Vinyl pressings
by Total Contrast · 1985
What You Gonna Do About It 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 2 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.
SAM 2 A // 1 ∇ 420 H 1 1 1 TownHouseSide A: Stamped (etched)
SAM 2 B // 1 ∇ 420 H 1 1 1 TownHouseSide B: Stamped (etched)
[SRC logo] 886-051-7-2-58711-SP I-I STERLINGSide A runout
[SRC logo] 886-051-7-2-58711-7-DUB-SP I-I STERLINGSide B runout
2-58711Side A label
2-58711Side B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | UK | London Records SAM 2 / London Records LONX 95First year12", Advance, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", Advance, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1985 | US | London Records 886 051-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | US | London Records PRO 416-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | US | London Records 886-051-1First year12" | 12" |
| 1985 | US | London Records 886051-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | US | London Records 886 051-7 DJFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Netherlands | London Records 886 053-112" | 12" |
| 1986 | UK | London Records LONXR 95 / London Records LONX 9512", Limited Edition, 45 RPM · Limited | 12", Limited Edition, 45 RPM · Limited |
| 1986 | UK | London Records LONX 9512", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | London Records LON 957", Single | 7", Single |
10 vinyl pressings of What You Gonna Do About It are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1985 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, US. One of them is London Records SAM 2.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SAM 2, 886-051-1, 886051-7, 886 051-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SAM 2 A // 1 ∇ 420 H 1 1 1 TownHouse and SAM 2 B // 1 ∇ 420 H 1 1 1 TownHouse. 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.
