Vinyl pressings
by G.C. Cameron · 1973
Let Me Down Easy was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 3 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.
M1261F-62069-31C-Re2- S-073 (MR) ∆92536Side A Runout
M1261F-61144-1A S 07A (MR) ∆92056Side B Runout
62069-SSide A Label
61144-SSide B Label
M̶1̶2̶6̶1̶F̶-62069-367F-RE 3-S-20H-XA-Side Runout Etching
M̶1̶2̶6̶1̶F̶-61144-1A S 02AB-Side Runout Etching
62069-SA-Side Label
61144-SB-Side Label
62069-S RE
62069-M RE
62069-S-RE3
62069-m-RE3
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | France | Tamla Motown 2C 008-94888First year7" | 7" |
| 1973 | Panama | Motown M-1261-FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | US | Motown M 1261FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Motown M 1261FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo, Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo, Colored vinyl |
| 1973 | US | Motown M 1261FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | US | Motown M 1261FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | US | Motown M 1261FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Motown M 1261FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | US | Motown M 1261FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Styrene |
| 1974 | Italy | Rifi TSM-NP 64195 / Rifi TSM NP 641957", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of Let Me Down Easy are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1973 and 1974.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, France, Panama. One of them is Motown M 1261F, released September 25, 1973.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use M 1261F, 2C 008-94888, M-1261-F) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, M1261F-62069-31C-Re2- S-073 (MR) ∆92536 and M1261F-61144-1A S 07A (MR) ∆92056. 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.
