Vinyl pressings
by Rick James · 1985
Glow 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.
27 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 8 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.
4539-GMGA-67317-15A ZEG 13 DOFQ STERLINGRunout A side, variant 1
4539-GMGB-67318-15A ZEG #13 DOFQ ✩ STERLINGRunout B side, variant 1
4539 G̶M̶ GA-67317-15B ZEG #13 DOFQ ✩STERLINGRunout A side, variant 2
4539 G̶M̶ GB-67318-15A ZEG #13 DOFQ ✩ STERLINGRunout B side, variant 2
1796-GA-67259-15B PU #8 ⛥ STERLINGSide A Runout
67259Side A Label
67319Side B Label
GF B 1796-GB-67319-15B PU #8 STERLING
4539-GM̶GA-67317-15A ZEGSide One, etched (M is scratched out)
4539-GM̶GB-67318-15A ZEGSide Two, etched (M is scratched out)
STERLINGStamped on both sides
67317Side One
4539-GMGA-67317-15A ZEG 13 DOFQ STERLINGSide One runout
4539-GMGB-67318-15A ZEG #13 DOFQ *STERLINGSide Two runout
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 | Canada | Gordy MD 4539First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Canada | Gordy G 1796XFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Ecuador | Motown 112-0613First year7", Single, Stereo | 7", Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Ecuador | Motown 112-0613First year7", Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1985 | El Salvador | Motown MTN 015First year7" | 7" |
| 1985 | Europe | Gordy ZT 40224First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Europe | Gordy ZB 40223First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Europe | Gordy ZT-40224First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Germany | Gordy ZB 40223First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Germany | Gordy ZT-40224First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | UK | Gordy ZT 40224First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | UK | Gordy ZB 40223 DJ / Gordy ZB 40223First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | UK | Gordy ZT 40224First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | US | Gordy 4539GGFirst year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1985 | US | Gordy 1796 GF / Gordy 1796GFFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | US | Gordy 4539GG12", Reissue | 12", Reissue |
28 vinyl pressings of Glow are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1985 and 2005.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in US, UK, Japan, Canada and more. One of them is Gordy 4539GG.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4539GG, 1796 GF, 1796GF, ZT 40224) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 4539-GMGA-67317-15A ZEG 13 DOFQ STERLING and 4539-GMGB-67318-15A ZEG #13 DOFQ ✩ STERLING. 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.
