US
1964- Label and catalog number
- ERA Records 3141
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
ERA 459 B (ALC) △54496-XRunout side A
BSN-453 △-54495Runout side B
45-BSN-459-BVinyl label side A
45-BSN-453Vinyl label side B
Jewel AkensThe Birds And The Bees
Vinyl pressings
The Birds And The Bees
by Jewel Akens · 1964
26 pressings12 countriesSoulFunk / Soul
The Birds And The Bees was first pressed on vinyl in 1964. 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 The Birds And The Bees
3 pressings came out in 1964, 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.
Germany
1964- Label and catalog number
- London Records DL 20 777
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
45-MSF-7163-I X Manufactured in Germany S-Ⅱ-H HRunout side A stamped/etched
45-MSF-7164-I X Manufactured in Germany S-Ⅱ-H HRunout side B stamped/etched
Japan
1964- Label and catalog number
- London Records HIT-474
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 26 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1960s22 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Germany | London Records DL 20 777First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1964 | Japan | London Records HIT-474First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1964 | US | ERA Records 3141First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1965 | Australia | London Records HL-22217", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1965 | Australia | London Records HL-22217", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1965 | Belgium | London Records 5.5237", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1965 | Canada | ERA Records ERA. 31417", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1965 | Denmark | London Records HLN 9954 / London American Recordings HL 99547", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1965 | Denmark | London Records HLN 9954 / London American Recordings HL 99547", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1965 | Denmark | London Records HLN 9954 / London American Recordings HL 99547", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1965 | Italy | London Records HL 99547", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1965 | Italy | London Records 45 - HL 99547", 45 RPM, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Jukebox |
| 1965 | Netherlands | London Records HL 9954 / London American Recordings HL 99547", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1965 | Netherlands | London American Recordings HL 99547", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1965 | UK | London Records HLN 9954 / London American Recordings HLN 99547", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
Year unknown4 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | ERA Records 31417", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| ? | Belgium | London Records 79.745 / London Records 79.745 y7" | 7" |
| ? | Belgium | London Records 79.745 / London Records 79.745 y7" | 7" |
| ? | Scandinavia | London Records 45-HLN 9954 / London American Recordings 45-HLN 99547", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Tracklist
- AThe Birds And The Bees2:07
- BTic Tac Toe2:12
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Birds And The Bees are there?
26 vinyl pressings of The Birds And The Bees are listed here, from 12 countries, released between 1964 and 1965.
When was The Birds And The Bees first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1964, in US, Germany, Japan. One of them is ERA Records 3141.
How do I tell if my copy of The Birds And The Bees is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 3141, DL 20 777, HIT-474) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ERA 459 B (ALC) △54496-X and BSN-453 △-54495. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Birds And The Bees 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.