Vinyl pressings
by Cat Stevens · 1973
The Best Of Cat Stevens was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
3 pressings came out in 1973, 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.
D-016975-1 Manufactured in Germany (P) 1973Runout side A
D-016976 Manufactured in Germany (P) 1973Runout side B
D 016 975Label side A
D 016 976Label side B
Manufactured in Germany Ⓟ 1973 D-016975-IRunout side A
Manufactured in Germany Ⓟ 1973 D-016976 SRunout side B
D 016 975Label side A
D 016 976Label side B
D-016975-1 Manufactured in Germany (P) 1973Runout Side A
D-016976 Manufactured in Germany (P) 1973Runout Side B
D 016 975Label A
D 016 976Label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Germany | Decca 28 334-1LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1973 | Germany | Decca 63 200 / Decca SAD 269-ALP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1973 | Germany | Decca SLK 17009-P / Decca SLK 17 009-PFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Germany | Decca SLK 17009-P / Decca SLK 17 009-PFirst yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1973 | Germany | Decca SLK 17009-PFirst yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | Germany | Decca 63 200 / Decca 16.21 076LP, Compilation, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
| 1974 | Germany | Decca SLK 17009-P / Decca 6.21514LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1978 | Germany | Decca 6.21514 ASLP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1978 | Germany | Decca 63 200LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Nova 6.21514 AO / Nova 6.21 514LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Germany | Decca 6.21514 BL / Decca 6.21514LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Germany | London Records 820 732-1LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Decca 6.21514 BLLP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Germany | Decca 6.21514 / Decca SLK 17009-PLP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Decca 63 200LP, Compilation, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
| ? | Netherlands | Decca 820 732-1LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Turkey | Yankı 6999LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
17 vinyl pressings of The Best Of Cat Stevens are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1973 and 1978.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in Germany. One of them is Decca SLK 17009-P.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SLK 17009-P) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, D-016975-1 Manufactured in Germany (P) 1973 and D-016976 Manufactured in Germany (P) 1973. 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.
