Vinyl pressings
by Sam Cooke · 1963
Frankie And Johnny / Cool Train was first pressed on vinyl in 1963. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1963, the album's first year, in 7 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.
M5PW-3240 - - 3S IRunout, Side A, Stamped
PHKM-4065 - - 3S IRunout, Side B, Stamped
M5PW-3240 - - 3S I A2Runout, Side A, Stamped, Variant 1
PHKM-4065 - - A1Runout, Side B, Stamped, Variant 1
M5PW-3240--1S A1 RRunout A, etched, variant 1
PHKM--4065--2S RRunout B, etched, variant 1
M5PW-3240--1S A2 RRunout A, etched, variant 2
PHKM--4065--1S A4 RRunout B, etched, variant 2
M5PW-3240 - - 4S HRunout, Side A, Stamped
PHKM-4065 - -4S HRunout, Side B, Stamped
M5PW-3240Side A Label
PHKM-4065Side B Label
M5PW-3240-1T I H KT 1Side A runout, variant 1
PHKM-4065-1T N H KT 1Side B runout, variant 1
M5PW-3240-1T KT HHSide A runout, variant 2
PHKM-4065-1T KT AHSide B runout, variant 2
M5PW-3240Side A Label
PHKM-4065Side B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Australia | RCA 47-8215First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Canada | RCA Victor 47-8215First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1963 | Germany | RCA Victor 47-8215First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1963 | Ireland | RCA Victor ERC1361First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | New Zealand | RCA Victor 60369First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1963 | UK | RCA Victor RCA-1361 / RCA Victor 47-8215First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1963 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 1361First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1963 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 1361First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1963 | US | RCA Victor 47-8215First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1963 | US | RCA Victor 47-8215First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1963 | US | RCA Victor 47-8215First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1963 | US | RCA Victor 47-8215First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
12 vinyl pressings of Frankie And Johnny / Cool Train are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1963, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is RCA Victor 47-8215.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 47-8215, RCA-1361, RCA 1361, ERC1361) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, M5PW-3240 - - 3S I and PHKM-4065 - - 3S I. 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.
