Vinyl pressings
by Ashford & Simpson · 1986
Real Love was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. 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 1986, the album's first year, in 9 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.
ST-1-12469-Z1-DMM 1-4 Sterling SoundRunout side A, variant 1
ST-2-12469-Z1-DMM 1-2 Sterling SoundRunout side B, variant 1
ST-1-12469-Z1-DMM Sterling SoundRunout side A, variant 2
ST-2-12469-Z1-DMM Sterling SoundRunout side B, variant 2
ST-1-12469-Z1-DMM 1-5 SPAR Sterling Sound 0- ∆13891 B-24961A side runout
ST-2-12469-Z1-DMM SPAR Sterling Sound 0- ∆13891-X 2-3 B24962B side runout
ST-1-12469A side label
ST-2-12469B side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Argentina | Capitol Records 81 2405931 / 58454First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Canada | Capitol Records ST-12469First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Europe | Capitol Records 1A 064-24 0593 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Italy | Capitol Records 64 2405931First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Japan | Capitol Records ECS-81768First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Portugal | Valentim De Carvalho 2405931First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Spain | Capitol Records 066-2405931First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | UK | Capitol Records EST 2019 / Capitol Records 24 0593 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | US | Capitol Records ST-12469First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | US | Capitol Records ST-12469First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
10 vinyl pressings of Real Love are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in US, UK, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Capitol Records ST-12469.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ST-12469, EST 2019, 1A 064-24 0593 1, 64 2405931) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ST-1-12469-Z1-DMM 1-4 Sterling Sound and ST-2-12469-Z1-DMM 1-2 Sterling Sound. 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.
