Vinyl pressings
by Thor · 1985
Only The Strong was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1985, 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.
72044-1-A G-1 S-13367 E_ MASTERED BY CAPITOLSide A runout
72044-1-B G-1 E_ MASTERED BY CAPITOL S-13368Side B runout
RCA 308.7103-A 1SX A1A-Side Runout stamped
RCA 308.7103-B 1SX A1B-Side Runout stamped
VPR 101 A (CR) Sound ClinicSide A label
VPR 101 B JONZ (CR)Side B label
RR 9790 A1 670Runout side A, stamped
RR 9790 B1 670Runout side B, stamped
RR 9790 A1 670Runout side A, stamped
RR 9790 B1 670Runout side B, stamped
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Brazil | Enigma 308.7103 / Young 308.7103First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Canada | Viper Records VPR 101First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Europe | Roadrunner Records RR 9790First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | South Korea | Roadrunner Records RR 9790 HM 117First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | US | Enigma 72044 1 / Enigma 72044-1First yearLP, Album, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 1985 | US | Enigma 72044 1LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1985 | Japan | Roadrunner Records SP25-5212First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | US | Deadline Music CLP 1929LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2014 | US | Deadline Music CLP1929 / Cleopatra CLP1929LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | US | Deadline Music CLO3257LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2025 | Germany | High Roller Records HRR 1029LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited |
| 2025 | Germany | High Roller Records HRR 1029LPLP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2025 | Europe | High Roller Records HRR 1029LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo · Limited | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo · Limited |
13 vinyl pressings of Only The Strong are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1985 and 2025.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in US, Japan, Brazil, Canada and more. One of them is Enigma 72044 1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 72044 1, SP25-5212, 308.7103, VPR 101) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 72044-1-A G-1 S-13367 E_ MASTERED BY CAPITOL and 72044-1-B G-1 E_ MASTERED BY CAPITOL S-13368. 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.
