Vinyl pressings
by Paul Delicato · 1976
Cara Mia was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1976, the album's first year, in 10 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.
A̶O̶A̶-̶1̶1̶1̶ S45-1033 United 1-5-76A-Side Runout Etching
AOA-101 S45-1001B-Side Runout Etching
S 45 1033 BWA-Side Label
S 45 1001 BWB-Side Label
S45 1033A-Side Label
S45 1001B-Side Label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Australia | Artists Of America MSA 183First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1976 | Canada | Artists Of America AOA. 111First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1976 | Germany | London Records 6.11864 ACFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1976 | Japan | London Records CM-1022First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1976 | Portugal | London Records P-AOA-111GFirst year7" | 7" |
| 1976 | Spain | London Records MO 1592First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1976 | UK | London Records HLO 10519First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | UK & Europe | London Records HLO 10519First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1976 | US | Artists Of America AOA-111First year7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1976 | US | Artists Of America AOA-111First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | Venezuela | London Records 45-2172First year7" | 7" |
11 vinyl pressings of Cara Mia are listed here, from 10 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Artists Of America AOA-111.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AOA-111, HLO 10519, MSA 183, AOA. 111) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A̶O̶A̶-̶1̶1̶1̶ S45-1033 United 1-5-76 and AOA-101 S45-1001. 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.
