Vinyl pressings
by Gilbert O'Sullivan · 1973
Why, Oh Why, Oh Why 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.
19 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 14 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.
ZXDR-54432-T1-2C II 2DStamped runout, side A variant 1
ZXDR-54433-T1-2C RM 1Stamped runout, side B variant 1
ZXDR-54432-T1-2C BI 1Stamped runout, side A variant 2
ZXDR-54433-T1-1C I 1Stamped runout, side B variant 2
ZXDR 54432/1Side A runout
ZXDR 54433/1Side B runout
ZXDR 54432Side A label
ZXDR 54433Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Australia | MAM MAM-10375First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Belgium | MAM MAM 111-Y / MAM MAM 111 YFirst year7" | 7" |
| 1973 | Denmark | MAM MAM 111First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Denmark | MAM MAM 111First year7" | 7" |
| 1973 | Denmark | MAM MAM 111First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | France | MAM 85.016First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1973 | Ireland | MAM MAM 111First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Italy | MAM MAM 111First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | Netherlands | MAM 6101 677First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1973 | Norway | MAM MAM 111First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Peru | MAM 01.12.246First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Portugal | MAM P - MAM 111 DFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Spain | MAM MO 1390First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1973 | Sweden | MAM MAM 111First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Sweden | MAM MAM 111First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
22 vinyl pressings of Why, Oh Why, Oh Why are listed here, from 16 countries, released between 1973 and 1974.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in UK, Australia, Belgium, Denmark and more. One of them is MAM MAM 111, released November 2, 1973.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MAM 111, MAM-10375, MAM 111-Y, 85.016) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZXDR-54432-T1-2C II 2D and ZXDR-54433-T1-2C RM 1. 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.
