Vinyl pressings
by Donnie Iris · 1981
Love Is Like A Rock was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 4 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.
MC-12034-W1 MCA SH 回-G-回Etched Side A, Except 回-G-回 stamped
MC-10858-W2 回-G-回Etched Side B, Except 回-G-回 stamped
MC 12034A-side label
MC 10858B-side label
MC 12034A-side label
MC 10858B-side label
MC 12034A-side label
MC 12034B-side label
(MC 12034)labels (both sides)
MCA-763-A1 JA TAPE ONESide A runout, etched
MCA-763-B1 JA TAPE ONESide B runout, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-51223 / Carousel Records MCA-51223First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | New Zealand | MCA Records MCA-51223First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | MCA Records MCA 763First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1981 | US | MCA Records MCA-51223 / Carousel Records MCA-51223First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | US | MCA Records MCA-51223 / Carousel Records MCA-51223First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | US | MCA Records MCA-51223 / Carousel Records MCA-51223First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | US | MCA Records MCA-51223 / Carousel Records MCA-51223First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | US | MCA Records MCA-51223First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1982 | Australia | MCA Records MCA 16867", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Europe | MCA Records 103 913 - 1007", Single | 7", Single |
| 1982 | Netherlands | MCA Records 103.9137", Single | 7", Single |
11 vinyl pressings of Love Is Like A Rock are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1981 and 1982.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in US, UK, Canada, New Zealand. One of them is MCA Records MCA-51223.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA-51223, MCA 763) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MC-12034-W1 MCA SH 回-G-回 and MC-10858-W2 回-G-回. 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.
