UK
September 1989- Label and catalog number
- Neutron Records NT 115
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM · Silver Injection Labels
- Runout / matrix
NT 115 A-1U-1-Q2
NT 115 B-1U-1-Q2
ABCThe Real Thing
Vinyl pressings
The Real Thing
by ABC · 1989
14 pressings5 countriesHouseElectronic
The Real Thing 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.
How to spot a first pressing of The Real Thing
14 pressings came out in 1989, 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.
UK
September 11, 1989- Label and catalog number
- Neutron Records NT 115Neutron Records 874 812-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
NT 115 A-2U-1- 1Runout stamped side A
NT 115 B-2U-1- 1Runout stamped side B
UK
1989- Label and catalog number
- Neutron Records NTXR 115Neutron Records 874 815-1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
NTXR 115 A-1J-1 - 1 JARunout Side A
NTXR 115 B-2J-1 - 1Runout Side B
UK
1989- Label and catalog number
- Neutron Records NTX 115Neutron Records 874 813-1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM · Blue Label
- Runout / matrix
NTX 115 A-1U-1-X-1 [X struck out]Run-out side A, stamped/etched
NTX 115 B-1U-1-1Run-out side B, stamped
UK
1989- Label and catalog number
- Neutron Records NTXR 115Neutron Records 874 815-1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
NTXR 115 A-2U-1-1Runout side A
NTXR 115 B-1U-1-1Runout side B
UK
1989- Label and catalog number
- Neutron Records NTX 115Phonogram 874 813-1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Stereo · Green Label
- Runout / matrix
NTX 115 A-1U-1- ̷X̷ -1 JARunout side A
NTX 115 B-1U-1-1Runout side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 14 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s14 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Australia | Mercury 874 812-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Europe | Phonogram 874 813-1 / Mercury NTX 115First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1989 | Europe | Mercury 874 812-7 / Mercury NT 115First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Philippines | Mercury MER-24-882First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | UK | Neutron Records NTXR 115 / Neutron Records 874 815-1First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1989 | UK | Neutron Records NTXDJ 115First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | Neutron Records NTX 115 / Neutron Records 874 813-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | Neutron Records NTXDJ 115First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | Neutron Records NTXR 115 / Neutron Records 874 815-1First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1989 | UK | Neutron Records NTX 115 / Phonogram 874 813-1First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1989 | US | Mercury 876 397-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1989 | US | Mercury 876 397-1First year12", Single, Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Single, Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | Neutron Records NT 115First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | Neutron Records NT 115 / Neutron Records 874 812-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
Tracklist
- AThe Real Thing (Album Edit)3:34
- BThe Greatest Love Of All (Edit)3:31
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Real Thing are there?
14 vinyl pressings of The Real Thing are listed here, from 5 countries.
When was The Real Thing first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in UK, US, Australia, Europe and more. One of them is Neutron Records NT 115, released September 1989.
How do I tell if my copy of The Real Thing is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use NT 115, NTXR 115, NTX 115, NTXDJ 115) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, NT 115 A-1U-1-Q2 and NT 115 B-1U-1-Q2. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Real Thing on vinyl worth?
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.
