Vinyl pressings
by The J. Geils Band · 1980
Love Stinks 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.
16 pressings came out in 1980, 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.
S-45-500205-A-Z-3 #2 —◁ MCR JoeSide A Runout, etched
S-45-500208-Z-3 #3 —◁ MCR JoeSide B Runout, etched
S-500205-ASide A Label
S-500208Side B Label
8039 S·45·500205·A-Z-1 MCR Joe 0Runout side A
8039 S·45·500208·Z-1 MCR Joe 0Runout side B
S500205ALabel side A
S500208Label side B
S • 45 - 500205- A- Z- 5 • ✲✲ MCR JoeRunout A side, etched (✲ stamped)
S • 45 • 500208 • Z - 5 • 2 [Tilted] ✲✲ MCR JoeRunout B side, etched (✲ stamped)
S-45-500205-A-Z-3 #3 —◁ MCR JoeSide A Runout, etched
S-45-500208-Z-3 #4 —◁ MCR JoeSide B Runout, etched
S-500205-ASide A Label
S4500208Side B Label
SPRO-9354 · Z -1· MCR 𝒥𝑜𝑒 ✲ ✲ 1Run-out both sides, etched (✲ 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Australia | EMI America AMI-294First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Canada | EMI America 8039First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Germany | EMI America 1C 006-86 156 / EMI Electrola 1C 006-86 156First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Germany | EMI Electrola 86156First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | Ireland | EMI America EA 141First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Japan | EMI America EYS-17012First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Japan | EMI America EYS-17012First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | New Zealand | EMI America F 8039First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | EMI America EA 111First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | UK | EMI America EA 111First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | US | EMI America 8039First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | US | EMI America 8039First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | US | EMI America SPRO 9395 / EMI America SPRO 9396First year12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1980 | US | EMI America SPRO 93547", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1980 | US | EMI America 8039First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
19 vinyl pressings of Love Stinks are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1980 and 1982.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is EMI America 8039.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 8039, P-8039, SPRO 9395, EA 111) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, S-45-500205-A-Z-3 #2 —◁ MCR Joe and S-45-500208-Z-3 #3 —◁ MCR Joe. 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.
