Vinyl pressings
by Al Stewart · 1984
Russians & Americans was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
14 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 12 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.
020 B-1076 A-4 A-SET-4 Made in Germany FÜR JOCHENRunout, side A, variant 1
020 B-1076 B-4 B-SET-4 Made in GermanyRunout, side B, variant 1
020 B-1079 A-3 Made in Germany A-SET-3 [Artisan logo] FÜR JOCHENRunout, side A, variant 2
020 B-1079 B-3 Made in Germany B-SET-3 [Artisan logo]Runout, side B, variant 2
PB6042A HUB STERLING ⚾Runout A variant 1
PB6042BRE1 HUB STERLING ⚾Runout B variant 1
PB6042A HUB STERLINGRunout A variant 2
PB6042B HUB STERLING STERLING ⚾Runout B variant 2
20312 A FRunout side A, stamped
20312 B FRunout side B, stamped
PL-70307–A CP A-SET 1 [Artisan logo] 098 FÜR JOCHEN ̶B̶ ̶1̶0̶7̶9̶ ̶A̶ ̶1̶Side-A, Cat# etched, German pressed Matrix scored out, Variant 1
PL-70307–B CP B-SET 1 [Artisan logo] 098 ̶B̶ ̶1̶0̶7̶9̶ ̶B̶ ̶1̶Side-B, Cat# etched, German pressed Matrix scored out, Variant 1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Australia | RCA Victor SFL10103First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Canada | Passport Records PB 6042First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Europe | RCA PL70307First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Greece | RCA Victor RCLP 20312 / RCA Victor PL 70307First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Ireland | RCA PL70307First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Israel | RCA Victor PL70307First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Italy | RCA PL70307 / RCA PL 70307First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Japan | RCA RPL-8259First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Japan | RCA RPL-8259First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | South Africa | TRC TRL3541First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Spain | RCA Victor PL70307 / RCA Victor PL-70307First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Spain | RCA Victor PL70307First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Taiwan | RCA 8062First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | US | Passport Records PB 6042First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
14 vinyl pressings of Russians & Americans are listed here, from 12 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in Europe, US, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is RCA PL70307.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PL70307, PB 6042, SFL10103, RCLP 20312) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 020 B-1076 A-4 A-SET-4 Made in Germany FÜR JOCHEN and 020 B-1076 B-4 B-SET-4 Made in Germany. 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.
