Vinyl pressings
by Anita Baker · 1988
Just Because 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.
10 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 7 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.
SRC ST-E-69327A-1 1-1A-Side Runout Etching
SRC ST-E-69327B-1 1-1B-Side Runout Etching
SRC ST-E-69327A-1 1-2A-Side Variant #1
SRC ST-E-693271B-1 1-1B-Side Variant #1
ST-E-69327-A-ARA Side Label
ST-E-69371-B-ARB Side Label
ST-ED-5351A-SPLabel side A
ST-ED-5351B-SPLabel side B
MX302333A
MX302334B
R/S Alsdorf 969321-7-ARunout stamped side A
R/S Alsdorf 969321-7-BRunout stamped 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Australia | Elektra 7.69327 / Elektra 7-69327First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Europe | Elektra 969 321-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Germany | Elektra 966 716-0First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1988 | Jamaica | Elektra 7-69327First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Singapore | Elektra 7-69327First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1988 | Spain | Elektra 1.026First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | Elektra 7-69327First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | US | Elektra ED 5351First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | Elektra 7-69327First year7", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | Elektra ed-535112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1988 | US | Elektra 7-69327First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | US | Elektra ED 535112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing |
| 1989 | Canada | Elektra 96 932777", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | Europe | Elektra 966 716-0 / Elektra EKR 87 T12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | Germany | Elektra EKR 877" | 7" |
18 vinyl pressings of Just Because are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1988 and 1989.
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in US, Australia, Europe, Germany and more. One of them is Elektra 7-69327.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 7-69327, ED 5351, 7.69327, 969 321-7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SRC ST-E-69327A-1 1-1 and SRC ST-E-69327B-1 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.
