Vinyl pressings
by Dobie Gray · 1974
Watch Out For Lucy was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1974, the album's first year, in 5 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.
5C 006-95792A // 23083-1-YRunout side A, variant 1
5C 006-95792-B // 23084-1-YRunout side B, variant 1
5C006- 95 792-A // 23083-1-Y 2 1 1Runout side A, variant 2
5C006- 95 792-B // 23084-1-Y 1 1Runout side B, variant 2
MC-2970-M W1 TML-S
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Germany | MCA Records 6.11523First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | New Zealand | MCA Records MCS 7556First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Rhodesia | MCA Records PD. 1012First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | US | MCA Records MCA-40268First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | US | MCA Records MCA-40268First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1974 | US | MCA Records MCA-40268First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | Netherlands | MCA Records 5C 006-95792 / MCA Records MCS 7556First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | US | MCA Records MCA-40268First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1975 | UK | MCA Records MCA 1717", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1975 | UK | MCA Records MCA 1717", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | MCA Records MCA 14017", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
11 vinyl pressings of Watch Out For Lucy are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1974 and 1975.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in Netherlands, US, Germany, New Zealand and more. One of them is MCA Records 5C 006-95792, released December 1974.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 5C 006-95792, MCA-40268, 6.11523, MCS 7556) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 5C 006-95792A // 23083-1-Y and 5C 006-95792-B // 23084-1-Y. 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.
