Vinyl pressings
by Union Express · 1972
Happy Song was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1972, the album's first year, in 7 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.
℗ 1972 ZDR-49243 Manufactured In Germany SRunout side A
℗ 1972 ZDR-50823 Manufactured In Germany SRunout side B
ZDR 49 243Label side A
ZDK 50 823Label side B
ZDR-49243-TI-IKRunout side A
ZDR-50823-TI-IKRunout side B
ZDR 49243Label side A
ZDR 50823Label side B
ZDR-49243-TI-IKEtching side A
ZDR-50823-TI-IKEtching side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Belgium | Decca 105/26.321yFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Germany | Decca DL 25 502First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1972 | Italy | Decca F 13296First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1972 | Netherlands | Decca 6103039First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Portugal | Decca P-F 13 296First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Spain | Decca MO 1243First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Spain | Decca MO 1243First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | UK | Decca F 13296First year45 RPM, 7", Single, Promo · Promo | 45 RPM, 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | UK | Decca F 13296First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Decca DL 25 5027", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
10 vinyl pressings of Happy Song are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in Germany, UK, Belgium, Italy and more. One of them is Decca DL 25 502.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use DL 25 502, F 13296, 105/26.321y, 6103039) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ℗ 1972 ZDR-49243 Manufactured In Germany S and ℗ 1972 ZDR-50823 Manufactured In Germany S. 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.
