US
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista AB 4149
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
AB 4149 SA-2Side A runout
AB 4149 SB-2Side B runout
Vinyl pressings
Prime Time
by Don McLean · 1977
24 pressings17 countriesPop RockRockFolkWorld
Prime Time was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Prime Time
20 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 17 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.
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista AB 4149The Rainbow Collection AB 4149
- Format
- LP, Album, Promo, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
AB 4149 SAA label
AB 4149 SBB label
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista AB 4149The Rainbow Collection AB 4149
- Format
- LP, Album, Promo, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
AB 4149SA-1A S1 SXA runout
AB 4149SB-1A S1 SXB runout
AB 4149 SAA label
AB 4149 SBB label
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista AB 4149The Rainbow Collection AB 4149
- Format
- LP, Album, Promo, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
AB 4149SA-1C S2 B4A runout
AB 4149SB-1A S1 D2B runout
AB 4149 SAA label
AB 4149 SBB label
UK
1977- Label and catalog number
- EMI International INS 3011EMI International 0C 062-60 098
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
INS.3011ALabel - side A
INS.3011BLabel - side B
Australia
1977- Label and catalog number
- Interfusion L 36446
- Format
- LP, Album
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 24 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s22 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Australia | Interfusion L 36446First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Belgium | EMI 4C 064-60098First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Canada | Arista AB 4149First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | France | EMI 2C 068-60 098First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Germany | EMI 1C 064-60 098First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Greece | EMI 14C 062-60098First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Greece | EMI 14C 062-60098LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1977 | Ireland | EMI International INS 3011 / EMI International 0C 062-60 098First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Israel | Epic EPC 83423 / The Rainbow Collection EPC 83423First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Italy | EMI 3C 064-60098First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Netherlands | EMI 5C 062-60098First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Netherlands | EMI 062-60098LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1977 | New Zealand | Interfusion L 36446First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Philippines | EMI INS 3011 / EMI 0C 062-60 098First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Scandinavia | EMI 7C 062-60098First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
2020s2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | US | BFD BFD1085LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited |
| 2025 | US | BFD BFD8 1085.1LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered |
Tracklist
- A1Prime Time5:00
- A2The Statue3:18
- A3Jump3:35
- A4Redwing1:10
- A5The Wrong Thing To Do3:34
- A6The Pattern Is Broken (from the Paramount Film "Fraternity Row")2:27
- B1When Love Begins3:31
- B2Color TV Blues3:54
- B3Building My Body3:12
- B4Down The Road / Sally Ann1:36
- B5When A Good Thing Goes Bad4:00
- B6South Of The Border2:19
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Prime Time are there?
24 vinyl pressings of Prime Time are listed here, from 17 countries, released between 1977 and 2025.
When was Prime Time first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in US, UK, Australia, Belgium and more. One of them is Arista AB 4149.
How do I tell if my copy of Prime Time is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AB 4149, INS 3011, L 36446, 4C 064-60098) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AB 4149 SA-2 and AB 4149 SB-2. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Prime Time on vinyl worth?
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.
