World Cartridge Club

A sub-label of the World Record Club, which began producing 8-track cartridges in March 1970. Until 1975, cartridges had 4-digit catalogue numbers. In late 1974, WRC standardised its numbering system - LPs were given the prefix "R", and cartridges "K". Before that, releases would have a different number for each format - now, the number was the same, with the prefix letter distinguishing the formats. The disadvantage, for any poor sap trying to list their output years later, is that releases were by no means issued for every format - virtually everything was issued on vinyl, but there are [unknown] gaps in the numbering sequence for other formats. WRC stopped issuing 8-tracks in 1977. The last new releases were Mantovani in Concert (K 02971) and Manny Delgado - Harp'n'Brass (K 02624), both in August 1976 (via different programmes). The last reissued 8-track was The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour (K 00455), in August 1977.