US
1972- Label and catalog number
- United Artists Records 50946
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM · Pitman Pressing
- Runout / matrix
P UAST 9386A runout
P UAST 9806B runout
Bobby WomackSweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good) / Harry Hippie
Vinyl pressings
Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good) / Harry Hippie
by Bobby Womack · 1972
29 pressings14 countriesSoulFunk / Soul
Sweet Caroline was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. 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 Sweet Caroline
27 pressings came out in 1972, the album's first year, in 13 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
1972- Label and catalog number
- United Artists Records 50946
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
uAST 9386-3A-Side Runout
uAST 9806-4B-Side Runout
US
1972- Label and catalog number
- United Artists Records 50946
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM · Terre Haute Pressing
- Runout / matrix
uAST 9386-3 TIIIIIRunout, side A, etched, variant 1
uAST 9806-4 TIRunout, side B, etched, variant 1
uAST 9386-3 T TIRunout, side A, etched, variant 2
uAST 9806-3 TIIIRunout, side B, etched, variant 2
US
1972- Label and catalog number
- United Artists Records 50946
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · Santa Maria Pressing
- Runout / matrix
UAST-9386-6 SIIRunout A
UAST-9806-6 SIIRunout B
UAST-9386-6 SIIRunout A, variant 1
UAST-9806-5 WSSRunout B, variant 1
US
1972- Label and catalog number
- United Artists Records 50946
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · Santa Maria Pressing
- Runout / matrix
UAST-9386-6 SIRunout A
UAST-9806-6 SIRunout B
UAST-9386Label A
UAST-9806Label B
US
1972- Label and catalog number
- United Artists Records 50946
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Styrene · Terre Haute Pressing
- Runout / matrix
UAST-9386-3 T TI
UAST 9806-4 TIIII
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 29 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s28 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Australia | United Artists Records UAK-4826First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Brazil | United Artists Records 8034First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Canada | United Artists Records 50946First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Germany | United Artists Records 35 426 / United Artists Records 35 426 AFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Greece | United Artists Records 50946First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Jamaica | United Artists Records 50946First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Jamaica | United Artists Records 50946First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1972 | Japan | Liberty LLR-10157First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Netherlands | United Artists Records 5C 006-93804First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1972 | Netherlands | United Artists Records 5C 006-93 804First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1972 | Netherlands | United Artists Records 5C 006-93804First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1972 | New Zealand | United Artists Records UAK 4826First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Panama | United Artists Records 50946First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Panama | United Artists Records 50946First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | South Africa | Liberty LYS 222First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Year unknown1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | United Artists Records XW-526-X7", Single, 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Reissue |
Tracklist
- ASweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good)3:07
- BHarry Hippie3:50
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Sweet Caroline are there?
29 vinyl pressings of Sweet Caroline are listed here, from 14 countries, released between 1972 and 1973.
When was Sweet Caroline first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in US, Australia, Brazil, Canada and more. One of them is United Artists Records 50946.
How do I tell if my copy of Sweet Caroline is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 50946, UAK-4826, 8034, 35 426) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, P UAST 9386 and P UAST 9806. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Sweet Caroline 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.
