Vinyl pressings
by Xymox · 1989
Obsession was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1989, 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.
B- ╵ ▻ 87I·707-I-89-025-REV-HRM SIDE-I STERLINGRunout side A, etched, ['STERLING'] stamped
A- ╵ ▻ 87I-707-I⃫8⃫7⃫-0⃫2⃫6⃫-HRM SIDE-2 STERLINGRunout side B, etched, ['STERLING'] stamped
AS REVLabel side A
89-026Label side B
871-707-1-89-025-REV-SP1 STERLING [SRC logo] 1-1Runout side A
871-707-189-026-SR STERLING 1-1Runout side B
AS REVSide A label
89-026Side B label
WINGX 5 A-2U-1-1 BAZZA AUDIO ONESide A runout
WINGX 5 B-1U-1-1Side B runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Australia & New Zealand | Wing Records 871 707-1 / Polydor 871 707-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Canada | Polydor 871 707-1 / Wing Records 871 707-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Germany | Wing Records 889 202-7 / Polydor 889 202-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | Germany | Wing Records 871 707-1First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1989 | Philippines | Polydor EP-PRO-8461First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1989 | UK | Polydor WINGX 5 / Polydor 871 707-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | Wing Records WINGX 5First year12", 45 RPM, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1989 | US | Wing Records 871 707-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | US | Wing Records PRO 711-1 / Wing Records 871 707-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | US | Wing Records 871 707-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | US | Wing Records 871 707-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
11 vinyl pressings of Obsession are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in US, UK, Australia & New Zealand, Canada and more. One of them is Wing Records 871 707-1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 871 707-1, PRO 711-1, WINGX 5, 889 202-7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, B- ╵ ▻ 87I·707-I-89-025-REV-HRM SIDE-I STERLING and A- ╵ ▻ 87I-707-I⃫8⃫7⃫-0⃫2⃫6⃫-HRM SIDE-2 STERLING. 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.
