Vinyl pressings
by Teena Marie · 1981
Square Biz 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.
24 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 9 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.
M-35000 V1 A 66349 D RE 1 - 15c 3UR#13 BET kdisc JGSSide One Runout
M 35000 V1 B 66349 I - 15c 3UR#13 BET kdisc JGSSide Two Runout
66349-D-RE1Side One Label
66349-ISide Two Label
66349-D-RE1Side One Label
66349-ISide Two Label
G7202F A 66349 15BXF kdiscSide A runout
G7202F B 66374 15BXF kdiscSide B runout
66349-D-RE 1Side One Label
66349-ISide Two Label
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 | Australia | Motown G 7202First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Australia | Motown DS 12078First year12", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1981 | Canada | Gordy G 7202XFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1981 | France | Motown 101561 / Vogue 101561First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Germany | Motown 120·07·018First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1981 | Jamaica | Gordy 66349First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1981 | Peru | Motown F-MOT 0007202.4First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Peru | Motown F - MOT 0007202.4First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Philippines | Motown MT 25-373 / Gordy G 7202FFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1981 | UK | Motown TMG 1236First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1981 | UK | Motown TMG 1236First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1981 | US | Motown M 35000V1First year12", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1981 | US | Motown M 35000V1First year12", Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | US | Gordy G 7202FFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1981 | US | Gordy G 7202FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Motown TMGLTD2812", 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Limited |
25 vinyl pressings of Square Biz are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in US, UK, Germany, Australia and more. One of them is Motown M 35000V1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use M 35000V1, G 7202F, 12TMG 1236, TMG 1236) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, M-35000 V1 A 66349 D RE 1 - 15c 3UR#13 BET kdisc JGS and M 35000 V1 B 66349 I - 15c 3UR#13 BET kdisc JGS. 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.
