Vinyl pressings
by The Temptations · 1984
How Can You Say That It's Over was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 6 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.
RCA C-ZB-40 211-A BN ❍Side A, stamped exc.BN is etched
RCA C-ZB-40 211-B BN ❍Side B, stamped exc.BN is etched
ZB 40211-ASide A, label
ZB 40211-BSide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australia & New Zealand | Gordy 1789-GFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Barbados | Gordy 1789GFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Belgium | Gordy ZT40212 AFFirst year12" | 12" |
| 1984 | Europe | Gordy ZB 40211First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Germany | Gordy ZT 40212First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1984 | US | Gordy 1789 GFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | US | Gordy 1789 GFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | US | Gordy 1789GFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | US | Gordy 1789 GFFirst year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | France | Motown ZB 402117", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | South Africa | Motown TMS 6427", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | France | Not On Label 402117", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
12 vinyl pressings of How Can You Say That It's Over are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1984 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in Europe, US, Australia & New Zealand, Barbados and more. One of them is Gordy ZB 40211.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ZB 40211, 1789 GF, 1789GF, 1789-GF) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RCA C-ZB-40 211-A BN ❍ and RCA C-ZB-40 211-B BN ❍. 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.
