Vinyl pressings
by Darts · 1978
It's Raining was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
14 pressings came out in 1978, 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.
MAG 126 A - 2UA-side stamped variant 1
MAG 126 B - 2UB-side stamped variant 1
MAG 126 A-2U GLO 3Side A runout stamped variant 2
MAG 126 B-1U GHT 4Side B runout stamped variant 2
MAG 126 A-2U 4Side A Runout, Stamped
MAG 126 B-1U 4Side B Runout, Stamped
MAG 126 A-2UA-side stamped, variant 1
MAG 126 B-1UB-side stamped, variant 1
MAG 126 A-2U T 1A-side stamped, variant 2
MAG 126 B-1U D G 2B-side stamped, variant 2
MAG 126 A - 2U LH 1A-side stamped variant 1
MAG 126 B - 1U LD 1B-side stamped variant 1
MAG 126 A - 2U A 1A-side stamped variant 2
MAG 126 B - 1U GA 1B-side stamped variant 2
MAG 126 A-2U CA 1Runout side A
MAG 126 B-1U RH 1Runout 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Belgium | Magnet 4C 006-61448First year7" | 7" |
| 1978 | Germany | Magnet 006 CRY 61 448First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | Germany | Not On Label 61448First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1978 | Ireland | Magnet MAG 126First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | Netherlands | Magnet 5C 006-61448First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | South Africa | Gallo PD 1641First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | UK | Magnet MAG 126First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | UK | Magnet MAG 126First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1978 | UK | Magnet MAG 126First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | UK | Magnet MAG 126First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | UK | Magnet MAG 126First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | US | Polydor PD 14518First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1978 | US | Polydor PD 14518First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1978 | US | Polydor PD 14518First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1979 | Canada | Epic E4-8303 / Magnet E4-83037", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
15 vinyl pressings of It's Raining are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1978 and 1979.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in UK, US, Belgium, Germany and more. One of them is Magnet MAG 126.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MAG 126, PD 14518, 4C 006-61448, 006 CRY 61 448) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MAG 126 A - 2U and MAG 126 B - 2U. 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.
