Vinyl pressings
by Cream · 1973
Off The Top was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1973, 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.
PD - 5529 - A - 1AEtched, Side A
PD - 5529 - B - 1AEtched, Side B
IAM [In A Triangle] STERLINGStamped Both Sides
PD 5529-ALabel, Side A
PD-5529-A-10 STERLING B1 1 T XA side runout, variant 1
PD-5529-B-1D B1 1 TB side runout, variant 1
PD-5529-A-1D STERLING B1 1 T XA side runout, variant 2
PD-5529-B-1D X X B1 1 TA side runout, variant 2
PD - 5529 - A - 1A IAM (in triangle) STERLINGA Side
PD - 5529 - B - 1A IAM (in triangle) STERLINGB Side
PD - 5529 - A - 1A MR ▲17735 STERLINGA Side
PD - 5529 - B - 1C MR ▲17735 X141B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Canada | Polydor 2422 110First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Canada | Polydor PD 5529First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Canada | Polydor 2442 110First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Germany | Polydor 2442-110First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5529 / Polydor 2383 201First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5529First yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5529First yearLP, Compilation, Misprint, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Misprint, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5529First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5529First yearLP, Compilation, Misprint, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Misprint, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5529 / Polydor 2383 201First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
10 vinyl pressings of Off The Top are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, Canada, Germany. One of them is Polydor PD 5529.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PD 5529, 2422 110, 2442 110, 2442-110) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, PD - 5529 - A - 1A and PD - 5529 - B - 1A. 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.
