Vinyl pressings
by Then Jerico · 1987
The Motive 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.
20 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 7 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.
✶ LON-145 - A-2 ✶ A2 SIDE MT. 1 1Runout etched side A
✶ LON-145 - B-1 ✶ MT. 1 1Runout etched side B
ZPMSC 11236Label side A
ZPMSC 11237Label side B
✶ LON-145 - A-1 ✶ MT. 11 15Runout etched side A
✶ LON-145 - B-1 ✶ MT. 1 1 14Runout etched side B
ZPMSC 11236Label side A
ZPMSC 11237Label side B
* LONX - 145.A-1 * MT. 1 1 4Runout, side A
* LONX - 145 B-1 * MT. 1 1 4Runout, side B
* LONX - 145.A-2 * MT. 1 1 4Runout, side A Variant 2
* LONX - 145 B-2 * MT. 1 1 4Runout, side B Variant 2
ZPMSC 11236Label side A
ZPMSC 11237Label side B
✱ LON-145 - A-1 ✱ MT. 2 1 1A side runout
✱ LON-145 - B-1 ✱ MT. 4 1 1B side runout
ZPMSC 11236A side label
ZPMSC 11237B side 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 | Unknown | London Records DJL 276First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Advance | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Advance |
| 1987 | Canada | London Records DJL 276First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Europe | London Records 886 174-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Germany | Metronome 886 174-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Germany | Metronome 886 174-1First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Germany | Metronome 886 174-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Japan | London Records L15P 7132First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Japan | London Records S05P 1095First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1987 | Japan | London Records L15P 7132First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Netherlands | London Records 886 174-1First year12" | 12" |
| 1987 | UK | London Records LONX 145 / London Records LON X 145First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | London Records LONT 145First year10", 45 RPM, Single | 10", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | London Records LONX 145First year12", Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1987 | UK | London Records LON 145 / London Records 886 174-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | UK | London Records LON 145 / London Records 886 174-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
21 vinyl pressings of The Motive are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1987 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in UK, Australia, Europe, Germany and more. One of them is London Records LON 145, released June 29, 1987.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LON 145, LONX 145, LONT 145, DJL 276) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ✶ LON-145 - A-2 ✶ A2 SIDE MT. 1 1 and ✶ LON-145 - B-1 ✶ MT. 1 1. 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.
