Japan
1971- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM-100
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
CarpentersSuperstar
Vinyl pressings
Superstar
by Carpenters · 1971
11 pressings3 countriesBalladSoft RockVocalRock
Superstar was first pressed on vinyl in 1971. 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 Superstar
6 pressings came out in 1971, the album's first year, in 3 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.
Japan
1971- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM-100Ⓢ
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
SAST 181 B-12 5T7 (crossed out)〄 ☍Side A runout
SAST 182-D-14 5T7 (crossed out)〄Side B runout
from SP 3504 (SAST 181) amSide A label
2068 (SAST 182) amSide B label
Japan
1971- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM-100Ⓢ
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
〄 ᴑ SAST 181-7 ITYRunout: side A
〄 ᴑ SAST 182-3Runout: side B
Japan
1971- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM-100Ⓢ
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo
Australia
1971- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AMK-4409A&M Records 1236-S
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
MX39099Side A
1 MX39099 3ARunout Etchings Side A
2 MX39100 4ARunout Etchings Side AA
MX39100Side AA
Mexico
1971- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 50-083
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 11 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s9 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Australia | A&M Records AMK-4409 / A&M Records 1236-SFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1971 | Japan | A&M Records AM-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1971 | Japan | A&M Records AM-100ⓈFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1971 | Japan | A&M Records AM-100ⓈFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1971 | Japan | A&M Records AM-100ⓈFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1971 | Mexico | A&M Records 50-083First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | Japan | A&M Records AM-10067", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
| 1976 | Japan | A&M Records AM-10067", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Reissue, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Reissue, Stereo · Promo |
| 1977 | Japan | A&M Records CM-20667", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox, Reissue, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Jukebox, Reissue, Stereo |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | A&M Records AMK-44097", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| ? | Japan | A&M Records AM-100 S7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
Tracklist
- ASuperstar
- BMerry Christmas Darling
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Superstar are there?
11 vinyl pressings of Superstar are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1971 and 1977.
When was Superstar first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1971, in Japan, Australia, Mexico. One of them is A&M Records AM-100.
How do I tell if my copy of Superstar is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AM-100, AM-100Ⓢ, AMK-4409, 50-083) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Superstar 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.
