Vinyl pressings
by Luther Vandross · 1992
The Best Things In Life Are Free was first pressed on vinyl in 1992. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
14 pressings came out in 1992, the album's first year, in 5 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.
DFI 92 6 PERT 7400 A2This Side - variant 1
DFI 92 6 PERT 7400 BThat Side - variant 1
DFI 92 7 PERT 7400 A COPYMASTERS. MILESEEThis Side runout stamped / etched - variant 2
DFI 92 6 PERT 7400 BThat Side runout stamped - variant 2
DFI 92 7 PERT 7400 A2 COPYMASTERS. MILESEE.Runout This Side
DFI 92 6 PERT 7400 BRunout That Side
DFI 92 7 PERSS 7400 A2Runout side A, stamped [SS etched], variant 1
DFI 92 6 PESS 7400 BRunout side B, stamped, variant 1
̷D̷F̷I̷ 92 7 PERSS 7400 A2 ⨂Runout side A, stamped [SS etched], variant 2
̷D̷F̷I̷ 92 6 PERSS 7400 B ⨂Runout side B, stamped [R etched], variant 2
DFI 92 6 PESS 7400 A2Side A
DFI 92 PESS 7400 BSide B
28968-0010-7-A SP-2A Side Runout
28968 0010 7AA Side Label
28968 0010 7BB Side Label
28968 0010 7-B SP-2B Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Europe | A&M Records 390 875-1 / A&M Records PERT 7400First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1992 | Europe | A&M Records 390 875-7 / Perspective Records 390 875-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | Philippines | A&M Records A&M pro-101First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1992 | UK | A&M PM PERDJ 7400 / A&M Records PERDJ 7400First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1992 | UK | Perspective Records Perss 7400First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | UK | A&M Records PRESS 7400First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1992 | UK & Europe | Perspective Records PERT 7400 / Perspective Records 587 400-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP |
| 1992 | US | Perspective Records 31458 7406 1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1992 | US | Perspective Records 31458 8003 1First year12", Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1992 | US | Perspective Records 28968 1717 1First year12", Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1992 | US | Perspective Records 28968 1717 1First year12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1992 | US | Perspective Records 28968 0010 7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1992 | US | Perspective Records 31458 8003 112", Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1992 | UK | Perspective Records PERSS 7400 / Perspective Records 587 400-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | UK & Europe | Perspective Records PERT 7400 / Perspective Records 587 400-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Unknown | Not On Label (Luther Vandross) DEEZEE 001 / Not On Label (Janet Jackson) DEEZEE 00112", Unofficial Release · Unofficial | 12", Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| 2004 | Unknown | Not On Label (Luther Vandross) TBTFREE / Not On Label (Janet Jackson) TBTFREE12", Single Sided, Unofficial Release, White Label · Unofficial | 12", Single Sided, Unofficial Release, White Label · Unofficial |
27 vinyl pressings of The Best Things In Life Are Free are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1992 and 2004.
The earliest pressings are from 1992, in UK & Europe, UK, US, Europe and more. One of them is Perspective Records PERT 7400, released August 3, 1992.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PERT 7400, PERSS 7400, Perss 7400, 31458 7406 1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DFI 92 6 PERT 7400 A2 and DFI 92 6 PERT 7400 B. 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.
