UK
July 5, 1963- Label and catalog number
- Parlophone R 5044
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
7XCE 17387-1N RA KT 1Side A runout, stamped
7XCE 17388-1N RA KMT 1Side B runout, stamped
The DakotasThe Cruel Sea
Vinyl pressings
The Cruel Sea
by The Dakotas · 1963
16 pressings9 countriesPop RockRock
The Cruel Sea 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.
How to spot a first pressing of The Cruel Sea
12 pressings came out in 1963, the album's first year, in 6 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.
UK
July 5, 1963- Label and catalog number
- Parlophone R 5044
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
7XCE 17387-1N RP MT1A side runout stamped Variant 1
7XCE 17388-1N RG MT1B side runout stamped Variant 1
7XCE 17387-1N KMT 2 A GA Side Stamped Variant 2
7XCE 17388-1N KMT 2 A OB Side Stamped Variant 2
UK
July 5, 1963- Label and catalog number
- Parlophone R 5044
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
7XCE 17387-1N RT K MT 2Runout A, stamped
7XCE 17388-1N AA K MT 2Runout B, stamped
UK
1963- Label and catalog number
- Parlophone R 5044
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo
- Runout / matrix
7XCE 17387-1N JR MTSide A
7XCE 17388-1N JR MTSide B
US
1963- Label and catalog number
- Liberty F 55618
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
US
1963- Label and catalog number
- Liberty 55618
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 16 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1960s12 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Finland | Parlophone 45-DPY 650First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | France | Odeon 7 SO 10090First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Spain | Odeon DSOL 66.043First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1963 | Sweden | Parlophone R 5044First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | UK | Parlophone R 5044First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1963 | US | Liberty F 55618First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1963 | US | Liberty 55618First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1963 | US | Liberty F 55618First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1963 | US | Liberty 55618First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1963 | UK | Parlophone R 5044First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | UK | Parlophone R 5044First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1963 | UK | Parlophone R 5044First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
Year unknown4 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Parlophone A80957", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | South Africa | Parlophone 45-SPD 3077", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | Southern Rhodesia | Parlophone 45-SPD 3077", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | UK | EMI7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
Tracklist
- AThe Cruel Sea
- BThe Millionaire
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Cruel Sea are there?
16 vinyl pressings of The Cruel Sea are listed here, from 9 countries.
When was The Cruel Sea first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1963, in UK, US, Finland, France and more. One of them is Parlophone R 5044, released July 5, 1963.
How do I tell if my copy of The Cruel Sea is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use R 5044, F 55618, 55618, 45-DPY 650) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 7XCE 17387-1N RA KT 1 and 7XCE 17388-1N RA KMT 1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Cruel Sea on vinyl worth?
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.