Brazil
1971- Label and catalog number
- Young CD 80288
- Format
- 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
RCD-637
RCD-638
Elton JohnFriends
Vinyl pressings
Friends
by Elton John · 1971
14 pressings6 countriesPop RockRockStage & Screen
Friends was first pressed on vinyl in 1971. 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 Friends
6 pressings came out in 1971, the album's first year, in 4 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.
Brazil
1971- Label and catalog number
- Young 302.0013Paramount Records 302.0013
- Format
- 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
RCD-637Side A Label
RCD-638Side B Label
Brazil
1971- Label and catalog number
- Young 302.0013
- Format
- 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP
Mexico
1971- Label and catalog number
- Gamma GX 07-764
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, EP
- Runout / matrix
GX 07 764 A4
GX 07 764 B6
Taiwan
1971- Label and catalog number
- Ambassador
- Format
- Flexi-disc, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM · Blue
Japan
1971- Label and catalog number
- Paramount Records SWG07512Paramount Records DWG-1
- Format
- 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Promo
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 14 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s12 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Brazil | Young CD 80288First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP |
| 1971 | Brazil | Young 302.0013 / Paramount Records 302.0013First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1971 | Brazil | Young 302.0013First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP |
| 1971 | Japan | Paramount Records SWG07512 / Paramount Records DWG-1First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Promo · Promo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Promo · Promo |
| 1971 | Malaysia | Uranya Record UR-587", 45 RPM, EP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| 1971 | Mexico | Gamma GX 07-764First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1971 | Taiwan | AmbassadorFirst yearFlexi-disc, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM · Colored vinyl | Flexi-disc, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM · Colored vinyl |
| 1971 | Thailand | Paramount Records PAS 60047", 45 RPM, EP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| 1971 | Thailand | U.B. 1197", 45 RPM, EP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| 1971 | Thailand | Not On Label (Elton John) T167", 45 RPM, EP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| 1972 | Thailand | Not On Label (Elton John) TKR-026 / Royalsound TKR-0267", 45 RPM, EP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| 1972 | Thailand | Royalsound TKR 0267", 45 RPM, EP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Thailand | VIP VIP-10017", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| ? | Thailand | Coliseum CLS-11287", 45 RPM, EP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
Tracklist
- A1Friends2:20
- A2Honey Roll3:00
- B1Michelle's Song4:16
- B2Seasons Reprise1:33
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Friends are there?
14 vinyl pressings of Friends are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1971 and 1972.
When was Friends first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1971, in Brazil, Mexico, Taiwan, Japan. One of them is Young CD 80288.
How do I tell if my copy of Friends is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CD 80288, 302.0013, GX 07-764, SWG07512) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RCD-637 and RCD-638. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Friends 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.
