Vinyl pressings
by Alexander O'Neal · 1987
Never Knew Love Like This was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. 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 1987, 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.
4Z9 07539-3AA (flower) IG A5Variant 1 - Side A
4Z9 07539-4AA (flower) IG A7Variant 1 - Side B
4Z9 07539-3AA (flower) E (stamped) IG DIVariant 2 - Side A
4Z9 07539-4AA (flower) M (stamped) IG C4Variant 2 - Side B
ZS4 - 07646 - 3AA ❅ \GRunout etched side A
ZS4 - 07646 - 4AA ~ ~ 1 GRunout etched side B
AA-AF ZS4 07646-3Label side A
AA-AF ZS4 07646-4Label side B
4Z9 07539-3AA (flower) IG A2Side A runout etched
4Z9 07539-4AA (flower) IG A6Side B runout etched
4Z9 07539-3AA (flower) IG A3Side A runout etched
4Z9 07539-4AA (flower) IG A10Side B runout etched
AA-AF ZS4 07646-3Label Side A
AA-AF ZS4 07646-4Label Side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Canada | Tabu Records ZS4 07646First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | US | Tabu Records 4Z9 07539First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1987 | US | Tabu Records ZS4-07646First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1987 | US | Tabu Records ZS4 07646First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | US | Tabu Records 4Z9 07539First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1987 | US | Tabu Records 4Z9 07539First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1988 | Australia | Epic 651369 77" | 7" |
| 1988 | Australia | EPIC 651369 612" | 12" |
| 1988 | Europe | Tabu Records TBU 651369 6 / Tabu Records 651369 612", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Europe | Tabu Records TBU 651369 77", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Spain | Tabu Records TBU 651369 612" | 12" |
| 1988 | Spain | Tabu Records TBU 651369 77", Single Sided, Promo · Promo | 7", Single Sided, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | UK | Tabu Records 651382 97", Picture Disc, 45 RPM, Shape · Picture disc | 7", Picture Disc, 45 RPM, Shape · Picture disc |
| 1988 | UK | Tabu Records 651382 5 / Tabu Records 651382 010", Single, 45 RPM, 7", Shape, Picture Disc, Single, All Media, Limited Edition · Limited, Picture disc | 10", Single, 45 RPM, 7", Shape, Picture Disc, Single, All Media, Limited Edition · Limited, Picture disc |
| 1988 | US | Tabu Records ZAS 104912", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
18 vinyl pressings of Never Knew Love Like This are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1987 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in US, Canada. One of them is Tabu Records 4Z9 07539.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4Z9 07539, ZS4-07646, ZS4 07646) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 4Z9 07539-3AA (flower) IG A5 and 4Z9 07539-4AA (flower) IG A7. 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.
