Vinyl pressings
by Queen · 1974
Killer Queen / Flick Of The Wrist was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
28 pressings came out in 1974, the album's first year, in 19 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.
EMI 2229 A-2URunout grooves Side A [stamped]
EMI 2229 B-1URunout grooves Side B [stamped]
RAYSMasterer stamp [etched], side A
RTB+S.H.A.Masterer stamp [etched], side B
EMI 2229 A-2U D R RAYS 2Runout side A, variant 1
EMI 2229 B-1U 7 G 1 R.T.B+S.H.A.Runout side B, variant 1
EMI 2229 A-2U PR RAYS 2Runout side A, variant 2
EMI 2229 B 1U 7A 1 R.T.B+S.H.A.Runout side B, variant 2
EMI 2229 A-1USide A runout
EMI 2229 B-1USide B runout
ES 45226 A-4 CTH ESR-TD -11-13-74 TIIIRunout A, etched
ES 45226 B-4 CTH ESR -TD -11-13-74 TIRunout B, etched
ES45226 A-SP 1-2 ESR-TD-11-13-74Runout Side A - variant 1
ES45226 B-SP 1-2 ESR-TD-11-13-74Runout Side B - variant 1
ES45226 A-SP 1-1 [SRC logo] ESR-TD-11-13-74Runout Side A - variant 2
ES45226 B-SP 1-1 [SRC logo] ESR-TD-11-13-74Runout Side B - variant 2
ES 45226 A-1 CSM ESR-TD 11-13-74 SSRunout A
ES45226 B-2 CSM ESR-TD 11-13-74 SSSRunout B
E-45226-ALabel A side
E-45226-BLabel B side
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Angola | EMI 8E 006 96060 MGFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Belgium | EMI 4C 006-96060First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1974 | Brazil | EMI EMI-4041First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Canada | Elektra E 45226First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Canada | Elektra E 45226First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Finland | EMI 5E 006-96060First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | France | EMI 2C 004-96060 / EMI 2C 004-96.060First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Germany | EMI Electrola 1C 006-96060First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Greece | EMI EMI 2229First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Guatemala | EMI 488First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Guatemala | EMI 4887", 45 RPM, Single, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress |
| 1974 | Guatemala | EMI 4887", 45 RPM, Single, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress |
| 1974 | Guatemala | EMI 488First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Ireland | EMI EMI 2229First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Netherlands | EMI 5C 006-96 060 / EMI 5C 006-96060First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Venezuela | Harvest 154212", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
50 vinyl pressings of Killer Queen / Flick Of The Wrist are listed here, from 26 countries, released between 1974 and 1981.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in UK, US, Germany, Yugoslavia and more. One of them is EMI EMI 2229, released October 1974.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EMI 2229, E-45226, E-45226-A, 1C 006-96 060) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EMI 2229 A-2U and EMI 2229 B-1U. 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.
