Vinyl pressings
by Peter Hofmann · 1982
Rock Classics was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. 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 1982, 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.
01-85965-3A-1 A H1 NLRunout A, stamped/etched, variant 1
01-85965-1B-1 A H1 NLRunout B, stamped/etched, variant 1
01-85965-1A-1 F H1 NLRunout A, stamped/etched, variant 2
01-85965-1B-1 G H1 NLRunout B, stamped/etched, variant 2
CBS 85965-A1
CBS 85965-B2
AL-38451-1B-2HZ: DM-2Side A runout
BL-38451-1A-2HZ: DM-2Side B runout
AL 38451Side A label
BL 38451Side B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | Not On Label 85 965LP, Album, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing |
| 1982 | Germany | CBS CBS 85965 / CBS CBS 85 965First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | Germany | CBS CBSCL 32088-7LP, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1982 | Mexico | CBS MLS-9289First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Netherlands | CBS CBSCL 461590LP, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1982 | South Africa | CBS ASF 2840First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Spain | CBS 85 965 / CBS S 85965First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | UK | CBS CBS 85965First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | US | CBS 38451 / CBS FM 38451First yearLP | LP |
| 1982 | Canada | CBS FM 38451First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1983 | Venezuela | Epic EPIC-218LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Europe | CBS CBSCL 461590 / CBS CBS 85965LP, Album, Club Edition, Repress · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Repress · Club edition |
| 1985 | Germany | CBS CBS 85965 / CBS 85 965LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | VEB Deutsche Schallplatten Berlin 85 965LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
14 vinyl pressings of Rock Classics are listed here, from 11 countries, released between 1982 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in Germany, UK, US, Canada and more. One of them is CBS CBS 85965.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CBS 85965, 38451, FM 38451, MLS-9289) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 01-85965-3A-1 A H1 NL and 01-85965-1B-1 A H1 NL. 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.
