Vinyl pressings
by Lime · 1985
Unexpected Lovers was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 12 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.
MLP-013-A ¢/d DM-3Run-outs A-side [etched]
MLP-013-B MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK ¢/d DM-3Run-outs B-side
MLP-013-B ¢/d DM-3B-side [etched]
MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORKB-side [machine-stamped]
ELA-△ 27029 TLP-1220-A ❀
ELA-△ 27029x TLP-1220-B ⁀⁀︵︵
160 825 994 1 // 1 380 POLIGRAMA-side runout groove
160 825 994 1 // 2 380 POLIGRAMB-side runout groove
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Brazil | Polydor 825 994-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Canada | Matra MLP-013First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Colombia | Polydor 8259941First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | France | Polydor 825 994-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | Polydor 825 994-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Mexico | Musart EDI 60776First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Netherlands | Polydor 825 994-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Portugal | Polydor 825 994-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Spain | Polydor 825 994-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | US | TSR Records TLP1220First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Venezuela | Polydor 30.528 / Polydor 825.994-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Japan | Mercury 25PP-174First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Japan | Mercury 25PP-174First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
13 vinyl pressings of Unexpected Lovers are listed here, from 12 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in Canada, US, Japan, Brazil and more. One of them is Matra MLP-013.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MLP-013, TLP1220, 25PP-174, 825 994-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MLP-013-A ¢/d DM-3 and MLP-013-B MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK ¢/d DM-3. 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.
