Vinyl pressings
by The O'Jays · 1972
Back Stabbers was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
26 pressings came out in 1972, the album's first year, in 17 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.
Phila Int'l ZS7 3517-3 3A MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE PHILA.Runout A
Phila Int'l ZS7 3517-4 2A F/WRunout B
ZS7 3517-3Label A
ZS7 3517-4Label B
Phila Int'l ZS7-3517-3 5C [within a circle] (scribed) Mastering By Frankford/Wayne Phila. (stamped, on three lines) SS (scribed)A side deadwax
ZS7-3517-4 4C [within a circle] F/W SIB side deadwax - scribed
ZS7 3517-3Label side A
ZS7 3517-4Label side B
PHILA Int'l ZS7-3517-3 1B MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE PHILA. T1A side deadwax, variation 1
PHILA Int'l ZS7-3517-4 2B F/W T1B side deadwax, variation 1
CBS S 8270 A1Stamped in run-out area A-side
CBS S 8270 B1Stamped in run-out area B-side
CBS S 8270ALabel A-side
CBS S 8270BLabel B-side
CBS S 8270 A1 2 0 ΛStamped in run-out area A-side
CBS S 8270 B1 0 CStamped in run-out area B-side
CBS S 8270ALabel A-side
CBS S 8270BLabel B-side
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Australia | CBS BA-221930First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Canada | Columbia ZS7 3517 / Philadelphia International Records ZS7 3517First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1972 | France | Epic EPC 8270First year7" | 7" |
| 1972 | Germany | CBS CBS S 8270First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Germany | CBS CBS S 8270First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | Greece | Epic EPIC 5-9948First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1972 | Jamaica | Philadelphia International Records ZS7 3517First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Japan | Epic ECPA-41 / Epic ECPA 41First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1972 | Japan | Epic ECPA-41 / Epic ECPA 41First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | Malaysia | CBS 2-716First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Mexico | Epic SC-71145First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Netherlands | CBS CBS S 8270 / CBS CBS 8270First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | New Zealand | CBS BA 461409First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Portugal | CBS CBS 8270First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Spain | CBS CBS 8270First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Thailand | Not On Label ZS7-35177", 45 RPM, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial | 7", 45 RPM, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial |
30 vinyl pressings of Back Stabbers are listed here, from 19 countries, released between 1972 and 1974.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in US, UK, Brazil, France and more. One of them is Philadelphia International Records ZS7 3517, released May 31, 1972.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ZS7 3517, CBS S 8270, 66177, EPC 8270) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, Phila Int'l ZS7 3517-3 3A MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE PHILA. and Phila Int'l ZS7 3517-4 2A F/W. 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.
