Vinyl pressings
by Neil Sedaka · 1973
The Tra-La Days Are Over 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.
13 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.
2315248 A // 5 ▽ 420 11 24 04Side A, stamped runout - Variant 1
2315248 B // 4 ▽ 420 13 9 04Side B, stamped runout - Variant 1
2315248 A // 3 ▽ 420 1 1 2 04Side A, stamped runout - Variant 2
2315248 B // 4 ▽ 420 11 5 04Side B, stamped runout - Variant 2
2315248 A // 5 ▽ 420 11 13 04Side A, Stamped
2315248 B // 4 ▽ 420 11 9 04Side B, Stamped
2315248 A // 5 ▽ 420 1 2 1 1 04Side A runout [var. 1]
2315248 B // 4 ▽ 420 1 3 1 6 04Side B runout [var. 1]
04 2315248 A // 5 ▽ 420 13 9Side A runout stamping [var. 2]
2315248 B // 4 ▽ 420 1 7 4 04Side B runout stamping [var. 2]
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 | MGM Records 2315 248First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | Brazil | MGM Records 2315248First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | Germany | MGM Records 2315 248First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | Germany | MGM Records 2315 248First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | Ireland | MGM Records 2315 248 / MGM Records 2315-248First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | Italy | MGM Records 2315 248 LFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | New Zealand | MGM Records 2315 248First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | Philippines | MGM Records 2315 248First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | Scandinavia | MGM Records 2315 248First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | UK | MGM Records 2315 248 / MGM Records 2315-248First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | UK | MGM Records 2315 248First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | UK | MGM Records 2315 248 / MGM Records 2315248First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | UK | MGM Records 2315 248 / MGM Records 2315-248First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | Japan | Polydor MP 2412LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | Germany | Polydor 2459 315LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
15 vinyl pressings of The Tra-La Days Are Over are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1973 and 1976.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in UK, Australia, Brazil, Germany and more. One of them is MGM Records 2315 248.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2315 248, 2315248, 2315 248 L) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2315248 A // 5 ▽ 420 11 24 04 and 2315248 B // 4 ▽ 420 13 9 04. 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.
