Vinyl pressings
by Leon Russell · 1975
Lady Blue was first pressed on vinyl in 1975. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1975, the album's first year, in 6 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.
MC 3825 W2 B.D.I. ◈-P-◈ IIISide A run-out, etched, variant 1
MC 3824 W2 B.D.I. ◈-P-◈Side B run-out, etched, variant 1
MC 3825 W2 B.D.I. ◈-P-◈ IIISide A run-out, etched, variant 2
MC 3824 W2 B.D.I. ◈-P-◈ IIIISide B run-out, etched, variant 2
MC 3825 W1 B.D.I. 回-G-回(A-Side Runout Etching)
MC 3824 W1 B.D.I. 回-G-回(B-Side Runout Etching)
MC 3825A-side label
MC 3824B-side label
MC 3825 W1 B.D.I. 回-G-回A-Side Runout Etching
MC 3825M W1 B.D.I. 回-G-回B-Side Runout Etching
MC 3825A-Side Label
MC3825-MB-Side Label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Canada | Shelter Recording Company Inc. SR - 40378First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1975 | Canada | Shelter Recording Company Inc. SR 40378First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1975 | Canada | Shelter Recording Company Inc. SR 40378First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1975 | Japan | Shelter Records SFL-2041First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1975 | New Zealand | Shelter Records K5993First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1975 | Norway | Shelter Records 6084 601First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1975 | UK | A&M Records AMS 7199First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1975 | UK | A&M Records AMS 7199First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1975 | US | Shelter Records SR - 40378First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1975 | US | Shelter Recording Company Inc. SR - 40378First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1975 | US | Shelter Recording Company Inc. SR - 40378First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1975 | US | Shelter Recording Company Inc. SR - 40378First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Shelter Records K-59937", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
13 vinyl pressings of Lady Blue are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1975, in US, UK, Canada, New Zealand and more. One of them is Shelter Recording Company Inc. SR - 40378, released May 1975.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SR - 40378, AMS 7199, SR 40378, K5993) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MC 3825 W2 B.D.I. ◈-P-◈ III and MC 3824 W2 B.D.I. ◈-P-◈. 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.
