Vinyl pressings
by Four Tops · 1971
MacArthur Park 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.
12 pressings came out in 1971, 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.
A4KM-3556-1-BRunout stamped side A
A4KM-3555-1-BRunout stamped side B
Z1-Q-I-531S01-A M-1189f-A X AJ.SRunout etched side A
Z1-Q-I-531S01-B M-1189f-B X AJ.SRunout etched side B
ss Z1-Q-I-531S01 B̶ A M-1189f-A A4KM-3556-1-DA-Side Runout Etching
sss Z1-Q-I-531S01 B M-1189f-B A4KM-3555-1-DB-Side Runout Etching
Z1-Q-I-531S01Labels
TVC Z1-Q-I-531S01 A M-1189f-A A4KM-3556-1-CA-Side Runout
TVC Z1-Q-I-531S01 B M-1189fB A4KM-3555-1-CB-Side Runout
Z1-Q-I-531S01Labels
Z1-Q-I-531801A M-1189f-A XSide A Etched
A4KM-3556-1-B ATPSide A Stamped
Z1-Q-I-531901A M-1189f-A XSide B Etched
A4KM-3556-1-B ATPSide B Stamped
Z1-Q-1-531S01-ASide A label
Z1-Q-1-531S01-BSide B label
C 006 - 92.859 M ALabel - side A
C 006 - 92.859 M BLabel - 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Canada | Tamla Motown M-1189FFirst year7" | 7" |
| 1971 | Jamaica | Motown M 1189FFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1971 | Madagascar | Tamla Motown TMS 351First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | New Zealand | Tamla Motown TMM811First year7" | 7" |
| 1971 | Turkey | Tamla Motown 71806First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1971 | US | Motown M 1189FFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1971 | US | Motown M 1189FFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1971 | US | Motown M 1189FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1971 | US | Motown M 1189FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | Australia | Tamla Motown TMO-9653First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | Australia | Tamla Motown TMO-9653First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1971 | France | Tamla Motown 2C 006-92859 M / Tamla Motown 2C 006-92.859 MFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
12 vinyl pressings of MacArthur Park are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1971, in US, Australia, France, Canada and more. One of them is Motown M 1189F.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use M 1189F, TMO-9653, 2C 006-92859 M, M-1189F) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A4KM-3556-1-B and A4KM-3555-1-B. 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.
