Vinyl pressings
by The Singing Sheep · 1982
Baa-Baa Black Sheep was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 5 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.
BAA-1-A2 BAA BAISH EWE A...... ⋀ TOWNHOUSEA BAA. WISH EWE A...... ⋀ TOWNHOUSESide A runout, variant 1
BAA-1-B1 ........MERRY CHRISTMAS ⋀ TOWNHOUSESide B runout, variant 1
BAA-1-A1 BAA BAA BAA. WISH EWE A...... ⋀ TOWNHOUSE 22Side A runout, variant 2
BAA-1-B2 ........MERRY CHRISTMAS ⋀ TOWNHOUSE 11Side B runout, variant 2
BAA-1-A2 BAA BAA BAA. WISH EWE A...... ⋀ TOWNHOUSESide A runout
BAA-1-B1 ........MERRY CHRISTMAS ⋀ TOWNHOUSESide B runout
BAA 1-ASide A label
BAA 1-BSide B label
BAA BAA BAA WE WISH EWE A ........ BAA 1-A1Side A Etched Run-out
........MERRY CHRISTMAS BAA 1-B1Side B Etched Run-out
TOWNHOUSE. DBoth Sides Stamped Run-out
DS 104979 A-1/82S IA
DS 104979 B-1/82S IB
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Australia | Virgin BAA 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Australia | Virgin BAA 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | Europe | Virgin 104 979 / Virgin 104 979-100First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | Italy | Virgin VIN 45063First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1982 | UK | Sheep Records BAA 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | UK | Sheep Records BAA 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Ireland | Sheep Records BAA 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Spain | Virgin F-600.78312", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Spain | Virgin B-105.016 / Virgin B-1050167", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Spain | Virgin B-105.016 / Virgin B-1050167", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
10 vinyl pressings of Baa-Baa Black Sheep are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1982 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, Ireland, Australia, Europe and more. One of them is Sheep Records BAA 1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BAA 1, 104 979, VIN 45063) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BAA-1-A2 BAA BAISH EWE A...... ⋀ TOWNHOUSEA BAA. WISH EWE A...... ⋀ TOWNHOUSE and BAA-1-B1 ........MERRY CHRISTMAS ⋀ TOWNHOUSE. 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.
