Vinyl pressings
by Atlantic Starr · 1985
Secret Lovers / Thank You was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
24 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 16 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.
A&M-AM - 02788 - A RCA 2 [Flower Symbol] A 3Runout, etched side A, variant 1
A&M-AM - 02788 - B RCA 2 ~ ~ A 3Runout, etched side B, variant 1
A&M-AM - 02788 - A RCA 2 [Flower Symbol] I A1Runout, etched side A, variant 2
A&M-AM - 02788 - B RCA 1 ~ ~ I A 3Runout, etched side B, variant 2
AM 02788-A C4 G1 A6Runout side A, etched
A&M-AM-02788-B C2 ~~ GRunout side B, etched
AM-02788-ALabel Side A
AM-02788-BLabel Side B
AM307A//2▽420T 13 1Stamped Runout, Side A
AM 307 B//1▽420 T 11 25Stamped Runout, Side B
TEZ I ♥ U SLiMEHand Etched Runout, Side A
JAHand Etched Runout, Side B
AMY 307 A//1▽420 T 11 11Runout stamped side A
JA ♥ JOYCIERunout etched side A
AMY 307 B//2▽420 T 1 1 1Runout stamped side B
AM307 A // 2∇420 TStamped Side A
AM307 B // 1∇420 TStamped 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Australia | A&M Records K-9950First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | Australia | A&M Records X 13256First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Barbados | A&M Records AM-2788First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Brazil | A&M Records 47.093First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo, Mono · Mono | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
| 1985 | Canada | A&M Records AM-2788First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Costa Rica | A&M Records 7065098First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | France | A&M Records 392 074-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | Germany | A&M Records 392 074-1First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Greece | A&M Records 392 074-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, White Label |
| 1985 | Ireland | A&M Records AM 307First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Jamaica | A&M Records AM-2788First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Mexico | A&M Records AM-42106First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | New Zealand | A&M Records K 9950First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Philippines | A&M Records AM-86-033 / A&M Records AM-2788First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Portugal | A&M Records 390 074-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
29 vinyl pressings of Secret Lovers / Thank You are listed here, from 18 countries, released between 1985 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in US, UK, Australia, Barbados and more. One of them is A&M Records AM-2788.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AM-2788, AM 2788, AM 307, AMY 307) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A&M-AM - 02788 - A RCA 2 [Flower Symbol] A 3 and A&M-AM - 02788 - B RCA 2 ~ ~ A 3. 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.
