Vinyl pressings
by Neil Young · 1973
Only Love Can Break Your Heart 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.
3 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year. 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.
WEA 14 227-A PF Manufactured in GermanyRunout A
WEA 14 227-B Manufactured in GermanyRunout B
14 227 ASide A label
14 227 BSide B label
WEA 14 227-A PF Manufactured in GermanyRunout A, etched / stamped
WEA 14 227-B Manufactured in GermanyRunout B, etched / stamped
14 227 ASide A label
14 227 BSide B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Germany | Reprise Records REP 14 227 / Reprise Records REP 0746First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1973 | Germany | Reprise Records REP 14 227 / Reprise Records REP 0746First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1973 | Germany | Reprise Records REP 14 227 / Reprise Records REP 07467", 45 RPM, Single, Repress, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress, Stereo |
| 1973 | Germany | Reprise Records REP 14 227 / Reprise Records REP 0746First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | US | Reprise Records GRE 07467", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| 1985 | US | Reprise Records GRE 07467", 45 RPM, Single, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | Reprise Records GS 451867", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| ? | Canada | Reprise Records GS 451867", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| ? | Canada | Reprise Records REP 07467", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | US | Reprise Records GRE 07467", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | US | Reprise Records 07467", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | US | Reprise Records GRE 07467", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
12 vinyl pressings of Only Love Can Break Your Heart are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1973 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in Germany. One of them is Reprise Records REP 14 227.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use REP 14 227) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, WEA 14 227-A PF Manufactured in Germany and WEA 14 227-B Manufactured in Germany. 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.
