US
1986- Label and catalog number
- Gordy 6185GL
- Format
- LP, Album, Stereo · SRPCW Pressing
Vinyl pressings
The Flag
by Rick James · 1986
17 pressings8 countriesSynth-popFunkDiscoElectronic
The Flag was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of The Flag
15 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 8 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.
US
1986- Label and catalog number
- Gordy 6185GL
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
6185GLASide One Label
6185GLBSide Two Label
US
1986- Label and catalog number
- Gordy 6185GL
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
6185-GLA-15BSide One runout
6185-GLB-15BSide Two runout
US
1986- Label and catalog number
- Gordy 6185GL
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
6185GLASide One Label
6185GLBSide Two Label
US
1986- Label and catalog number
- Gordy 6185GL
- Format
- LP, Album, Promo
- Runout / matrix
6185GLASide One Label
6185GLBSide Two Label
US
1986- Label and catalog number
- Gordy 6185GL
- Format
- LP, Album, Promo
- Runout / matrix
6185GLAA side label
6185GLBB side label
6185-GLA-15A XBG #12 STERLINGA side
6185-GLB-15B ZBG #12 ☆ STERLING SOOB side
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 17 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s17 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia & New Zealand | Motown 6185GL / Gordy 6185 GLFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Brazil | Motown 1048374First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Canada | Gordy GOR-6185First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Europe | Gordy ZL72443 / Gordy ZL 72443First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Greece | Motown 45045First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Greece | Motown 45045LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1986 | Italy | Gordy ZL 72443First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Italy | Gordy ZL 72443First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Japan | Motown RMTL-8023First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Japan | Motown RMTL-8023First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | US | Gordy 6185GLFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | US | Gordy 6185GLFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | US | Gordy 6185GLFirst yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | US | Gordy 6185GLLP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1986 | US | Gordy 6185GLFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
Tracklist
- A1Freak Flag (Intro)0:31
- A2Forever And A Day4:20
- A3Sweet And Sexy Thing4:23
- A4Free To Be Me4:44
- A5Save It For Me4:20
- A6Freak Flag (Cue)0:04
- B1R U Experienced4:22
- B2Funk In America / Silly Little Man5:53
- B3Slow And Easy (Interlude)2:18
- B4Slow And Easy4:54
- B5Rick's Raga0:32
- B6Painted Pictures4:54
- B7Freak Flag (Reprise)0:24
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Flag are there?
17 vinyl pressings of The Flag are listed here, from 8 countries.
When was The Flag first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in US, Australia & New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and more. One of them is Gordy 6185GL.
How do I tell if my copy of The Flag is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 6185GL, 1048374, GOR-6185, ZL72443) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Flag on vinyl worth?
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.
