Vinyl pressings
by Melanie · 1972
The Best ... 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.
1 pressing 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.
BDA 61003 A1¹ M.P.P.V.Runout, A side
BDA 61003 A2¹ M.P.P.V.Runout, B side
BDA 61003 B1¹ M.P.P.V.Runout, C side
BDA 61003 B2¹ M.P.P.V.Runout, D side
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 | France | Buddah Records BDA. 61 003 / Buddah Records BDA 61003First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | Australia | Buddah Records VAL2 0243LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1976 | Canada | Buddah Records BDS 5664-2LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1976 | Germany | Buddah Records 6.28431LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1976 | Germany | Buddah Records 6.28431LP, Compilation, Reissue, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1976 | US | Buddah Records BDS 5664-2LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1976 | US | Buddah Records BDS 5664-2LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1976 | US | Buddah Records BDS 5664-2LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | US | Buddah Records BDS 5664-2LP, Compilation, Misprint, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Misprint, Reissue |
| 1976 | US | Buddah Records BDS 5664-2LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1976 | US | Buddah Records BDS 5664-2LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1978 | Japan | Buddah Records RJ-7335LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Buddah Records 461003LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | France | Buddah Records 461003LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
14 vinyl pressings of The Best ... are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1972 and 1978.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in France. One of them is Buddah Records BDA. 61 003.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BDA. 61 003) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BDA 61003 A1¹ M.P.P.V. and BDA 61003 A2¹ M.P.P.V.. 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.
