Vinyl pressings
by Unique 3 · 1989
The Theme was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
5 pressings came out in 1989, the album's first year. 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.
TENX 285 A-1U-1- 1 POUNDA UTOPIASide A runout
TENX 285 B-2U-1- 1Side B runout
TENX 285 ASide A label
TENX 285 BSide B label
TENX 285 A-1U-1- 1Machine stamp side A
TENX 285 B-2U-1- 1Machine stamp side B
POUNDA UTOPIAEtchings side A
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | UK | 10 Records TENX 285 DJ / 10 Records TENX285 DJFirst year12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | 10 Records TENDJ 285First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | 10 Records TEN 285First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | 10 Records TENX 285First year12", 45 RPM, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1989 | UK | 10 Records TENX 285 / 10 Records TENX285First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | UK | Funk Labs Records FL00512" | 12" |
| 2007 | UK | Fat! Records CTFAT03612", Single Sided, Promo, White Label · Promo | 12", Single Sided, Promo, White Label · Promo |
| 2007 | UK | Fat! Records CTFAT041A12" | 12" |
| 2007 | UK | Fat! Records CTFAT041C10", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited | 10", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 2007 | UK | Fat! Records CTFAT041C10", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl | 10", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2007 | UK | Fat! Records CTFAT041B12" | 12" |
11 vinyl pressings of The Theme are listed here, from 1 country, released between 1989 and 2007.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in UK. One of them is 10 Records TENX 285, released October 23, 1989.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use TENX 285, TEN 285, TENX 285 DJ, TENDJ 285) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, TENX 285 A-1U-1- 1 POUNDA UTOPIA and TENX 285 B-2U-1- 1. 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.
