France
1979- Label and catalog number
- Carrere 49.585Hansa 49.585
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
[logo A.R.E.A.C.E.M.]Stamped on runout area side A & B
49585 A ƮHand etched on runout area side A
49585 B ƮHand etched on runout area side B
Amii StewartThe Letter
Vinyl pressings
The Letter
by Amii Stewart · 1979
30 pressings17 countriesDiscoRockFunk / Soul
The Letter was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of The Letter
3 pressings came out in 1979, the album's first year, in 2 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.
France
1979- Label and catalog number
- Carrere 8.077Hansa 8.077
- Format
- 12", Maxi-Single
- Runout / matrix
[A.R.E.A.C.E.M. logo] 8077 A ƮEtched (logo is stamped), side A
[A.R.E.A.C.E.M. logo] Ʈ 8077 BEtched (logo is stamped), side A
8.077/1On labels, side A
8.077/2On labels, side B
Australia
1979- Label and catalog number
- RCA Victor 103517
- Format
- 7"
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 30 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Australia | RCA Victor 103517First year7" | 7" |
| 1979 | France | Carrere 49.585 / Hansa 49.585First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | France | Carrere 8.077 / Hansa 8.077First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
1980s27 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Austria | Hansa International 101 219 / Hansa International 101 219 - 1007", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Bolivia | RCA Victor RS - 2073 / RCA Victor RS-20737", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Canada | Ariola Records America AR 4780X7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Colombia | RCA Victor 05(3741)0003212", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single · Colored vinyl | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1980 | Germany | Hansa International 600 164 / Hansa International 600 164-21312", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited |
| 1980 | Japan | Hansa VIP-28107", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Japan | Hansa VIP-28107", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1980 | Mexico | Hansa International S-416 / Hansa International 101.3317", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Hansa International 600 164 / Hansa International 600 164-21312", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | Peru | RCA XRPBO 9767", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Portugal | Ariola 5101 219 / Polygram Discos SARL 5101 2197", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | South Africa | Gallo PD 17947", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Spain | Ariola A·101219 / Hansa A-101.2197", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | UK | Atlantic K 11424(T) / Hansa K11424T12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Zimbabwe | Gallo PD 17947", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Tracklist
- AThe Letter3:42
- BParadise Bird3:50
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Letter are there?
30 vinyl pressings of The Letter are listed here, from 17 countries, released between 1979 and 1982.
When was The Letter first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in France, Australia. One of them is Carrere 49.585.
How do I tell if my copy of The Letter is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 49.585, 8.077, 103517) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, [logo A.R.E.A.C.E.M.] and 49585 A Ʈ. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Letter on vinyl worth?
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.
