Vinyl pressings
by The Sweet · 1978
Love Is Like Oxygen was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
34 pressings came out in 1978, the album's first year, in 21 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.
POSP001 A//1 UTA-Side run-out, variant 1
POSP001 B//1 UTB-Side run-out, variant 1
POSP001 A//1 UT 11 31 ƱA-Side run-out, variant 2
POSP001 B//1 UT 12 22 ƱB-Side run-out, variant 2
POSP001 A//1 UTA-Side run-out, stamped
POSP001 B//1 UTB-Side run-out, stamped
S45-X9548A F3Side A - Etched
S45-X94557 F3Side B - Etched
* MASTERED BY CAPITOLSides A & B - Stamped
SX94548ALabel Side A
S45-X945548A F2 #2 ----◁ MASTERED BY CAPITOLRunout side A, etched, except [MASTERED BY CAPITOL] stamped
S45-X94557 F2 #7 ----◁ MASTERED BY CAPITOLRunout side B, etched, except [MASTERED BY CAPITOL] stamped
SX94548ALabel side-A
SX94557Label side-B
S45-X94548A F1 2 #1 4549 MASTERED BY CAPITOL K( 0Runout side A, variant 1
S45-X94557 F1 #3 4549 MASTERED BY CAPITOL K( 0Runout side B, variant 1
S45-X94548A F1² 4549 #[scratched out symbol] 3 MASTERED BY CAPITOL KP 0Runout side A, variant 2
S45-X94557 F6 #2 4549 MASTERED BY CAPITOL KP 0Runout side B, variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Austria | Polydor 2001 757First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | Belgium | Polydor 2001 757First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Bolivia | Polydor POE-11085First year7", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM | 7", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1978 | Canada | Capitol Records 4549First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Canada | Capitol Records 4549First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | Canada | Capitol Records PRO-8792 / Capitol Records PRO-8793First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1978 | Ecuador | Polydor 75200First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | France | Polydor 2001 757First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Germany | Polydor 2001 757First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | Guatemala | Polydor 2001 757First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Ireland | Polydor POSP 001First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Italy | Polydor 2001 757First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Italy | Polydor 2001 757First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | Mexico | Polydor 944First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Mexico | Polydor 944First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Philippines | Polydor PRO-3523 / Polydor 2001 7577", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
35 vinyl pressings of Love Is Like Oxygen are listed here, from 22 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in UK, US, Netherlands, Australia and more. One of them is Polydor POSP001, released January 6, 1978.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use POSP001, 4549, P-4549, 2001 757) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, POSP001 A//1 UT and POSP001 B//1 UT. 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.
