Vinyl pressings
by Lawrence Welk And His Orchestra · 1961
Out Of A Clear Blue Sky was first pressed on vinyl in 1961. 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 1961, the album's first year, in 8 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.
MW 15726 1 A3 IRunout, side A, stamped, variant 1
MW 15727 1 A1 IRunout, side B, stamped, variant 1
MW 15726 2 A2 IRunout, side A, stamped, variant 2
MW 15727 1 A3 IRunout, side B, stamped, variant 2
MB-15726A-side label
MB-15727B-side label
MB-15726A-side label
MB-15727B-side label
MB-15726Label A
MB-15727Label B
MSD.5098Label A
MSD.5099Label B
Side A: {etched} 45-16198-Side:1
Side B: {etched} 45-16198-Side:2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Australia | London Records HL-1793First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1961 | Belgium | Dot Records 9.16.198First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1961 | Denmark | Dot Records D 45-257First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Germany | London DL 20398First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Greece | Dot Records 45-5052First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1961 | UK | London American Recordings 45-HLD 9318First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Canada | Dot Records 16198XFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1961 | US | Dot Records 45-16198First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1961 | US | Dot Records 45-16198First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1961 | US | Dot Records 45-16198First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1961 | US | Dot Records 45-16198First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
11 vinyl pressings of Out Of A Clear Blue Sky are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1961, in US, UK, Canada, Australia and more. One of them is Dot Records 45-16198, released February 1961.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 45-16198, 45-HLD 9318, 16198X, HL-1793) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MW 15726 1 A3 I and MW 15727 1 A1 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.
