Vinyl pressings
by Sade · 1985
The Sweetest Taboo 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.
35 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 15 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.
A 6609 - A - 2 timtomRunout, side A, variant 1
A . 6609 . B1 TY ΛRunout, side B, variant 1
A . 6609-A-2 4 A timtomRunout, side A, variant 2
A . 6609 . B1 TY O ARunout, side B, variant 2
TA-6609-A2 timtomRunout A side, variant 1
TA 6609 B2 TYRunout B side, variant 1
TA-6609-A-2 timtom CRunout A side, variant 2
TA 6609 B2 TY CRunout B side, variant 2
A . 6609 - A - 2 B timtomA Side Runout
A . 6609 . B1 TY [TY other side up] ⋀B Side Runout
A6609 A*Side A label
A6609 B*Side B label
TA-6609-A2 timtom AVariant 1, Runout side A
TA 6609 B2 4 TY AVariant 1, Runout side B
TA-6609-A2 timtom AVariant 2, Runout side A
TA 6609 B2 4 TY D DVariant 2, Runout side B
ZSS-174792-1ASide A Runout Etched
ZSS-174793-1BSide B Runout Etched
Herbie Jr. (Smiley Face)Both Sides Runout Etched
Mastering by Frankford/Wayne New YorkBoth Sides Runout Stamped
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 | Epic ES 1094First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Australia | Epic ES 1094First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Australia | CBS ES12166First year12", Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Australia | Epic ES 12166First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Brazil | Epic 60.003First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Brazil | Epic 46.639First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
| 1985 | Canada | Portrait 37 05713First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Canada | Portrait 12CDN-233First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Europe | Epic EPCA 6609 / Epic A6609First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | Epic 663893 6First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1985 | Greece | Epic EPCA 12-6609First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | Ireland | Epic A 6609First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Italy | Epic EPC A 6609First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1985 | Jamaica | Columbia 37 -05713First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | New Zealand | Epic ES 1094First year7" | 7" |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | US | Epic TA 660912", Reissue, 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", Reissue, 33 ⅓ RPM |
38 vinyl pressings of The Sweetest Taboo are listed here, from 17 countries, released between 1985 and 2006.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, US, Europe, Japan and more. One of them is Epic A6609, released September 30, 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use A6609, TA 6609, 37 05713, 15-08467) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A 6609 - A - 2 timtom and A . 6609 . B1 TY Λ. 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.
