Vinyl pressings
by Noel · 1988
Like A Child was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 6 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.
BWAY -(scratched out)- 458-A 1-1 SRC HERbIE JR :<) IT'S HOT IN "88" "THAT BOY"Runout etched side A, (SRC logo) stamped, variant 1
BWAY-458-B 1-1 SRC HERbIE JR :<)Runout etched side B, (SRC logo) stamped, variant 1
BWAY-458-B 1-3 SRC HERbIE JR :<)Runout etched side B, stamped Variant 2
BWAY-458-A 1-2 SRC HERbIE JR :<) IT'S HOT IN "88" "THAT BOY"Runout etched side A, stamped Variant 3, (scratched out)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Canada | Island Records IS 1184First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1988 | Canada | Island Records 97071First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1988 | Germany | 4th & Broadway 609 908 / Island Records 609 908First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Japan | Polystar R15D 2114First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1988 | Japan | Polystar R15D 2114First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Philippines | Island Records DS-202First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | US | 4th & Broadway PRO 458First year12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1988 | US | 4th & Broadway BWAY 458First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1988 | US | 4th & Broadway BWAY 7458First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1988 | US | 4th & Broadway PRO-45812", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1988 | US | Not On Label UM 19First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided, White Label | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided, White Label |
| 1988 | Venezuela | Island Records ISLAND-7527First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
12 vinyl pressings of Like A Child are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in US, Canada, Germany, Japan and more. One of them is 4th & Broadway BWAY 458.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BWAY 458, BWAY 7458, UM 19, PRO 458) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BWAY -(scratched out)- 458-A 1-1 SRC HERbIE JR :<) IT'S HOT IN "88" "THAT BOY" and BWAY-458-B 1-1 SRC HERbIE JR :<). 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.
