UK
March 10, 1973- Label and catalog number
- MAM MAM-SS 504
- Format
- LP, Album, Stereo · Gatefold
- Runout / matrix
XZAL11951.P-2W JTRunout side A
XZAL11952.P-1W JTRunout side B
XZAL 11951PLabel side A
XZAL 11952PLabel side B
Lynsey De PaulSurprise
Vinyl pressings
Surprise
by Lynsey De Paul · 1973
11 pressings9 countriesPop RockEuropopRockFunk / Soul
Surprise 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.
How to spot a first pressing of Surprise
10 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 9 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.
Australia
1973- Label and catalog number
- MAM MAM.SS 504
- Format
- LP, Album
Belgium
1973- Label and catalog number
- MAM MAMA 504
- Format
- LP, Album, Stereo · Gatefold
Germany
1973- Label and catalog number
- MAM MAMA 504
- Format
- LP, Album, Stereo · Gatefold
- Runout / matrix
XZAL-11951 Manufactured in Germany Ⓟ1973 SRunout A
XZAL-11952 Manufactured in Germany Ⓟ1973 SRunout B
XZAL 11 951Label A
XZAL 11 952Label B
Japan
1973- Label and catalog number
- MAM SLC 487
- Format
- LP, Album · Gatefold
New Zealand
1973- Label and catalog number
- MAM MAM.SS 504
- Format
- LP, Album
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 11 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s11 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Australia | MAM MAM.SS 504First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | Belgium | MAM MAMA 504First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | Germany | MAM MAMA 504First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | Japan | MAM SLC 487First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | New Zealand | MAM MAM.SS 504First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | Philippines | MAM MAM-SS 504First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | Spain | MAM TXS 3011First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1973 | Spain | MAM TXS 3011First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | Turkey | MAM MAM-SS 504 / MAM 441First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | UK | MAM MAM-SS 504First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1976 | Germany | MAM 062 EMD 98 012LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
Tracklist
- A1Mama Do
- A2Ivory Tower
- A3Doctor Doctor
- A4Crossword Puzzle
- A5Water
- B1Sleeping Blue Nights
- B2The Way It Goes
- B3Rockerdile
- B4Sugar Me
- B5Just Visiting
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Surprise are there?
11 vinyl pressings of Surprise are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1973 and 1976.
When was Surprise first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in UK, Australia, Belgium, Germany and more. One of them is MAM MAM-SS 504, released March 10, 1973.
How do I tell if my copy of Surprise is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MAM-SS 504, MAM.SS 504, MAMA 504, SLC 487) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, XZAL11951.P-2W JT and XZAL11952.P-1W JT. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Surprise on vinyl worth?
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.
