Vinyl pressings
by Suzi Quatro · 1976
Tear Me Apart was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
4 pressings came out in 1976, the album's first year, in 3 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.
YRAK 248 A-2URunout, A-side, stamped, variant 1
YRAK 248 B-4Runout, B-side, stamped, variant 1
YRAK 248 A-2U 1 HRunout, A-side, stamped, variant 2
YRAK 248 B-4 1 G ORunout, B-side, stamped, variant 2
YRAK 248 A-2URunout, A-side, stamped
YRAK 248 B-4Runout, B-side, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Ireland | RAK RAK 248First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1976 | South Africa | RAK RAKJ 1047First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1976 | UK | RAK RAK 248First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1976 | UK | RAK RAK 248First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | France | RAK 2 C006-98687 / RAK 2C 006 - 98.6877", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | Spain | RAK 10 C 006-98687 / RAK 10 C 006-98.6877", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | Yugoslavia | Jugoton SRAK 88939 / RAK RAK 2487", Single | 7", Single |
| 1977 | Australia | RAK RAK 113567", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | Australia | RAK RAK-113567", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | New Zealand | RAK RAK 9027", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
10 vinyl pressings of Tear Me Apart are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1976 and 1977.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in UK, Ireland, South Africa. One of them is RAK RAK 248.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use RAK 248, RAKJ 1047) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, YRAK 248 A-2U and YRAK 248 B-4. 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.
