363First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | UK | Capitol Records CL 363First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | UK | Capitol Records 12 CL 363First year12", 45 RPM, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1985 | UK | Capitol Records CL 363First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | UK | Capitol Records 12CL 36312", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1985 | UK | Capitol Records 12CL 363First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | US | Capitol Records V-8643First year12", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1985 | US | Capitol Records SPRO-9431 / Capitol Records SPRO-9432First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | US | Capitol Records B-5474First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | US | Capitol Records P-B-5474First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
12 vinyl pressings of Too Many Games are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, US, Netherlands. One of them is Capitol Records 12CL 363.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12CL 363, 12CLX 363, CL 363, 12 CL 363) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12 CL 363 A-1-1-1- Penthouse and 12 CL 363 B-1-1-1- Penthouse. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
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.
