Vinyl pressings
by Karyn White · 1991
Romantic was first pressed on vinyl in 1991. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1991, 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.
W0028(T)-A-1 1 BC ESide A runout
W0028(T)-B-1 1 W4544 BC ESide B runout
W 0028 (T) ASide A label
W 0028 (T) BSide B label
0-40069 A SR1 1-1 STERLING [SRC logo]Side A runout
0 40069 B DMM SR2 1-1 STERLINGSide B runout
[SRC logo]Runout Both Sides, Stamped
7-19319-A-SR1 1-1 SRC(logo)Runout A, etched
7-19319-B-SR1 1-1 SRC(logo)Runout B, etched
PRO A1 4939 SR2 DMM 1-1 STERLINGRun-out A-side [etched]
PRO A2 4939 SR1 1-1Run-out B-side [etched]
PRO A4 4939 SR1Run-out C-side [etched]
PRO A3 4939 SR1Run-out D-side [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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Europe | Warner Bros. Records 9362 40179-0First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1991 | Europe | Warner Bros. Records 5439-19172-7 / Warner Bros. Records WOO 28First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | Europe | Warner Bros. Records WOO 28 / Warner Bros. Records 5439-19172-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | Philippines | Warner Bros. Records DS-320 / Warner Bros. Records 0-40069First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1991 | UK | Warner Bros. Records SAM 851First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | US | Warner Bros. Records 0-40069First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1991 | US | Warner Bros. Records PRO-A-4939First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | US | Warner Bros. Records 7-19319First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1991 | US | Warner Bros. Records PRO-A-4800First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W0028T / Warner Bros. Records 9362-40179-0First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1991 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W0028 / Warner Bros. Records 5439-19172-7First year7" | 7" |
11 vinyl pressings of Romantic are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1991, in UK, US, Europe, Philippines. One of them is Warner Bros. Records W0028T, released August 5, 1991.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use W0028T, W0028, SAM 851, 0-40069) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, W0028(T)-A-1 1 BC E and W0028(T)-B-1 1 W4544 BC E. 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.
