Vinyl pressings
by James Brown & The Famous Flames · 1966
Ain't That A Groove was first pressed on vinyl in 1966. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1966, the album's first year, in 5 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.
K-45-12081-X2Runout A, etched, variant 1
K-45-12082-X1Runout B, etched, variant 1
K-45-12081-X1Runout A, etched, variant 2
K-45-12082-X2Runout B, etched, variant 2
K-45-12082-X2Side A runout, variant 1
K-45-12081-X2Side B runout, variant 1
K-45-12081-X1Side A runout, variant 2
K-45-12082-X1Side B runout, variant 2
K-45-12081-X2A-Side Runout Etching
K-45-12082-X1B-Side Runout Etching
K-45-12081Side A Label
K-45-12082Side B Label
K-45-12081-X1Side A Runout
K-45-12082-X1Side B Runout
K-45-12081Side A Label
K-45-12082Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Mexico | Orfeon 45-1976First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1966 | Sweden | Sonet T-7663First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1966 | Sweden | Sonet T-7663First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1966 | UK | Pye International 7N.25367First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1966 | UK | Pye International 7N.25367First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1966 | US | King Records 45-6025First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1966 | US | King Records 45-6025First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1966 | US | King Records 45-6025First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1966 | US | King Records 45-6025First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1966 | Germany | International Polydor Production 421 031First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | Delta D-32257", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of Ain't That A Groove are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1966, in US, UK, Germany, Mexico and more. One of them is King Records 45-6025.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 45-6025, 7N.25367, 421 031, 45-1976) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, K-45-12081-X2 and K-45-12082-X1. 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.
