Vinyl pressings
by Kate Bush · 1989
The Sensual World was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
15 pressings came out in 1989, the album's first year, in 8 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.
EM 102 A-1Runout Side A, Variant 1
EM 102 B-1Runout Side B, Variant 1
EM 102 A-1U-1-2 TOWNHOUSE DMM DRunout Side A, Variant 2
EM 102 B-1U-1- TOWNHOUSE DMM .Φ. DRunout Side B, Variant 2
EM 102 A-1U-1-2 TOWNHOUSE DMMVariant 1, runout side A
EM 102 B-1U-1-1 TOWNHOUSE DMMVariant 1, runout side B
EM 102 A-2U ̶1̶ -1-1 TOWNHOUSEVariant 2, runout side A
EM 102 B-2U-1- 1 TOWNHOUSEVariant 2, runout side B
12 EM 102 A-1-1-1Variant 1 runout, side A – hand etched, "102" appears to be "103"
Penthouse 12EM 102 B-3-1-1Variant 1 runout, side B – stamped
12 EM 102 A-1-1-1Variant 2 runout, side A – hand etched, "102" appears to be "103"
12EM 102 B-2-1-1 PenthouseVariant 2 runout, side B – stamped
EM 102 A-2J-1- Q3Runout side A, stamped
EM 102 B-2J-1- Q2Runout side B, stamped
12 EM 102 A-1-1-1 (Handwritten)A Side
12 EM 102 B-1U-1- (Machine Stamped)B Side
2034947-A1Runout side A, stamped, variation 1
2034947-B1Runout side B, stamped, variation 1
2034947-A2Runout side A, stamped, variation 2
2034947-B1Runout side B, stamped, variation 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Australia | EMI EMI 2295First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1989 | Canada | Capitol Records B 73098 / EMI B-73098First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Europe | EMI K 060 20 3494 6 / EMI 20 3494 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | France | EMI 2034947First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1989 | France | EMI 20 3494 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1989 | France | EMI 20 3494 612", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1989 | Italy | EMI 14 2034946First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | Japan | EMI PRP-1423First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | South Africa | EMI PS 114 AFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single Sided | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided |
| 1989 | UK | EMI 12EM 102 / EMI 2034946First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Special Cut | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Special Cut |
| 1989 | UK | EMI 12 EM 102First year12", Single, Promo, Special Cut · Promo | 12", Single, Promo, Special Cut · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | EMI EM 102 / EMI 2034947First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | UK | EMI EM 102First year7", 45 RPM, White Label, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, White Label, Stereo |
| 1989 | Europe | EMI 006-20 3494 7 / EMI Electrola 006 20 3494 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | Italy | EMI 06 2034947First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Poland | Art & Muzyka ARM ‒ 22100 ‒ 1Flexi-disc, 5½", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Card Backed, Limited Edition, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Limited | Flexi-disc, 5½", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Card Backed, Limited Edition, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Limited |
17 vinyl pressings of The Sensual World are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in UK, Europe, Italy, Australia and more. One of them is EMI EM 102, released August 30, 1989.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EM 102, 12EM 102, 12 EM 102, 006-20 3494 7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EM 102 A-1 and EM 102 B-1. 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.
