Vinyl pressings
by Cat Stevens · 1977
Cat's Cradle 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.
7 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year. 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.
SAHS-1710 W̶ -1- LC 50010 A1-1-1 PRCWSide A - Etched
SAHS-1711 W̶ -1- LC 50010 B1-1-1 PRCWSide B - Etched
STERLINGBoth Sides - Stamped
SAHS-1710Side A - Label
SAHS-1710-2 T1 STERLINGSide A Etching
SAHS-1710-1 T1 STERLINGSide B Etching
SAHS 1711W on side one and two
SAHS-1710 GoLSide A runout, etched
SAHS-1711 GoLSide B runout, etched
STERLINGSides A and B runout, stamped
SAHS 1710 VXSide A label
SAHS 1710 STERLING (PR)PSide A runout
SAHS 1711 STERLING (PR)PSide B runout
SAHS 1710Side A label
SAHS 1711Side B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | US | London Records LC 50010LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1977 | US | London Records LC 50010LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1977 | US | London Records LC 50010First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | US | London Records LC 50010First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | US | London Records LC 50010First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | US | London Records LC 50010First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | US | London Records LC 50010LP, Compilation, Club Edition, Reissue · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition, Reissue · Club edition |
| 1977 | US | London Records LC 50010First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | US | London Records LC 50010First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | US | London Records LC 50010First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | US | London Records LC 50010LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
11 vinyl pressings of Cat's Cradle are listed here, from 1 country, released between 1977 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in US. One of them is London Records LC 50010.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LC 50010) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SAHS-1710 W̶ -1- LC 50010 A1-1-1 PRCW and SAHS-1711 W̶ -1- LC 50010 B1-1-1 PRCW. 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.
