Vinyl pressings
by Neoton Família · 1980
Marathon was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1980, 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.
SLPX 17637-A 1V U HPVariant 1, side A runout, stamped
SLPX 17637-B 1V U HPVariant 1, side B runout, stamped
SLPX 17637-A 1 1 1 P HPVariant 2, side A runout, stamped
SLPX 17637-B 1 1 1 P HPVariant 2, side B runout, stamped
SLPX 17637-A 111 P HPRunout side A, stamped, variant 1
SLPX 17637-B 1V U HPRunout side B, stamped, variant 1
SLPX 17637‒A 111 P HP [etched] 2-4Runout side A, stamped, variant 2
SLPX 17637‒B 111 P HP [etched] 19Runout side B, stamped, variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Hungary | Pepita SLPX 17637First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | Hungary | Pepita SLPX 17637First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | Japan | RCA RPL-8013First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | Japan | RCA RPL-8013First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | Philippines | RCA Victor RPL - 8013First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Spain | Movieplay 17.2290/1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Spain | Movieplay 17.2290/1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Bolivia | RCA Victor RLP - 089LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Colombia | Orbe OBS E 25284LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Denmark | RA Records RALP6052LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Ecuador | Fadisa 710192-0LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Germany | Marifon 47 998 OTLP | LP |
| 1981 | Hungary | Pepita SLPR 705LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Venezuela | Disqueras Unidas L.P.U-90.013LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Brazil | RCA 104.8222LP, Album | LP, Album |
15 vinyl pressings of Marathon are listed here, from 11 countries, released between 1980 and 1982.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in Hungary, Japan, Philippines, Spain. One of them is Pepita SLPX 17637.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SLPX 17637, RPL-8013, RPL - 8013, 17.2290/1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SLPX 17637-A 1V U HP and SLPX 17637-B 1V U HP. 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.
