US
1970- Label and catalog number
- Harmony KH 30138
- Format
- LP, Compilation, Stereo · Terre Haute Pressing
- Runout / matrix
HAL 30138-1B TSide A runout [stamped]
HBL 30138-1B TSide B runout [stamped]
AL 30138Side A label
BL 30138Side B label
Johnny CashThe Walls Of A Prison
Vinyl pressings
The Walls Of A Prison
by Johnny Cash · 1970
10 pressings6 countriesCountryFolkWorld& Country
The Walls Of A Prison was first pressed on vinyl in 1970. 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 Walls Of A Prison
6 pressings came out in 1970, the album's first year, in 4 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
1970- Label and catalog number
- Harmony KH 30138
- Format
- LP, Compilation, Stereo · Pitman Pressing
- Runout / matrix
o HAL 30138-1A ᴘ 1Runout Side 1 [Stamped] Variant 1
o HBL 30138-1A 1Runout Side 2 [Stamped] Variant 1
o HAL 30138-1A 1Runout Side 1 [Stamped] Variant 2
p HBL 30138-1A 1Runout Side 2 [Stamped] Variant 2
US
1970- Label and catalog number
- Harmony KH 30138
- Format
- LP, Compilation, Stereo · Santa Maria Pressing
- Runout / matrix
o K HAL 30138-1D S A1Side 1 runout stamped except "K" etched
o KH - HBL 30138-1CSide 2 runout stamped except "K" etched
AL 30138Side A label
BL 30138Side B label
UK
1970- Label and catalog number
- CBS S 52825
- Format
- LP, Compilation
Canada
1970- Label and catalog number
- Harmony KH 30138
- Format
- LP, Compilation
Europe
1970- Label and catalog number
- CBS S 52825
- Format
- LP, Compilation, Stereo · Green labels
- Runout / matrix
S52825-1Runout side A, etched, Variant 1
S52825-2 ~Runout side B, etched, Variant 1
S52825-A IIIRunout side A, etched, Variant 2
S52825-B IIIRunout side B, etched, Variant 2
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 10 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s7 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Canada | Harmony KH 30138First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1970 | Europe | CBS S 52825First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1970 | UK | CBS S 52825First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1970 | US | Harmony KH 30138First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1970 | US | Harmony KH 30138First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1970 | US | Harmony KH 30138First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1972 | New Zealand | Harmony 72LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
Year unknown3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Music For Pleasure MFP 5830 / Music For Pleasure MFP-5830LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| ? | Australia | Rainbow RPG 7510LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Australia | Harmony HC 15053LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
Tracklist
- A1The Great Speckle Bird
- A2Clementine
- A3The Ballad Of Boot Hill
- A4I'd Rather Die Young
- A5Guess Things Happen That Way
- B1The Walls Of A Prison
- B2Going To Memphis
- B3The Shifting, Whispering Sands
- B4When It's Springtime In Alaska
- B5Troublesome Waters
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Walls Of A Prison are there?
10 vinyl pressings of The Walls Of A Prison are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1970 and 1972.
When was The Walls Of A Prison first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1970, in US, UK, Canada, Europe. One of them is Harmony KH 30138.
How do I tell if my copy of The Walls Of A Prison is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use KH 30138, S 52825) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, HAL 30138-1B T and HBL 30138-1B T. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Walls Of A Prison 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.
