Vinyl pressings
by Amon Düül II · 1970
Archangels Thunderbird was first pressed on vinyl in 1970. 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 1970, 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.
C 15355 A-1 Made in GermanyRunout A, stamped, variant 1
C 15355 B-1 Made in GermanyRunout B, stamped, variant 1
C 15355 A-1 Made in GermanyRunout A, stamped, variant 2
C 15355 B-3 Made in GermanyRunout B, stamped, variant 2
C 15355 A-1 Made in GermanyRunout A, stamped
C 15355 B-3 Made in GermanyRunout B, stamped
15 355 ALabel A
15 355 BLabel B
C 15355 A-1 Made in GermanyRunout A, stamped
C 15355 B-3 Made in GermanyRunout B, stamped
15 355 ALabel A
15 355 BLabel B
LBF 15355 A-1A Side
LBF 15355 B-1B Side
LBF 15355 A-1A Side
LBF 15355 B-1B Side
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | France | Liberty LBF 15 355First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Germany | Liberty 15 355 A / Liberty 15 355First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1970 | Germany | Liberty 15 355 A7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| 1970 | Germany | Liberty 15 355 A / Liberty 15 355First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Germany | Liberty 15 355 A / Liberty 15 355First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Portugal | Liberty N-32-37First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1970 | US | Liberty 56196First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1970 | UK | Liberty LBF 15355First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | UK | Liberty LBF 15355First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1970 | UK | Liberty LBF 15355First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | Japan | Liberty LR-25887" | 7" |
| 1971 | Japan | Liberty LR-25887", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
12 vinyl pressings of Archangels Thunderbird are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1970 and 1971.
The earliest pressings are from 1970, in Germany, UK, US, France and more. One of them is Liberty 15 355 A.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 15 355 A, LBF 15355, 56196, LBF 15 355) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, C 15355 A-1 Made in Germany and C 15355 B-1 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.
