Vinyl pressings
by Kenny Rogers & The First Edition · 1972
The Ballad Of Calico was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1972, 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.
T 31326 - I -2etched, side I
T 2XS 6476 - 31329 - I - Ietched, side IV
T 2XS 6476 - 31327 - I - Ietched, side II
T 2XS 6476 - 31328 - I - 2etched, side III
P 2XS-6476 31326-1 B 11Side A Etched [P & B 11 Stamped]
2XS 6476 31327-1 BSide B Etched [B Stamped]
0 2XS 6476 S-3 31328-1 ISide C Etched [0 Stamped]
2XS-6476 31329-1 1 ΛSide D Etched [1 Λ Stamped]
2XS - 6476-A 2XS (crossed out) 31326 - 1AA Runout
2XS 6476 B 31329 RE-1 1BD Runout
sI 2XS-6476-B 31327-1BB Runout
sI 2XS-6476-(crossed out)C 2XS(crossed out) 31327 - RE-1 1BC Runout
T1 2XS 6476 31326-1-1 A4Side A
T1 2XS 6476 31327-1-1 T ASide B
T1 2XS 6476 31328-1-2 ASide C
T1 2XS 6476 31329-1-1 5ASide D
31,326Side A, Label
31,327Side B, Label
31,328Side C, Label
31,329Side D, Label
2XS-6476 S-7 31326-1A C2-HSide A, Runout
2XS-6476 S-2 31327-1A C2-GSide B, Runout
2XS-6476 S-3 31328-1B C2-GSide C, Runout
2XS-6476 S-4 31329--1A C2-GSide D, Runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Canada | Reprise Records 2XS 6476First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Canada | Reprise Records 2XS 6476First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | Canada | Reprise Records 2XS 6476First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Germany | Reprise Records REP 64 008 / Reprise Records 6476First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Germany | Reprise Records REP 64 008 / Reprise Records 6476First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | New Zealand | Reprise Records 2RS. 6476First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | US | Reprise Records 2XS 6476First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | US | Reprise Records 2XS 6476First yearLP, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1972 | US | Reprise Records 2XS 6476First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | US | Reprise Records 2XS 6476First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1972 | US | Reprise Records 2XS 6476 / Reprise Records R214008LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1972 | US | Reprise Records 2XS 6476First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Japan | MCA Records P-5200-1LP, Album | LP, Album |
13 vinyl pressings of The Ballad Of Calico are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1972 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in US, Canada, Germany, New Zealand. One of them is Reprise Records 2XS 6476.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2XS 6476, REP 64 008, 2RS. 6476) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, T 31326 - I -2 and T 2XS 6476 - 31329 - I - I. 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.
