Vinyl pressings
by Denise LaSalle · 1973
On The Loose 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.
9 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 2 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.
WB-2016-A-Z-5 • MHC 1 ✲ CANADIAN LTD.Runout A
WB-2016-B-Z-5 • MHC 1 ✲ CANADIAN LTD.Runout B
WB 2016 ALabel A
WB 2016 BLabel B
WB-2016-A MHC CANADIAN LTD.Runout A, etched
WB-2016-B MHC CANADIAN LTD.Runout B, etched
WB 2016 ALabel A
WB 2016 BLabel B
WB-2016-ASide 1
WB-2016-BSide 2
CANADIAN LTD. T1 WB-2016-A-1 MHC A21 ✲A runout
CANADIAN LTD. T1 WB-2016-B-1 MHC 1 ✲B runout
WB-2016-A MHC CANADIAN LTD.Runout A
P WB-2016-B MHC CANADIAN LTD.Runout B
WB 2016 ALabel A
WB 2016 BLabel 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 | Canada | Westbound Records 9198-2016First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | US | Westbound Records WB 2016 / Westbound Records WB2016First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Westbound Records WB 2016 / Westbound Records WB2016First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Westbound Records WB2016 / Westbound Records WB 2016First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Westbound Records WB2016 / Westbound Records WB 2016First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Westbound Records WB2016 / Westbound Records WB 2016First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Westbound Records WB 2016First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Westbound Records WB 2016 / Westbound Records WB2016First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Westbound Records WB 2016 / Westbound Records WB2016First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Westbound Records SEW 005LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
10 vinyl pressings of On The Loose are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, Canada. One of them is Westbound Records WB 2016.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use WB 2016, WB2016, 9198-2016) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, WB-2016-A-Z-5 • MHC 1 ✲ CANADIAN LTD. and WB-2016-B-Z-5 • MHC 1 ✲ CANADIAN LTD.. 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.
