Vinyl pressings
by Felix Pappalardi · 1979
Don't Worry, Ma was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1979, 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.
SP-5195·RE1-M1 △23987 ⓁRunout, Side A, Etched
SP-5196-RE1-M1 △23987X ⓍRunout, Side B, Etched
(MR) STERLINGRunout, Sides A & B, Stamped
SP-5195Label, Side A
SP-5195-RE1-P1 FOR ELIA MICHELE PAGANORunout, Side A, Etched
SP-5196-RE1-P2Runout, Side B, Etched
STERLINGRunout, Sides A & B, Stamped
SP-4729/Stereo (SP-5195)Label, Side A
T1 SP-5195-RE1-T1 FOR ELIA MICHELE PAGANORunout, Side A, Etched
T1 SP-5196-RE1-T1Runout, Side B, Etched
STERLINGRunout, Sides A & B, Stamped
SP-4729/Stereo (SP-5195)Label, Side A
SP-5195Side A Label In Brackets
SP-5196Side B Label In Brackets
SMX53529 2ARunout Record Side A Inscribed
SMX535330 2ARunout Record Side B Inscribed
SMX-53529Label Record One Side A
SMX-53530Label Record One Side B
AMLH 64729-ALabel side A
SP 5195Label side A
AMLH 64729-BLabel side B
SP 5196Label side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Australia | A&M Records L 36722First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Europe | A&M Records AMLH 64729First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Europe | A&M Records AMLH 64729First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | Greece | A&M Records AMLH 64729First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Japan | A&M Records AMP-6038First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Japan | A&M Records AMP-6038First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | US | A&M Records SP-4729First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | US | A&M Records SP-4729First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | US | A&M Records SP-4729First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | US | A&M Records SP-4729First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
10 vinyl pressings of Don't Worry, Ma are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in US, Australia, Europe, Greece and more. One of them is A&M Records SP-4729.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SP-4729, L 36722, AMLH 64729, AMP-6038) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SP-5195·RE1-M1 △23987 Ⓛ and SP-5196-RE1-M1 △23987X Ⓧ. 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.
