Vinyl pressings
by Nik Kershaw · 1984
The Riddle was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
15 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 12 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.
MCF - 3245 - A - 1Side A runout, etched variant 1
MCF 3245 B1Side B runout, etched variant 1
MCF - 3245 A-4Side A runout, etched variant 2
MCF 3245 B1Side B runout, etched variant 2
31-3245-1A-1 BRunout, stamped, side A (variant 1)
31-3245-1B-1 ARunout, stamped, side B (variant 1)
31-3245-1A-1 BRunout, stamped, side A (variant 2)
31-3245-2B-1 ARunout, stamped, side B (variant 2)
Mx 209923 3245-1-1Side A etched
Mx 209924 3245-1-2Side B etched
R / S Alsdorf 251595-1 A 3Side A runout, variant 1
R / S Alsdorf 251595-1 BX 48Side B runout, variant 1
R / S Alsdorf 251595-1 A 3 28Side A runout, variant 2
R / S Alsdorf 251595-1 B 85 FSide B runout, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australia | MCA Records 3245-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Brazil | MCA Records 6047137First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Europe | MCA Records 251 595-1 / MCA Records (MCF 3245)First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Greece | MCA Records 251595-1 / MCA Records 251 595-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Greece | MCA Records 251595-1 / MCA Records 251 595-1First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| 1984 | Ireland | MCA Records MCF 3245First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Israel | MCA Records BAN 251595-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Italy | MCA Records 25 1595 - 1 / MCA Records 25 1595-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | New Zealand | MCA Records 3245-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Portugal | MCA Records 5210 12105First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Spain | MCA Records L 251595-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Spain | MCA Records L 251595-1First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | UK | MCA Records MCF 3245First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | UK | MCA Records MCF 3245First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Zimbabwe | MCA Records ML 4782 / MCA Records MCF 3245First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
27 vinyl pressings of The Riddle are listed here, from 19 countries, released between 1984 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in UK, Zimbabwe, Australia, Brazil and more. One of them is MCA Records MCF 3245, released November 19, 1984.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCF 3245, ML 4782, 3245-1, 6047137) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MCF - 3245 - A - 1 and MCF 3245 B1. 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.
