US
1958- Label and catalog number
- Elektra EKL-158Elektra Elektra 158
- Format
- LP, Mono · 1st
- Runout / matrix
EKL 158 A 10-20-58 ABSide A
EKL 158 B 10-24-58 ABSide B
Vinyl pressings
Chain Gang Songs
by Josh White · 1958
22 pressings4 countriesBluesFolkWorld& Country
Chain Gang Songs was first pressed on vinyl in 1958. 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 Chain Gang Songs
5 pressings came out in 1958, 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.
US
1958- Label and catalog number
- Elektra EKS-7158
- Format
- LP, Album, Stereo · 1st
- Runout / matrix
EKS -7158- ASide A
EKS-7158-BSide B
US
1958- Label and catalog number
- Elektra EKL-158Elektra Elektra 158
- Format
- LP, Mono
- Runout / matrix
EKL 158 A 156A SCRATCHED OUT 158A DT SR-1 6110 PBRunout side A
EKL 158 B DT SR-1 6110 PBRunout side B
France
1958- Label and catalog number
- Mode Disques MDINT 9 122Mode Disques MDINT. 9122
- Format
- LP
- Runout / matrix
MDEKL. 158-AA Label
MDEKL. 158-BB Label
France
1958- Label and catalog number
- Mode Disques MDINT 9 122Mode Disques MDINT. 9122
- Format
- LP
- Runout / matrix
MDEKL 158 A2A Label
MDEKL 158 B1B Label
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 22 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1950s6 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | France | Mode Disques MDINT 9 122 / Mode Disques MDINT. 9122First yearLP | LP |
| 1958 | France | Mode Disques MDINT 9 122 / Mode Disques MDINT. 9122First yearLP | LP |
| 1958 | US | Elektra EKL-158 / Elektra Elektra 158First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | US | Elektra EKS-7158First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1958 | US | Elektra EKL-158 / Elektra Elektra 158First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1959 | US | Elektra EKL-158LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
1960s4 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | UK | Elektra Elektra 158LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1960 | US | Elektra EKS-7158LP, Stereo, Reissue | LP, Stereo, Reissue |
| 1960 | US | Elektra EKL-158LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1962 | UK | Pye Golden Guinea Records GGL 0205 / Pye Golden Guinea Records GGL.0205LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
2020s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Spain | Elektra Records EKS 7158LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
Year unknown11 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Mode Disques MDINT 9 122 / Mode Disques MDINT. 9122LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | US | Elektra EKS-7158LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| ? | US | Elektra EKS-7158LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | US | Elektra EKS-7158LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| ? | US | Elektra EKL-158LP | LP |
| ? | US | Elektra EKL-158 / Elektra Elektra 158LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| ? | US | Elektra EKS-7158LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | US | Elektra EKL-158LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| ? | US | Elektra EKS-7158 / Elektra EKS 7158LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | US | Elektra EKS-7158LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| ? | US | Elektra EKS 7158LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
Tracklist
- A1Trouble
- A2'Twas On A Monday
- A3Going Home, Boys
- A4Nine Foot Shovel
- A5Crying Who? Crying You
- B1Dip Your Fingers In The Water
- B2The Old Ship Of Zion
- B3Mary Had Baby
- B4Did You Ever Love A Woman
- B5Every Time I Feel The Spirit
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Chain Gang Songs are there?
22 vinyl pressings of Chain Gang Songs are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1958 and 2022.
When was Chain Gang Songs first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1958, in US, France. One of them is Elektra EKL-158.
How do I tell if my copy of Chain Gang Songs is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EKL-158, EKS-7158, MDINT 9 122) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EKL 158 A 10-20-58 AB and EKL 158 B 10-24-58 AB. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Chain Gang Songs 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.
