Vinyl pressings
by Cyan · 1972
Mama, Papa 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.
11 pressings came out in 1972, the album's first year, in 9 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.
℗ 1972 BKAS-18154 Manufactured in GermanyRunout A, stamped
℗ 1972 BKAS-18155 Manufactured in GermanyRunout B, stamped
SRunout A&B, etched
BKAS 18 154Label A
BKAS 18154 1S - 1C 1Runout side A
BKAS 18155 1S - 1A 4Runout side B
BKAS 18154Label side A
BKAS 18155Label side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Angola | RCA Victor 30025 / RCA Victor SIN 30 025First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1972 | Argentina | RCA Victor 31A-2097First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1972 | Chile | RCA IN -2311First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | France | RCA 41 015First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1972 | Germany | RCA Victor 74-16164 / RCA 74-16164First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1972 | Italy | RCA Victor IN 2311First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Italy | RCA Victor IN 2311First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | Madagascar | RCA 42.344First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | South Africa | RCA Victor 42-344 / RCA IN 2311First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Spain | RCA Victor 3-10733First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | Spain | RCA Victor 3-10733First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of Mama, Papa are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in Germany, Angola, Argentina, Chile and more. One of them is RCA Victor 74-16164.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 74-16164, 30025, 31A-2097, IN -2311) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ℗ 1972 BKAS-18154 Manufactured in Germany and ℗ 1972 BKAS-18155 Manufactured in Germany. 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.
