Vinyl pressings
by Rafael Cameron · 1981
Funtown U.S.A. was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 6 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.
SG-349-A-3 ☆ STERLING I Ʌ16Runout side A, variant 1
SG-349-B-3 ☆ STERLING I Ʌ1ERunout side B, variant 1
SG-349-A-3 ☆ STERLING /\ I DDRunout side A, variant 2
SG-349-B-4 STERLING ⇂ /\ I DDRunout side B, variant 2
S7-2144-A-1 STERLING A 1Runout, side A
S7-2144-B-1 STERLING A 1Runout, side B
S7 2144 ALabel side A
S7 2144 BLabel side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Brazil | Salsoul Records 101.8223First year7" | 7" |
| 1981 | Canada | Salsoul Records S7 -2144First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | France | Salsoul Records S 040 012First year7" | 7" |
| 1981 | Italy | Salsoul Records SG 349First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1981 | Spain | Salsoul Records 1-10.211 / Belter 1-10.211First year7" | 7" |
| 1981 | Spain | Belter 1-10.211 / Salsoul Records 1-10.211First year7" | 7" |
| 1981 | US | Salsoul Records SG 349 DJFirst year12", Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | US | Salsoul Records SG 349First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | US | Salsoul Records S7 2144First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | US | Salsoul Records S7 2144 DJFirst year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
10 vinyl pressings of Funtown U.S.A. are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in US, Brazil, Canada, France and more. One of them is Salsoul Records SG 349.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SG 349, S7 2144, SG 349 DJ, S7 2144 DJ) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SG-349-A-3 ☆ STERLING I Ʌ16 and SG-349-B-3 ☆ STERLING I Ʌ1E. 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.
