Vinyl pressings
by Patrick Boothe · 1982
Never Knew Love Like This Before was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 4 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.
STRA 13 2596 A-3 NOEL 7 MORGAN'S MASTER MIXEtched A side runout
STRA 13 2596 B-3 ∴Etched B side runout
STR A 13 2596 A*Label A side
STR A 13 2596 B*Label B side
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Canada | Columbia 44-03206 / Streetwave 44-03206First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1982 | South Africa | CBS SSC 5364First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Streetwave STR A 13 2596First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1982 | UK | Streetwave STR A 13-2596First year12", White Label, 45 RPM | 12", White Label, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | UK | Streetwave STR A2596First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | UK | Streetwave STR A2596First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | US | Columbia 44-03206 / Streetwave 44-03206First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1982 | US | Columbia 38-03207 / Streetwave 38-03207First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Styrene, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Styrene, Stereo · Promo |
| 1982 | US | Columbia 38-03207 / Streetwave 38-03207First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | US | Columbia 44-03206 / Streetwave 44-03206First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
10 vinyl pressings of Never Knew Love Like This Before are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, US, Canada, South Africa. One of them is Streetwave STR A 13 2596.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use STR A 13 2596, STR A 13-2596, STR A2596, 38-03207) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, STRA 13 2596 A-3 NOEL 7 MORGAN'S MASTER MIX and STRA 13 2596 B-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.
