Europe
1989- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 390 462-1
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
390 462-1 S1 320 1 ARunout A, stamped
390 462-1 S2 320 1 B IIRunout B, stamped
Arthur Baker And The Backbeat DisciplesThe Message Is Love
Vinyl pressings
The Message Is Love
by Arthur Baker And The Backbeat Disciples · 1989
13 pressings5 countriesHouseSoulElectronicFunk / Soul
The Message Is Love 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 Message Is Love
13 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.
Europe
1989- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 390 462-7A&M Records 390462-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
390 462-7 S1 320Runout side A, variant 1, stamped
390 462-7 S2 320Runout side B, variant 1, stamped
390 462-7 S1 320 1 ARunout side A, variant 2, stamped
390 462-7 S2 320 1 ARunout side B, variant 2, stamped
Europe
1989- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 390462-7A&M Records 390 462-7
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
3904627 A PDO A3A runout
3904267 B PDO A1B runout, A1 etched by hand
UK
1989- Label and catalog number
- Breakout usat 668
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
UK
1989- Label and catalog number
- Breakout USA 668A&M Records USA 668
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Silver Injection Labels
- Runout / matrix
USA 668 A-1U-1-Q2 JASide A runout stamped
USA 668 B-1U-1-Q2Side B runout stamped
UK
1989- Label and catalog number
- Breakout usatdj 668
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, White Label
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 13 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s13 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Australasia | A&M Records 390462-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | Australia | A&M Records 390 462-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Europe | A&M Records 390 462-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | Europe | A&M Records 390 462-7 / A&M Records 390462-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Europe | A&M Records 390462-7 / A&M Records 390 462-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | Breakout usat 668First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | Breakout usatdj 668First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | Breakout USA 668 / A&M Records USA 668First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | UK | Breakout usatdj 668First year12", Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | Breakout usatdj 668First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, White Label | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, White Label |
| 1989 | US | A&M Records SP-12323First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1989 | US | A&M Records SP-12323First year12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1989 | US | A&M Records AM-1474First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
Tracklist
- A1The Message Is Love (Cupid Mix)7:06
- A2The Message Is Love (7" Mix)4:38
- BThe Message Is Club7:55
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Message Is Love are there?
13 vinyl pressings of The Message Is Love are listed here, from 5 countries.
When was The Message Is Love first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in Europe, UK, US, Australasia and more. One of them is A&M Records 390 462-1.
How do I tell if my copy of The Message Is Love is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 390 462-1, 390 462-7, 390462-7, usat 668) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 390 462-1 S1 320 1 A and 390 462-1 S2 320 1 B II. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Message Is Love 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.