Vinyl pressings
by Lou Reed · 1972
Walk On The Wild Side 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.
8 pressings came out in 1972, the album's first year. 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.
BGBS-1156 - 2E (RCA - 2303) A I BSide A runout, Etched. Variant 1
BGBS-1157 - 2E (RCA - 2303) A I BSide B runout, Etched. Variant 1
BGBS-1156-2E 'W' (RCA-2303) A1OSide A runout. Variant 2
BGBS-1157-2E (RCA-2303) 'W' A1USide B runout. Variant 2
BGBS 1156 1ESide A run-out
BGBS 1157 1ESide B run-out
BGBS 1156 1ESide A runout, stamped
BGBS 1157 1ESide B runout, stamped
BGBS 1156Side A, label
BGBS 1157Side B, label
BGBS 1156 1ERunout, Side A
BGBS 1157 1ERunout, Side B
BGBS-1156Side A label
BGBS-1157Side B label
BGBS 1156 1ESide A runout, variant 1
BGBS 1157 1ESide B runout, variant 1
BGBS 1156 1E 1 4 ASide A runout, variant 2
BGBS 1157 1E ASide B runout, variant 2
BGBS 1156 1ESide A runout, stamped
BGBS 1157 1ESide B runout, stamped
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 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 2303First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1972 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1972 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Australia | RCA Victor 1022517", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Australia | RCA Victor 1022517", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Brazil | RCA Victor 101.40327", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Canada | RCA Victor 74-08877", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1973 | Canada | RCA Victor 74-08877", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1973 | El Salvador | RCA Victor 74-08877", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Japan | RCA SS-22727", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Spain | RCA Victor 3-109257", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| ? | UK | RCA Victor GOLD 005 / RCA Victor RCA 23037", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| ? | UK | RCA GOLD 0057", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
| ? | UK | RCA Victor GOLD 005 / RCA Victor RCA 23037", Single, Promo, Reissue · Promo | 7", Single, Promo, Reissue · Promo |
37 vinyl pressings of Walk On The Wild Side are listed here, from 14 countries, released between 1972 and 1973.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in UK. One of them is RCA Victor RCA 2303, released November 24, 1972.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use RCA 2303) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BGBS-1156 - 2E (RCA - 2303) A I B and BGBS-1157 - 2E (RCA - 2303) A I B. 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.
