Vinyl pressings
by Sandy Nelson · 1961
Let There Be Drums / Quite A Beat was first pressed on vinyl in 1961. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
24 pressings came out in 1961, the album's first year, in 14 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.
45-IM-3080 LW IIA-side runout, etched; "II" is roman numeral 2
45-IM-3079 LW IIB-side runout, etched; "II" is roman numeral 2
IM-3080A-side label
IM-3079B-side label
45-1M-3080Runout Side A, Etched, Variant 1
45-1M-3079 SI [Circled] 5775Runout Side B, Etched, Variant 1
1M-3080Runout Side A, Etched, Variant 2
45-1M-3079 SI [Circled] 5775Runout Side B, Etched, Variant 2
IM-3080Label A
IM-3079Label B
45-IM-3080 S-①Deadwax A
45-IM-3079 S1Deadwax B
IM-3080Side A runout
IM-3079Side B runout
IM-3080Label Side A
IM-3079Label Side B
45-IM-3080 LW IIA-side runout, etched; "II" is roman numeral 2
45-IM-3079 LW IIB-side runout, etched; "II" is roman numeral 2
IM-3080A-side label
IM-3079B-side label
45-MSL-5619-1CStamped side A, variant 1
45-MSL-5620-1CStamped side B, variant 1
45-MSL-5619-1C UH IT 2BStamped side A, variant 2
45-MSL-5620-1C B 1Stamped side B, variant 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Australia | London Records HL-1899First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Canada | Imperial IM. 5775First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Denmark | California C 339First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1961 | Germany | London Records DL 20 489First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Greece | Imperial XG 10007First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1961 | Hong Kong | Imperial IMP. 033First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1961 | Ireland | London American Recordings 45-HLP 9466First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1961 | Italy | Post Records 5775First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1961 | Italy | Post Records 5775First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1961 | New Zealand | London American Recordings NZL.P 687First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1961 | Norway | California C-339First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | South Africa | Renown 45-N 1265First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1961 | Sweden | California C 339First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1961 | UK | London American Recordings 45-HLP 9466First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | UK | London American Recordings 45-HL-P 9466First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | UK | United Artists Records UP 361147", 45 RPM, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1976 | UK | United Artists Records UP 361147", 45 RPM, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Mono · Mono |
33 vinyl pressings of Let There Be Drums / Quite A Beat are listed here, from 16 countries, released between 1961 and 1976.
The earliest pressings are from 1961, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Imperial X5775.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use X5775, 5775, 45-HLP 9466, 45-HL-P 9466) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 45-IM-3080 LW II and 45-IM-3079 LW II. 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.
