Vinyl pressings
by Cyan · 1972
Lulu 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.
10 pressings came out in 1972, the album's first year, in 7 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.
BKAS 18316 1S 1A 1Etched into runout area side A
BKAS 18317 1S 1A 1Etched into runout area side B
BKAS 18316Label side A
BKAS 18317Label side B
BKAS 18316 1S 1A 1Etched into runout area side A
BKAS 18317 1S 1A 1Etched into runout area side B
BKAS 18316Label side A
BKAS 18317Label side B
℗ 1972 BKAS-18316 Manufactured in GermanyRunout A, stamped
℗ 1972 BKAS-18317 Manufactured in GermanyRunout B, stamped
SRunout A&B, etched
BKAS-18 316Label A
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Argentina | RCA Victor 31A-2200First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1972 | France | RCA Victor 41053First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Germany | RCA Victor 74-16219First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Single · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Single · Promo |
| 1972 | Germany | RCA Victor 74-16 219 / RCA 74-16 219First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Portugal | RCA Victor TP 665First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1972 | South Africa | RCA Victor 42-384First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Spain | RCA Victor 3-10804First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | Spain | RCA Victor 3-10804First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Italy | RCA Victor IN 2314First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1972 | Italy | RCA Victor IN 2314First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1973 | Angola | RCA Victor SIN 30.100 / RCA Victor SIN 30 1007", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Italy | RCA Victor IN 23147", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
12 vinyl pressings of Lulu are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1972 and 1973.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in Italy, Argentina, France, Germany and more. One of them is RCA Victor IN 2314, released September 1972.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use IN 2314, 31A-2200, 41053, 74-16 219) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BKAS 18316 1S 1A 1 and BKAS 18317 1S 1A 1. 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.
