Vinyl pressings
by The Beach Boys · 1968
Bluebirds Over The Mountain was first pressed on vinyl in 1968. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
25 pressings came out in 1968, the album's first year, in 15 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.
45-25231-F1#3 IAMA-Side Runout Etching, Variant 1
45-71063-F1#2 IAMB-Side Runout Etching, Variant 1
45-25231-G2#4 IAMA-Side Runout Etching, Variant 2
45-25231-G2#3 IAMB-Side Runout Etching, Variant 2
45-25231-F-3 *A-Side Runout Etching
45-71063-F-3 : *B-Side Runout Etching
45-25231A-Side Label
45-71063B-Side Label
F 25231 - 1 G KT 1Side A runout variant 1
F 71063 - 1 GR KT 2Side B runout variant 1
F 25231 - 1 R KT 1Side A runout variant 2
F 71063 - 1 R KT 1Side B runout 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Australia | Capitol Records CP-8619First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Australia | Capitol Records CP-8619First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1968 | Canada | Capitol Records 2360First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Denmark | Capitol Records CL 15572First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1968 | Denmark | Capitol Records CL 15572First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1968 | France | Capitol Records CLF 2360First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1968 | France | Capitol Records CLF 2360First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Germany | Capitol Records K 23 959First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Germany | Capitol Records K 23 959First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Germany | Capitol Records K 23 959First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1968 | Italy | Capitol Records F 2360First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1968 | Italy | Capitol Records F 2360First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Netherlands | Capitol Records HF 311First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | New Zealand | Capitol Records F.2360First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Nicaragua | Capitol Records CM-1499First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | UK | Capitol Records CL 160617", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
27 vinyl pressings of Bluebirds Over The Mountain are listed here, from 16 countries, released between 1968 and 1979.
The earliest pressings are from 1968, in US, UK, Ireland, Australia and more. One of them is Capitol Records 2360.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2360, P-2360, CL 15572, CL(I) 15572) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 45-25231-F1#3 IAM and 45-71063-F1#2 IAM. 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.
