Vinyl pressings
by Love Unlimited Orchestra · 1973
Love's Theme was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
19 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 9 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.
T1 M-2069-AS-2A side etchings, Variant 1
T1 M-2069-BS-1B side etchings, Variant 1
M-2069-AS-2 TIIIIA side etchings, Variant 2
M-2069-BS-2 TIIB side etchings, Variant 2
SI M-2069-AS IASide A Runout
SI2 M-2069-BS RE-1 IASide B Runout
M-2069-ASSide A Label
M-2069-BSSide B Label
M-2069-AS [P]A side runout, etched, [stamped]
M-2069-BS X [P]B side runout, etched, [stamped]
M-2069-ASA side label matrix
M-2069-BSB side label matrix
M-2069-AS REA side runout, etched, [stamped]
M-2069-RE BSB side runout, etched, [stamped]
M-2069-ASA side label matrix
M-2069-BSB side label matrix
M-2069-ASA side label
M-2069-BSB side label
7N 25635 A-1ΔGRunout side A
7N 25635 B-2ΔGRunout side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Australia | 20th Century Records K-5385First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | Canada | 20th Century Records 1209-2069First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Greece | Philips 6162 009First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | Mexico | Gamma 1294First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Netherlands | Philips 6162 009First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | New Zealand | Interfusion K 5385First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | UK | Pye International 7N 25635First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | UK | Pye International 7N.25635First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | UK | Pye International 7N 25635First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1973 | UK | Pye International 7N.25635First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | UK | Pye International 7N 25635First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1973 | UK | Pye International 7N 25635First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | UK | Pye International 7N.25635First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Jamaica | 20th Century Records TC-2069First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | US | 20th Century Records TC-2069First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Panama | Fonodiscos TC-19357", Single | 7", Single |
25 vinyl pressings of Love's Theme are listed here, from 14 countries, released between 1973 and 1975.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, UK, Jamaica, Australia and more. One of them is 20th Century Records TC-2069, released November 1973.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use TC-2069, 7N 25635, 7N.25635, K-5385) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, T1 M-2069-AS-2 and T1 M-2069-BS-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.
