Vinyl pressings
by Jim Stafford · 1973
Spiders & Snakes 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.
13 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 7 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.
K14648 73L5526-S DSS D PRSide A Etched, variant 1
K14648 73L5527-S DSS PR DSide B Etched, variant 1
K14648 73L5526-S-1-1-1 DSS D PRSide A Etched, variant 2
K14648 73L5527-S DSS-1-1-1 PR DSide B Etched, variant 2
K 14648 73L 5526-S TML K-6501Runout side A
K 14648 73L 5527-S TML K-6502Runout side B
73 L 5526Label side A
73 L 5527Label side B
K 14648 73L 5526-S TML ƧA Side Runout, variant 1
K 14648 73L 5527-SB Side Runout, variant 1
K 14648 73L 5526-S TML Ƨ [33898]A Side Runout, [mirrored], variant 2
K 14648 73L 5527-S [34649]B Side Runout, [mirrored], variant 2
K 14648 73L 5526-S KESide A Etched
K 14648 73L 5527-S KESide B Etched
TMLSide A & B Stamped
73 L 5526Side A Label
K14648 73L 5526-S TML K-6501Side A etched [TML stamped]
K14648 73L5527-S K-6502Side B etched
73 L 5526-SLabel side A
73 L 5527Label side B
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 | MGM Records 2006 374First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1973 | Belgium | MGM Records 2006 374First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Canada | MGM Records K-14648First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Canada | MGM Records K-14648First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Germany | MGM Records 2006 374First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1973 | Ireland | MGM Records 2006-374First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | New Zealand | MGM Records 2006 374First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records K 14648First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records K 14648First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records K 14648First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records K 14648First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records K 14648First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Mono · Mono |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records K 14648First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1974 | Italy | MGM Records 2006 3747", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Netherlands | MGM Records 2006 3747", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
18 vinyl pressings of Spiders & Snakes are listed here, from 11 countries, released between 1973 and 1974.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, Australia, Belgium, Canada and more. One of them is MGM Records K 14648, released November 10, 1973.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use K 14648, 2006 374, K-14648, 2006-374) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, K14648 73L5526-S DSS D PR and K14648 73L5527-S DSS PR D. 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.
