Vinyl pressings
by Alexander O'Neal · 1991
What Is This Thing Called Love? was first pressed on vinyl in 1991. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1991, the album's first year, in 4 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.
XSS-73804A 1A G1 F/W (T) CSB ♪♪Runout Side A
XSS-73804B 1A G1 F/W (T) CSB ♪♪Runout Side B
XSS 73804APrinted on Label Side A
XSS 73804BPrinted on Label Side B
XSS 73804AA-side label
XSS 73804BB-side label
31-656731-21-1A 1Runout Side A
31-656731-21-1B IRunout Side B
31-656731-21-ALabel Side A
31-656731-21-BLabel Side B
31 01 656731 20 1A1 BSide A runout stamped / etched
31 01 656731 20 1B1 ASide B runout stamped / etched
31-656731-20-ASide A label
31-656731-20-BSide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Australia | Epic 656731 6 / Tabu Records 656731 6First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | Europe | Tabu Records 656731 6First year12" | 12" |
| 1991 | Europe | Tabu Records 656731 7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1991 | Europe | Tabu Records 656731 5First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1991 | Europe | Tabu Records 656731 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | UK | Tabu Records 656731 6First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1991 | UK | The Dance Division 19H / Epic 19HFirst year12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1991 | UK | Tabu Records 656731 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | US | Tabu Records 45 73804 / Epic 45 73804First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1991 | US | Tabu Records AZD 73804 / Epic AZD 73804First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1991 | US | Tabu Records 35-73810 / Epic ZSS 73810First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1991 | UK | Tabu Records 656731 8First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
12 vinyl pressings of What Is This Thing Called Love? are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1991, in US, UK, Europe, Australia. One of them is Tabu Records 45 73804.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 45 73804, 35-73810, AZD 73804, 656731 8) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, XSS-73804A 1A G1 F/W (T) CSB ♪♪ and XSS-73804B 1A G1 F/W (T) CSB ♪♪. 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.
