Vinyl pressings
by Queen · 1974
Seven Seas Of Rhye 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.
20 pressings came out in 1974, the album's first year, in 14 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 2121 A - 3USide A runout stamped, variant 1
EMI 2121 B - 3USide B runout stamped, variant 1
EMI 2121 A - 3U ISide A runout stamped, variant 2
EMI 2121 B - 3USide B runout stamped, variant 2
EMI 2121 A1U RTB_KIPA Side Stamped, Initials Etched
EMI 2121 B1U RTBB Side Stamped, Initials Etched
EK-45891-ALabel Side A
EK-45891-ALabel Side A
EK-45891-BLabel Side V
EKS 45891 A-SP SRC 1-1 ESR-TD-5-23-74Stereo side runout
EKM 45891 A SP SRC 1-1 ESR-TD-5-23-74Mono side runout
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 006-95241 MFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | Australia | Elektra EKM-45891First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | Finland | EMI EMI 2121First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | Ireland | EMI EMI 2121First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | New Zealand | Elektra EKM.1First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | UK | EMI7", 45 RPM, Test Pressing, White Label, Stereo · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Test Pressing, White Label, Stereo · Test pressing |
| 1974 | US | Elektra EK-45891First year7", Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono, 45 RPM · Promo, Mono | 7", Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono, 45 RPM · Promo, Mono |
| 1974 | US | Elektra EK-45891First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | US | Elektra EK-45891First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1974 | France | EMI 2C 008-95241First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | Germany | EMI 1 C 006-95 241 / EMI Electrola 1 C 006-95 241First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | Germany | EMI 1 C 006-95 241 / EMI Electrola 1 C 006-95 241First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Stereo |
| 1974 | Netherlands | EMI 5C 006-95241First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | Portugal | EMI 8E 006-95241 MFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | Sweden | EMI EMI 2121First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
21 vinyl pressings of Seven Seas Of Rhye are listed here, from 14 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in UK, US, France, Germany and more. One of them is EMI EMI 2121, released February 23, 1974.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EMI 2121, 2121, EK-45891, 2C 008-95241) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EMI 2121 A - 3U and EMI 2121 B - 3U. 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.
