Vinyl pressings
by Buffy Sainte-Marie · 1974
Buffy was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. 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 1974, the album's first year, in 8 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.
MCA 414-W1 TML ⧈-G-⧈A Side runout, variant 1
MCA 415 W1 TML ⧈-G-⧈B Side runout, variant 1
MCA 414-W1 TML I ⧈-G-⧈A Side runout, variant 2
MCA 415 W1 TML I ⧈-G-⧈B Side runout, variant 2
MCA 414-WZA side runout etched
MCA 415-WZB side runout etched
TML ◈-P-◈Both sides runouts stamped
MCA414-W1 TML 2Side A, etched
MCA415 W1 TML 2Side B, etched
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Australia | MCA Records MAPS-7303 / Astor Records Pty. Ltd.First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Canada | MCA Records MCA 405First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Germany | MCA Records MAPS 7303First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Italy | MCA Records MAPS 7303First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | Japan | MCA Records MCA-6037First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | UK | MCA Records MCG 3517 / MCA Records 0C 064 ◦ 95257First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | MCA Records MCA-405First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | MCA Records MCA -405First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | MCA Records MCA -405 / MCA Records R 104437LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1974 | Venezuela | MCA Records MAPS-6011First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Spain | MCA Records MAPS-7303LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Not On LabelLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| ? | Canada | MCA Records MCA 405LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
13 vinyl pressings of Buffy are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1974 and 1975.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is MCA Records MCA-405.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA-405, MCA -405, MCG 3517, MAPS-7303) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MCA 414-W1 TML ⧈-G-⧈ and MCA 415 W1 TML ⧈-G-⧈. 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.
