Vinyl pressings
by Rozalin Woods · 1979
Whatcha' Gonna Do About It was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1979, the album's first year, in 5 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.
I A2 SP-12041-LONG RC2 [Artisan logo]Runout side A, hand-etched
I A 4 SP-12042 RC1 [Artisan logo]Runout side B, hand-etched
SP-12041Center label side A
SP-12042Center label side B
SP-12041-LONG RC2 1 A4BSide A Run-Out Variation 1
SP-12041-SHORT RC1 1 ∆2FXSide B Run-Out Variation 1
SP-12041-LONG RC2 [Artisan logo]Side A Run-Out Variation 2
SP-12041-SHORT RC1 [Artisan logo]Side B Run-Out Variation 2
A4 SP-12041-LONG RC2 [Artisan logo]Runout side A, hand-etched
A2A SP-12041-SHORT RC2 [Artisan logo]Runout side B, hand-etched
SP-12041Center Label Both Sides
AM-12670-M-S1 [artisan logo] s1A-Side Runout Etching
AM-12670-S-S1 [artisan logo] ssssB-Side Runout Etching
12670A-Side Label
12670-SB-Side Label
A4 SP-12041-LONG RC2 [Artisan logo]Runout side A, hand-etched
A2A SP-12041-SHORT RC2 [Artisan logo]Runout side B, hand-etched
SP-12041Center Label Both Sides
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Australia | A&M Records K7636First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | Canada | A&M Disco AM 2156First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | Canada | A&M Records SP-12021First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1979 | Canada | A&M Records AM 2156First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | Netherlands | A&M Records AMS 12-7623First year12" | 12" |
| 1979 | South Africa | A&M Records AMRS 1314First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | US | A&M Disco SP-12021 / A&M Records SP 12021First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1979 | US | A&M Disco SP-12021 / A&M Disco SP 12021First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | US | A&M Disco SP-12021 / A&M Disco SP 12021First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | US | A&M Records 2156-SFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | US | A&M Records 2156 / A&M Records 2156-SFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1979 | US | A&M Disco SP-12021 / A&M Disco SP 12021First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
12 vinyl pressings of Whatcha' Gonna Do About It are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in US, Australia, Canada, Netherlands and more. One of them is A&M Disco SP-12021.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SP-12021, 2156-S, 2156, K7636) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, I A2 SP-12041-LONG RC2 [Artisan logo] and I A 4 SP-12042 RC1 [Artisan logo]. 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.
