Vinyl pressings
by Skyy · 1980
Superlove was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. 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 1980, 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.
S7-2136-A-1 ✡ STERLING ΛIRunout side A, etched, except [✡ STERLING ΛI] stamped
S7-2136-B-1 STERLING I ΛIRunout side A, etched, except [STERLING I ΛI] stamped
S7 2136 ALabel side-A
S7 2136 BLabel side-B
STERLING I A1 A SG-344-A-1A-Side Runout Etching
✩ STERLING I A1 B SG-344-B-1B-Side Runout Etching
SG 344 AA-Side Label
SG 344 BB-Side Label
EXCL 507-AVariant 1, runout side A
EXCL 507-BVariant 1, runout side B
EXCL 507 A1 ◊ Tone [Something crossed out]Variant 2, runout side A
EXCL 507 AA2 ◊ ToneVariant 2, runout side B
EXCL 507 A1 ◊ ToneA side, etched
EXCL 507 AA2 ◊ ToneB side, etched
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | El Salvador | Dicesa CA -11143First year7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1980 | Germany | Salsoul Records XC 2426First year12" | 12" |
| 1980 | Germany | Salsoul Records XB 24 25First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Panama | Padisco P-601First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Excaliber Records Ltd. EXCL 507First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1980 | UK | Excaliber Records Ltd. EXC 507 / Salsoul Records EXC 507First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1980 | UK | Excaliber Records Ltd. EXCL 507First year12", Single, White Label, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, White Label, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | US | Salsoul Records SG 344 (DJ)First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1980 | US | Salsoul Records S7 2136First year7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1980 | US | Salsoul Records S7 2136 DJFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
10 vinyl pressings of Superlove are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in US, UK, El Salvador, Germany and more. One of them is Salsoul Records S7 2136.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use S7 2136, SG 344 (DJ), S7 2136 DJ, EXCL 507) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, S7-2136-A-1 ✡ STERLING ΛI and S7-2136-B-1 STERLING I ΛI. 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.
