Vinyl pressings
by The Kane Gang · 1987
Motortown was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
18 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 9 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.
SK 30 A // 3 ∇ 420 C 1 1 TY1Runout stamped side A
SK 30 B // 1 ∇ 420 T 1 6Runout stamped side B
ZPMSC 11207Label matrix, A-side
ZPMSC 11208Label matrix, B-side
SKX 30 A // 1 ▽ 420 T POUNDA TA1PESide A, runout
SKX 30 B // 1 ▽ 420 TSide B, runout
ZPMSC 11209Side A, label
ZPMSC 11222Side B, label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Australia | London Records 886 171-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Australia | London Records 886171-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Canada | London Records LDS 239First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Canada | London Records DJL 248First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mini-Album, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mini-Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Europe | London Records 886 171-1First year12", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1987 | Germany | Metronome 886 171-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Germany | Metronome 886 171-1 / Kitchenware Records 886 171-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Italy | Metronome 886 171-1 / Kitchenware Records 886 171-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Italy | London Records 886 171-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Italy | London Records 886 171-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Japan | London Records L13P 7134 / Kitchenware Records L13P 7134First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Netherlands | Kitchenware Records 886 171-7 / London Records 886 171-7First year7" | 7" |
| 1987 | UK | Kitchenware Records SKX30 / Kitchenware Records SKX 30First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | UK | Kitchenware Records SKX 30First year12", Promo, Single · Promo | 12", Promo, Single · Promo |
| 1987 | US | Capitol Records V-15329First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
18 vinyl pressings of Motortown are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in UK, US, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Kitchenware Records SK30, released July 1, 1987.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SK30, SKX30, SKX 30, V-15329) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SK 30 A // 3 ∇ 420 C 1 1 TY1 and SK 30 B // 1 ∇ 420 T 1 6. 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.
