US
1977- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 1991-S
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
CarpentersChristmas Song / Merry Christmas Darling
Vinyl pressings
Christmas Song / Merry Christmas Darling
by Carpenters · 1977
19 pressings7 countriesFolk RockSoft RockPop RockHoliday
Christmas Song / Merry Christmas Darling was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. 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 Christmas Song / Merry Christmas Darling
9 pressings came out in 1977, 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
1977- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 1991-SA&M Records AM 1991
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo · Pitman pressing
- Runout / matrix
A&M 12357S(RE-2)-P1Side A Runout, etched
A&M 2068S(RE-2)-P1Side B Runout, etched
12357-SSide A Label
2068-SSide B Label
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM 1991A&M Records 1991-S
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo · Monarch Pressing
- Runout / matrix
A&M 12357S(RE-2)-M2 (MR) △103560A-Side Runout variant 2 etched
A&M 2068S(RE-2)-M2 (MR) - △103561B-Side Runout variant 2 etched
12357-SA-Side Label
2068-SB-Side Label
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 8620-S
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 1991-S
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo
UK
1977- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AMS 7328
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 19 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s12 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Australia | A&M Records K7306First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1977 | Japan | A&M Records CM-2083First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | UK | A&M Records AMS 7328First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | US | A&M Records 1991-SFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | US | A&M Records 8620-SFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | US | A&M Records 8620-S7", Single, Reissue | 7", Single, Reissue |
| 1977 | US | A&M Records 1991-SFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | US | A&M Records 1991-S / A&M Records AM 1991First year7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1977 | US | A&M Records AM 1991 / A&M Records 1991-SFirst year7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1977 | Japan | A&M Records CM-2083First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1978 | Brazil | A&M Records 31C 006 619837", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | Philippines | A&M Records AM-704847", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
1980s2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | US | A&M Records AM-86207", Single, Reissue, Styrene | 7", Single, Reissue, Styrene |
| 1984 | Philippines | A&M Records AM-87-062 / A&M Records AM-86207", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
Year unknown5 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | A&M Records AM 86207", Single, Reissue | 7", Single, Reissue |
| ? | Canada | A&M Records AM 86207", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | Canada | A&M Records AM 8620 / A&M Records, Inc. AM 86207", Single, Reissue | 7", Single, Reissue |
| ? | US | A&M Records 75021 8620 77", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
| ? | US | A&M Records 75021 8620 77", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
Tracklist
- AChristmas Song3:39
- BMerry Christmas Darling3:02
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Christmas Song / Merry Christmas Darling are there?
19 vinyl pressings of Christmas Song / Merry Christmas Darling are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1977 and 1984.
When was Christmas Song / Merry Christmas Darling first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in US, UK, Australia, Japan. One of them is A&M Records 1991-S.
How do I tell if my copy of Christmas Song / Merry Christmas Darling is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 1991-S, AM 1991, 8620-S, AMS 7328) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Christmas Song / Merry Christmas Darling 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.
