US
1979- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records MCA-41062
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Gloversville Pressing
- Runout / matrix
MC 8478 AM2 ⧈-G-⧈A-side runout etching
MC 8480 AM1 ⧈-G-⧈B-side runout etching
MC8478Label A
MC8480Label B
B.B. KingBetter Not Look Down / Happy Birthday Blues
Vinyl pressings
Better Not Look Down / Happy Birthday Blues
by B.B. King · 1979
10 pressings4 countriesModern Electric BluesBlues
Better Not Look Down was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. 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 Better Not Look Down
10 pressings came out in 1979, 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
1979- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records MCA-41062
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
MC8478Label A
MC8480Label B
US
1979- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records MCA-41062
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
MC8478Label A
MC8480Label B
MCA-41062 A (MC 8478) AM5Deadwax A
MCA-41062 B (MC 8480) AM5Deadwax B
US
1979- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records MCA-41062
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
US
1979- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records MCA 41062
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
UK
August 10, 1979- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records MCA 515
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Paper Labels
- Runout / matrix
MCA 515 A1Side A
MCA 515 B1Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 10 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Netherlands | MCA Records 1A 006-63300First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1979 | New Zealand | MCA Records MCA-41062First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1979 | UK | MCA Records MCA 515First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | UK | MCA Records MCA 515First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | US | MCA Records MCA-41062First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | US | MCA Records MCA-41062First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | US | MCA Records MCA-41062First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | US | MCA Records MCA 41062First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | US | MCA Records MCA-41062First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | UK | MCA Records MCA 515First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Tracklist
- ABetter Not Look Down3:22
- BHappy Birthday Blues3:16
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Better Not Look Down are there?
10 vinyl pressings of Better Not Look Down are listed here, from 4 countries.
When was Better Not Look Down first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in US, UK, Netherlands, New Zealand. One of them is MCA Records MCA-41062.
How do I tell if my copy of Better Not Look Down is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA-41062, MCA 41062, MCA 515, 1A 006-63300) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MC 8478 AM2 ⧈-G-⧈ and MC 8480 AM1 ⧈-G-⧈. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Better Not Look Down 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.
