Vinyl pressings
by France Gall · 1987
Babacar was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
4 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 3 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.
R/S Alsdorf 242096-1-A3 F <T>Runout, side A - variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 242096-1-B3 F <T>Runout, side B - variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 242096-1-A3 <T>Runout, side A - variant 2
R/S Alsdorf 242096-1-B3 F <T>Runout, side B - variant 2
R/S Alsdorf 242096-1-A3x 77Runout side A - variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 242096-1-B3 89Runout side B - variant 1
R/S Alsdort 242096-1-A3x 1Runout side A - variant 2
R/S Alsdort 242096-1-B3x F 18Runout side B - variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Canada | Apache 24 20961 / WEA 24 20961First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Canada | Apache W1 42096LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1987 | France | Apache 242 096-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1987 | France | Apache 242 096-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1987 | Greece | Apache 242 096-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Greece | Apache 242 096-1LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1988 | Germany | Apache 242 096-1 / WEA 242 096-1LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Greece | Apache 242 096-1 / WEA 242 096-1LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Spain | Apache 242 096-1LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | France | Apache 0190296759659 / Warner Music France 0190296759659LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl |
10 vinyl pressings of Babacar are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1987 and 2023.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in France, Canada, Greece. One of them is Apache 242 096-1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 242 096-1, 24 20961) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, R/S Alsdorf 242096-1-A3 F <T> and R/S Alsdorf 242096-1-B3 F <T>. 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.
