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Various ArtistsThe Motown Story (The First Twenty-Five Years)

Vinyl pressings

The Motown Story (The First Twenty-Five Years)

by Various Artists · 1983

11 pressings5 countriesMonologBalladSoulFunk

The Motown Story was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.

How to spot a first pressing of The Motown Story

9 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 4 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.

US

1983
Label and catalog number
Motown 6048ML5
Format
LP, Compilation, Box Set
Runout / matrix

6048ML-A-15A 3LL TM 4/2Side A etched

6048ML-B-15A 3LL TM 4/2Side B etched

6048ML-C-15A 3LL TM 4/2Side C etched

6048ML-D-15A 3LL TM 4/2Side D etched

Full details of this pressing

US

1983
Label and catalog number
Motown 6048ML5
Format
LP, Compilation, Box Set
Runout / matrix

6048ML-A-15A 3LL #13004JM BPASide A (etched)

6048ML-B-15A 3LL #13006 JM BPASide B (etched)

6048ML-C-15A 3LL #13008 JM BPASide C (etched)

6048ML-D-15A 3LL #13 JM 011 BPASide D (etched)

Full details of this pressing

US

1983
Label and catalog number
Motown 6048ML5
Format
LP, Compilation, Box Set
Runout / matrix

6048ML5ASide A label

6048ML5BSide B label

6048ML5CSide C label

6048ML5DSide D label

Full details of this pressing

UK

July 1983
Label and catalog number
Motown TMSP 6019
Format
LP, Compilation, Stereo, Box Set
Runout / matrix

TMSP 6019 A - 1 - 1 - 1 - NICKZRunout side A (NICKZ etched very small)

TMSP 6019 B - 1 - 1 - 1 ⇀Runout side B

TMSP 6019 C - 1 - 1 - 1 ⇀ 2 NICKZRunout side C (NICKZ etched very small)

TMSP 6019 D - 1 - 1 - 1 ⇀ 1Runout side D

Full details of this pressing

Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.

All 11 vinyl pressings

By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.

1980s10 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1983CanadaMotown MOT5-6048First yearLP, Compilation, Box SetLP, Compilation, Box Set
1983CanadaMotown M 6048/5First yearLP, Compilation, Box SetLP, Compilation, Box Set
1983ItalyMotown ATMLP 56042First yearLP, Compilation, Box SetLP, Compilation, Box Set
1983USMotown 6048ML5First yearLP, Compilation, Box SetLP, Compilation, Box Set
1983USMotown 6048ML5First yearLP, Compilation, Box SetLP, Compilation, Box Set
1983USMotown 6048ML5First yearLP, Compilation, Box SetLP, Compilation, Box Set
1983USMotown 6048ML5First yearLP, Compilation, Box SetLP, Compilation, Box Set
1983USMotown 6048ML5First yearLP, Compilation, Box SetLP, Compilation, Box Set
1983UKMotown TMSP 6019First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo, Box SetLP, Compilation, Stereo, Box Set
1984EuropeMotown ZL72137(5)LP, Compilation, Reissue, Box SetLP, Compilation, Reissue, Box Set
Year unknown1 pressing
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
?USMotown 6048 ML5LP, Compilation, Box SetLP, Compilation, Box Set

Tracklist

  1. A1Introduction1:16
  2. A2Shop Around2:34
  3. A3Please Mr. Postman3:03
  4. A4Stubborn Kind Of Fellow3:06
  5. A5Two Lovers3:00
  6. A6You Really Got A Hold On Me3:19
  7. B1Fingertips6:36
  8. B2Love Is Like A Heatwave3:26
  9. B3Can I Get A Witness3:20
  10. B4The Way You Do The Things You Do3:20
  11. B5My Guy3:13
  12. C1Every Little Bit Hurts3:20
  13. C2Where Did Our Love Go3:30
  14. C3Baby I Need Your Loving2:58
  15. C4Dancing In The Street3:01
  16. C5How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)2:59
  17. C6My Girl3:41
  18. D1Stop! In The Name Of Love2:50
  19. D2Nowhere To Run2:45
  20. D3I Can't Help Myself3:21
  21. D4I'll Be Doggone3:11
  22. D5Tracks Of My Tears2:58
  23. E1I Hear A Symphony3:02
  24. E2Beauty Is Only Skin Deep3:13
  25. E3What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted3:23
  26. E4You Can't Hurry Love2:46
  27. E5Jimmy Mack3:25
  28. F1I Was Made To Love Her2:47
  29. F2Reflections3:06
  30. F3I Second That Emotion3:07
  31. F4I Wish It Would Rain3:17
  32. F5You're All I Need3:28
  33. F6Love Child3:58
  34. G1Cloud Nine2:52
  35. G2I Heard It Through The Grapevine4:10
  36. G3I'm Gonna Make You Love Me3:42
  37. G4For Once In My Life2:46
  38. G5Baby Baby Don't Cry4:05
  39. G6What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)3:05
  40. H1Baby I'm For Real3:57
  41. H2Someday We'll Be Together3:41
  42. H3Papa Was A Rolling Stone6:58
  43. H4Keep On Truckin'8:02
  44. I1Dancing Machine3:29
  45. I2Love Machine6:56
  46. I3Three Times A Lady5:28
  47. I4Cruisin'4:53
  48. J1Endless Love5:26
  49. J2Superfreak3:53
  50. J3Let It Whip4:25
  51. J4Let Me Tickle Your Fancy4:26
  52. J5Truly3:26

Questions

How many vinyl pressings of The Motown Story are there?

11 vinyl pressings of The Motown Story are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.

When was The Motown Story first released on vinyl?

The earliest pressings are from 1983, in US, UK, Canada, Italy. One of them is Motown 6048ML5.

How do I tell if my copy of The Motown Story is a first pressing?

Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 6048ML5, TMSP 6019, MOT5-6048, M 6048/5) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 6048ML-A-15A 3LL TM 4/2 and 6048ML-B-15A 3LL TM 4/2. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.

How much is The Motown Story on vinyl worth?

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.

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