Vinyl pressings
by Baker Gurvitz Army · 1975
Elysian Encounter was first pressed on vinyl in 1975. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
18 pressings came out in 1975, the album's first year, in 11 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.
TOPS 101 A-1U G 1 GAPA-Side runout stamp exc “GAP” etching, variant 1
TOPS 101 B-1U G 1 GAPB-Side runout stamp exc “GAP” etching, variant 1
TOPS 101 A-1U GA 2 GAPA-Side runout stamp exc “GAP” etching, variant 2
TOPS 101 B-1U P 1 GAPB-Side runout stamp exc “GAP” etching, variant 2
ST-C-753437-A PRA Runout Etching
ST-C-753438-A PRB Runout Etching
ST-C-753437-PRSide A Label
ST-C-753438-PRSide B Label
ST-C-753437-HA [(MR) stamped logo] △20089① PRSide 1 - etched
ST-C-753438-A ATAP [(MR) stamped logo] △20089-XSide 2 - etched
(STC-C-753437-MO)A Label
(ST-C-753438-MO)B Label
ST-C-75437-AAA ATGP-1 PRCSide A etched
ST-C-75438-AAA-1 ATGP PRCSide B etched
ST-C-753437-AAA -ATGP-1 PRCSide A etched
ST-C-753438-AAA-1 ATGP PRCSide B etched
ST-C-753437-A ATGP PRSide A etched
ST-C-753438-A ATGP PRSide B etched
ST-C-753437-PRSide A Label
ST-C-753438-PRSide B Label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Australia | Vertigo 6370 407First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Brazil | Vertigo 6370 407First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Canada | ATCO Records SD 36-123First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | France | Vertigo 9103 202First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1975 | Germany | Vertigo 6370 407First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Germany | Vertigo 6370 407First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Italy | Vertigo 6370 407 AFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Japan | Vertigo RJ-7023First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1975 | Japan | Vertigo RJ-7023First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | New Zealand | Vertigo 6370 407First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Scandinavia | Vertigo 6370 407First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | UK | Mountain TOPS 101First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1975 | US | ATCO Records SD 36-123First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | US | ATCO Records SD 36-123First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | US | ATCO Records SD 36-123First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
19 vinyl pressings of Elysian Encounter are listed here, from 12 countries, released between 1975 and 1976.
The earliest pressings are from 1975, in UK, US, Australia, Brazil and more. One of them is Mountain TOPS 101.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use TOPS 101, SD 36-123, 6370 407, 9103 202) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, TOPS 101 A-1U G 1 GAP and TOPS 101 B-1U G 1 GAP. 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.
