Vinyl pressings
by The Drifters · 1974
Down On The Beach Tonight was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1974, the album's first year, in 11 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.
BELL 1381 A-1U GGG 1Runout A, stamped variant 1
BELL 1381 B-1U GGP 2Runout B, stamped variant 1
BELL 1381 A-1U MP 2Runout A, stamped variant 2
BELL 1381 B-1U MR 2Runout B, stamped variant 2
BELL 1381 A-1U 1Runout A, stamped
BELL 1381 B-1U 1Runout B, stamped
BELL 1381ASide A label
BELL 1381BSide B label
S-53812 A 161274A
S-53812 B 161274B
2008 286 A 7YS 921Side A runout, stamped
2008 286 B 7YS 922Side B runout, stamped
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Australia | Bell Records 2008 286First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Austria | Bell Records 2008 286First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Belgium | Bell Records 2008 286First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Belgium | Bell Records 2008 286First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | Germany | Bell Records 2008 286First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | Netherlands | Bell Records 2008 286First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | New Zealand | Bell Records 2008 286First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | South Africa | Bell Records PS.369First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Spain | Bell Records 2008 286First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | UK | Bell Records BELL 1381First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | Ireland | Bell Records BELL 1381First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | UK | Bell Records BELL 1381First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Yugoslavia | Bell Records 2008 286 / PGP RTB S 53812First year7", Single | 7", Single |
13 vinyl pressings of Down On The Beach Tonight are listed here, from 11 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in UK, Ireland, Yugoslavia, Australia and more. One of them is Bell Records BELL 1381, released October 1974.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BELL 1381, 2008 286, PS.369) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BELL 1381 A-1U GGG 1 and BELL 1381 B-1U GGP 2. 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.
The Drifters' Golden Hits
1968 · 73 pressings
Save The Last Dance For Me / Nobody But Me
1960 · 41 pressings
White Christmas / The Bells Of St. Mary's
1954 · 32 pressings
Up On The Roof / Another Night With The Boys
1962 · 27 pressings
Kissin' In The Back Row Of The Movies
1973 · 26 pressings
Dance With Me / (If You Cry) True Love, True Love
1959 · 25 pressings
