Vinyl pressings
by Don McLean · 1980
The Very Best Of Don McLean was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
15 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year, in 8 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.
UAG 30314 A-2U Ta1peRun-out matrix A-side stamped/etched variant 1
UAG 30314 B-2URun-out matrix B-side stamped variant 1
UAG 30314 A-2U 122 1 Ta1peRun-out matrix A-side stamped/etched variant 2
UAG 30314 B-2U 46 3Run-out matrix B-side stamped variant 2
UAG 30314 A-1U Ta1pe MBRun-out side A, variant 1
UAG 30314 B-1U Ta1pe MB (FOR LYNDSAY)Run-out side B, variant 1
UAG 30314 A-1U 3 6 Ta1pe MB 2Run-out side A, variant 2
UAG 30314 B-1U Ta1pe MB (FOR LYNDSAY) C 1Run-out side B, variant 2
Ta1pe UAG 30314 A-2U I R L CRun-out matrix A-side stamped/etched
UAG 30314 B-2U CRun-out matrix B-side stamped
UAG 30314 4-3-1-4-11 (IFFM)Run-out matrix A-side stamped (etched)
UAG 30314 B-2U C4Run-out matrix B-side stamped
UAG 30314 A-2U 41 2 TA1PESide A runout
UAG 30314 B-2U 41 3Side B runout
UAG 30314ASide A label
UAG 30314BSide B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Germany | EMI Electrola 1C 064-83 000First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1980 | Germany | Liberty 1C 064-83 000First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1980 | India | United Artists Records UAG 30314First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1980 | Ireland | United Artists Records UAG 30314First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1980 | Philippines | United Artists Records UAG 30314First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1980 | Portugal | Liberty 11C 076-83 000First yearCompilation, LP | Compilation, LP |
| 1980 | Singapore, Malaysia & Hong Kong | United Artists Records UAG 30314 / United Artists Records OC 062-83000First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1980 | South Africa | Liberty LBR(L) 1051 / Liberty LBR (L) 1051First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1980 | South Africa | EMI Brigadiers LBR(M) 1051First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1980 | UK | United Artists Records UAG 30314 / The Rainbow Collection UAG 30314First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1980 | UK | United Artists Records UAG 30314 / Liberty UAG 30314LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1980 | UK | United Artists Records UAG 30314 / The Rainbow Collection UAG 30314First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1980 | UK | Liberty UAG 30314 / United Artists Records OC 062-83000First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1980 | UK | Liberty UAG 30314 / The Rainbow Collection UAG 30314First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1980 | UK | United Artists Records UAG 30314 / Liberty UAG 30314First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Greece | United Artists Records 14C 062-83000LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
22 vinyl pressings of The Very Best Of Don McLean are listed here, from 14 countries, released between 1980 and 1982.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in UK, Germany, India, Ireland and more. One of them is United Artists Records UAG 30314.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use UAG 30314, 1C 064-83 000, 11C 076-83 000, LBR(L) 1051) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, UAG 30314 A-2U Ta1pe and UAG 30314 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.
