UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- Unique Records 12 NIQ · X3
- Format
- 12" · Red/Orange cover

Vinyl pressings
by All Systems Go · 1988
Pop Muzik was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
16 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 6 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.
NIQ 3 A-1 TOWNHOUSE DAMONT CRunout etched side A
NIQ 3 B-1 TOWNHOUSE DAMONT BRunout etched side B
12 - NIQ - 3 - A1 ROCK T RAFTERS DAMONT TOWNHOUSERunout side A etched
12 - NIQ - 3 - B1 DAMONT TOWNHOUSERunout side B etched
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Australia | Dance Trax DT 12001First year12" | 12" |
| 1988 | Belgium | Unique Records NIQ 85003First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Germany, Austria, & Switzerland | BCM Records B.C. 12-2142-40First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Germany, Austria, & Switzerland | BCM Records B.C. 7-2142-41First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Scandinavia | Planet Records MOP 146 / Unique NIQ-03First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1988 | Sweden | Planet Records MOP 12/146First year12" | 12" |
| 1988 | UK | Unique Records 12 NIQ · X3First year12" | 12" |
| 1988 | UK | Unique Records NIQ 85003First year7" | 7" |
| 1988 | UK | Unique Records NIQ 85003First year12" | 12" |
| 1988 | UK | Unique Records 12 NIQ · 03First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1988 | UK | Unique Records NIQ - 03First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | UK | Unique Records 12 NIQ 3First year12", 45 RPM, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1988 | UK | Unique Records 12 NIQ X3 / Unique Records 12 NIQ 3First year12", 45 RPM, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1988 | UK | Unique Records NIQ - X3First year7" | 7" |
| 1988 | UK | Unique Records 12 NIQ - 3First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Single, White Label | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM, Single, White Label |
16 vinyl pressings of Pop Muzik are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in UK, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Austria, & Switzerland and more. One of them is Unique Records 12 NIQ · X3.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12 NIQ · X3, NIQ 85003, 12 NIQ · 03, NIQ - 03) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. 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.