Vinyl pressings
by Al Martino · 1963
I Love You Because was first pressed on vinyl in 1963. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1963, the album's first year, in 9 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.
45-24504-N1 #4 IAMA side runout etched, Variant 1
45-24503-N2 #3 IAMB side runout etched, Variant 1
45-24504-N2" 5 IAMA side runout etched, Variant 2
45-24503-N1#5 IAMB side runout etched, Variant 2
45-24504Matrix - Center Label - Side A
45-24503Matrix - Center Label - Side B
45-24503Matrix - Center Label - Side A
45-24504Matrix - Center Label - Side B
45-24503-D1 1 ✲
45-24504-D1 1 ✲
F 24503 45Label Matrix - Side A
F 24504 45Label Matrix - Side B
F 24503-1NSide A
F 24504-1NSide B
45-24504 7XCAP1018Label Matrix - Side A
45-24503 7XCAP1019Label Matrix - Side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Australia | Capitol Records CP-1520First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Australia | Capitol Records CP-1520First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Canada | Capitol Records 4930First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | India | Capitol Records F. 4930First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1963 | Ireland | Capitol Records CL (I) 15300First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Japan | Capitol Records 7P-287First year7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1963 | Netherlands | Capitol Records 4930First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | New Zealand | Capitol Records F.4930First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | UK | Capitol Records CL 15300First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | UK | Capitol Records CL 15300First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | US | Capitol Records 4930First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | US | Capitol Records 4930First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | US | Capitol Records 4930First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Capitol Records K 22 4587", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
14 vinyl pressings of I Love You Because are listed here, from 10 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1963, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Capitol Records 4930, released March 4, 1963.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4930, CL 15300, CP-1520, F. 4930) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 45-24504-N1 #4 IAM and 45-24503-N2 #3 IAM. 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.
