Vinyl pressings
by Billy Paul · 1976
Let 'Em In was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. 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 1976, 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.
1S AL-34389-1E F/W(scribled zig zag lines)Side 1 etched Var.1
1S BL-34389-1F A5Side 2 etched Var.1
AL-34389-1BSide 1 etched Var.2
BL-34389-1H F/W(scribled zig zag lines)Side 2 etched Var.2
T AL-34389-1C F/W(scribbled zig zag lines)Side 1 etched
T1 BL-34389-1D F/W(scribbled zig zag lines)Side 2 etched
AL-34389-1BSide 1 etched
p BL-34389-1G +Side 2 stamped/etched
AL 34389Side 1 Label
BL 34389Side 2 Label
PIR·S·81695·A1 1 ΛRunout side A, stamped
PIR S 81695 B2 2 ΛRunout side B, stamped
S PIR 81695 A°Label side A
S PIR 81695 B°Label side B
AL 34389Side A Label
BL 34389Side 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.
16 vinyl pressings of Let 'Em In are listed here, from 13 countries, released between 1976 and 1977.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in US, UK, Argentina, Australia and more. One of them is Philadelphia International Records PZ 34389.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PZ 34389, S PIR 81695, 47043, PL 3011) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 1S AL-34389-1E F/W(scribled zig zag lines) and 1S BL-34389-1F A5. 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.
