Vinyl pressings
by The Beach Boys · 1968
Friends / Little Bird 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.
31 pressings came out in 1968, the album's first year, in 21 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.
45-59400-P1 #2 IAMSide A runout, variant 1
45-59214-F1 #2 IAMSide B runout, variant 1
45-59400-F1 #3 IAMSide A runout, variant 2
45-59214-P1 #3 IAMSide B runout, variant 2
45-59400-F-3: ✲Runout side A, variant 1
45-59214-F-3 ✲Runout side B, variant 1
45-59400-F-3:∙ 2 ✲ 3Runout side A, variant 2
45-59214-F-3∙ 2 ✲Runout side B, variant 2
45-59400-F-3:Side A runout etched
45-59214-F-3Side B runout etched
45-59400Side A label
45-59214Side B label
P-1968 59400A Side
P-1968 59214B Side
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 | Unknown | Capitol Records RCL. 11 / Capitol Records RCL 11First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Argentina | Capitol Records 33 M 2160First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1968 | Australia | Capitol Records CP-8358First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1968 | Australia | Capitol Records CP-8358First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Canada | Capitol Records 2160First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Denmark | Capitol Records CL 15545First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Finland | Capitol Records F 2160First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | France | Capitol Records CLF 2160First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Germany | Capitol Records K 23 771First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Germany | Capitol Records K 23 771 / Capitol Records K 23771First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1968 | Greece | Capitol Records CL 156545First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Ireland | Capitol Records CL(I)15545First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | Italy | Capitol Records F 2160First year7", 45 RPM, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Jukebox |
| 1968 | Italy | Capitol Records F 2160First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1968 | Japan | Capitol Records CR-1928First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | UK | Capitol Records CL 160587", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
32 vinyl pressings of Friends / Little Bird are listed here, from 21 countries, released between 1968 and 1979.
The earliest pressings are from 1968, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Capitol Records 2160, released April 1968.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2160, P 2160, RCL. 11, CL 15545) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 45-59400-P1 #2 IAM and 45-59214-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.
