UK
August 15, 1981- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 434
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
VS.434.A2Side A, etched
VS.434.B3 TOWNHOUSESide B, etched and stamped
Vinyl pressings
Love Song
by Simple Minds · 1981
18 pressings6 countriesPop RockSynth-popElectronicRock
Love Song was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Love Song
16 pressings came out in 1981, 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.
UK
August 15, 1981- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 434·12
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single · EMI Pressing
- Runout / matrix
VS.434.12.A-2 ARUNSide A runout, etched variant 1
VS 43412 B-3U-1-2- :: :Side B runout, stamped variant 1
VS.434-12.A2 ARUNSide A runout, etched variant 2
c1 -iciSide A runout, stamped (hard to make out) variant 2
UK
August 15, 1981- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 434·12
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single · CBS Pressing
- Runout / matrix
VS.434.12.A-2 ARUN ⋀Side A runout, variant 1
VS-434.12-B-2Side B runout, variant 1
VS.434.12.A-2 ARUN ⋀ CSide A runout, variant 2
VS-434.12-B-2 C BSide B runout, variant 2
UK
August 15, 1981- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 434 12
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
VS 434 •12 A3 TOWNHOUSEA runout etched, except "TOWNHOUSE" stamped, variant 1
VS 434 • 12 B2B runout etched, variant 1
VS 434 •12 A3 TOWNHOUSEA runout etched, except "TOWNHOUSE" stamped, variant 2
VS 434 • 12 B 1B runout etched, variant 2
UK
August 15, 1981- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 434
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
VS.434.A-1 ⋀ ARUNSide A runout (variant 1)
VS.434.B.2 ⋀Side B runout (variant 1)
VS.434.A.2 3 ⋀ ARUNSide A runout (variant 2)
VS.434.B.2 3 ⋀Side B runout (variant 2)
UK
August 15, 1981- Label and catalog number
- Virgin VS 434
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
VS 434 A-3U-1-1-1XSide A, stamped runout
VS 434 B-3U-1-1-X1Side B, stamped runout
A PORKY PRIME CUT.Side A, hand-etched runout
PECKOSide B, hand-etched runout
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 18 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s18 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Australia | Virgin VS 434·12 / Virgin VS 43412First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Australia | Virgin VS 434First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1981 | Australia | Virgin VS 434First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Australia | Virgin VS 434·12 / Virgin VS 43412First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Canada | Virgin VSX 1135First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Canada | Virgin VS 1135First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1981 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 434.12First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Virgin VS 434First year7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label |
| 1981 | UK | Virgin VS 434First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Virgin VS 434·12First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Virgin VS 434·12First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Virgin VS 434 12First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | UK | Virgin VS 434First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1981 | UK | Virgin VS 434First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Virgin VS 434First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Tracklist
- ALove Song3:54
- BThis Earth That You Walk Upon4:15
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Love Song are there?
18 vinyl pressings of Love Song are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1981 and 1985.
When was Love Song first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand. One of them is Virgin VS 434, released August 15, 1981.
How do I tell if my copy of Love Song is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 434, VS 434·12, VS 434 12, VSX 1135) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS.434.A2 and VS.434.B3 TOWNHOUSE. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Love Song on vinyl worth?
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.
