Vinyl pressings
by Philip Oakey · 1985
Be My Lover Now was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. 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 1985, 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.
D VS 80012 A-2U-1-1-X1 TOWNHOUSE =)Runout side A, variant 1
D VS 80012 B-2U-1-1-Runout side B, variant 1
VS 80012 A-2U-1-2-x1 D TOWNHOUSE =)Runout side A, variant 2
VS 80012 B-1U -1-1-1 DRunout side B, variant 2
VS 800 A-2 U-1-2--X1Stamped side A
VS 800 B-2 U-1-2--X1Stamped side B
VS800ALabel side A
VS800BLabel side B
TOWNHOUSE VS 800 A-2 U-1-2--X1 DRunout side A
VS 800 B-2 U-1-2-X1 DRunout side B
VS80012ARun-out Side A etched
VS80012BRun-out Side B etched
5012980080069Scanned
DM 602021 A-1/85S IStamped Side A
DM 602021 B-1/85S IStamped 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin VS800-12 / Virgin VS-80012First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Europe | Virgin 602 021First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Europe | Virgin 107 628 / Virgin 107 628-100First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Ireland | Virgin VS800First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Spain | Virgin VP 014 / Virgin VP-014First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin VS800First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin VS800First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | UK | Virgin VS800-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | UK | Virgin VS800First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | UK | Virgin VS800First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of Be My Lover Now are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, Australia, Europe, Ireland and more. One of them is Virgin VS800-12, released August 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS800-12, VS800, 602 021, 107 628) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, D VS 80012 A-2U-1-1-X1 TOWNHOUSE =) and D VS 80012 B-2U-1-1-. 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.
