Vinyl pressings
by Linda Lewis · 1973
Rock A Doodle Doo was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
16 pressings came out in 1973, 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.
RA 18502 A1 K̶ ̶1̶4̶2̶4̶2̶ ̶A̶1̶ ASide A stamped runout
RA 18502 B1 K̶ ̶1̶4̶2̶4̶2̶ ̶B̶1̶ ASide B stamped runout
RA 18502 ASide A label
RA 18502 BSide B label
RA 18502 A1 K̶ ̶1̶4̶2̶4̶2̶ ̶A̶1̶ : ·Run-out side A, stamped
RA 18502 B1 K̶ ̶1̶4̶2̶4̶2̶ ̶B̶1̶ : ·Run-out side B, stamped
RA 18502 ALabel side A
RA 18502 BLabel side B
K 14242 A1A
K 14242 B1B
RA18502A1 (Strikethrough: K14242A1)Runout stamped side A
RA18502B1 (Strikethrough: K14242B1)Runout stamped side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Australia | Raft Records RA-18502First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | France | Raft Records 18.502First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | France | Raft Records RA 18 502First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | Germany | Raft Records RA 18 502First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | Germany | Raft Records RA 18 502First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | New Zealand | Warner Bros. Records B.18502First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | UK | Raft Records RA 18502First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | UK | Reprise Records K 14242First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | UK | Raft Records RA 18502First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | UK | Raft Records RA 18502First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Reprise Records REP 1168First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Reprise Records REP 1147First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Reprise Records REP 1168First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Reprise Records REP 1168First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | UK | Raft Records RA 18502First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
17 vinyl pressings of Rock A Doodle Doo are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1973 and 1976.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in UK, US, Germany, Australia and more. One of them is Raft Records RA 18502, released May 1973.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use RA 18502, K 14242, REP 1168, REP 1147) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RA 18502 A1 K̶ ̶1̶4̶2̶4̶2̶ ̶A̶1̶ A and RA 18502 B1 K̶ ̶1̶4̶2̶4̶2̶ ̶B̶1̶ A. 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.
