US
1974- Label and catalog number
- Elektra E-45203
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
Harry ChapinCat's In The Cradle
Vinyl pressings
Cat's In The Cradle
by Harry Chapin · 1974
14 pressings9 countriesFolk RockRockPop
Cat's In The Cradle was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. 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 Cat's In The Cradle
12 pressings came out in 1974, 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.
US
1974- Label and catalog number
- Elektra E-45203
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · SP - Specialty Pressing
- Runout / matrix
EX45203 A-SP SP ESR-TD-9-9-74Side A - Etched
ES 45203 B SP ESR-TD-8-7-74Side B - Etched
SRC (Large S with the R and C in the loops)Side B - Stamped
US
1974- Label and catalog number
- Elektra E-45203
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene · Terre Haute/Santa Maria Pressing
- Runout / matrix
Ex45203 A-Z CSM CTH ESR-TD-4-9-74Side A (etched)
ES45203 B-4 CTH ESR-TD-2-4-74 T1Side B (etched)
E-45203-ASide A label
E-45203-BSide B label
US
1974- Label and catalog number
- Elektra E-45203
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono
Australia
1974- Label and catalog number
- Elektra EKM-45203
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
MX174256Runout (Etched) Side A
MX174257Runout (Etched) Side B
Canada
1974- Label and catalog number
- Elektra E 45203
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
E-45203A-1A-2-G QSide A runout, etched
E-45203B-1A-2-G QSide B runout, etched
45203-ASide A label
45203-BSide B label
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.
1970s14 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Australia | Elektra EKM-45203First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Canada | Elektra E 45203First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Canada | Elektra E 45203First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Germany | Elektra ELK 12 163First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Greece | Elektra 33031First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Greece | Elektra 330317", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1974 | Netherlands | Elektra ELK 12163 / Elektra ELK-12.163First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | New Zealand | Elektra EKM 45203First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | South Africa | Elektra EKS 638First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | US | Elektra E-45203First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | US | Elektra E-45203First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | US | Elektra E-45203First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1974 | US | Elektra E-45203First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1975 | Spain | Elektra 45-1149 / Hispavox 45-11497", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Tracklist
- ACat's In The Cradle3:29
- BVacancy4:00
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Cat's In The Cradle are there?
14 vinyl pressings of Cat's In The Cradle are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1974 and 1975.
When was Cat's In The Cradle first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in US, Australia, Canada, Germany and more. One of them is Elektra E-45203.
How do I tell if my copy of Cat's In The Cradle is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use E-45203, EKM-45203, E 45203, ELK 12 163) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Cat's In The Cradle 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.
