Vinyl pressings
by Horslips · 1973
The Táin 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.
4 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 2 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.
MOO 4–A-–IE A5Runout Side A, hand-etched, variant 1
MOO 45[very faint 5 on 4] –B-–IE A5Runout Side B, hand-etched, variant 1
MOO 5Side A & B labels
MOO 4–A-–IE A4Runout Side A, hand-etched
MOO 45[very faint 5 on 4]–B-–IE A5Runout Side B, hand-etched
MOO 5Side A & B labels
MOO 4 A–2Runout side A
MOO 4 B–2Runout side B
MOO 5Side A & B labels
MOO 4[Crossed out]-A-1E A6TSide A runout hand-etched
MOO 45[5 on top of 4]-B-1E A3XSide B runout hand-etched
MOO 4/5 (5 on top of 4)-A1-E A3GSide A Variant 2
MOO 4/5 (5 on top of 4)-B1-E A3JSide B Variant 2
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 | UK | Oats MOO 5First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | Ireland | Oats MOO 5 / Oats Moo 5First yearAlbum, LP | Album, LP |
| 1973 | Ireland | Oats MOO 5 / Oats Moo 5First yearAlbum, LP | Album, LP |
| 1973 | Ireland | Oats MOO 5 / Oats Moo 5First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | Germany | Atlantic ATL 50 034Album, LP | Album, LP |
| 1974 | US | ATCO Records SD 7039LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | US | ATCO Records SD 7039LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | US | ATCO Records SD 7039LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Ireland | Outlet OAS MOO5LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Ireland | Horslips Records MOO 5LP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited | LP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Ireland | Horslips Records MOO 512", Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl | 12", Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Ireland | Horslips Records MOO 5LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | Ireland | Horslips Records MOO 5 / Oats Moo 5LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| ? | UK | DJM Records DJF 20543LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
14 vinyl pressings of The Táin are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1973 and 2026.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in Ireland, UK. One of them is Oats MOO 5, released September 1973.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MOO 5) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MOO 4–A-–IE A5 and MOO 45[very faint 5 on 4] –B-–IE A5. 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.
