Vinyl pressings
by G.G. Anderson · 1980
African Baby was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1980, 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.
102542 A-1/80S Made in GermanyRunout side A, variant 1
102542 B-1/80S Made in GermanyRunout side B, variant 1
102542 A-1/80SRunout side A, variant 2
102542 B-1/80S Made in GermanyRunout side B, variant 2
102542 A-1/80S Made in GermanyA runout, stamped
102542 B-1/80S Made in GermanyB runout, stamped
S 102 542 AA label
S 102 542 BB 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Australia | RCA Victor 103801First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Europe | Hansa International 102 542 / Hansa International 102 542-100First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Germany | Hansa International 102 542 / Hansa International 102 542-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | Hansa International 102 542 / Hansa International 102 542-100First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Germany | Hansa International 102 542 / Hansa International 102 542-100First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Hansa International 102 542 / Hansa International 102 542-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | Kenya | Polydor 2002 0687", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | France | Philips 811 374-77", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | France | Philips 811 374-77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Spain | Hispavox 549 030 / Hansa 549 03012", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
10 vinyl pressings of African Baby are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1980 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Europe. One of them is Hansa International 102 542, released October 1980.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 102 542, 103801) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 102542 A-1/80S Made in Germany and 102542 B-1/80S Made in Germany. 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.
