Australia
December 1971- Label and catalog number
- United Artists Records UAK-4511
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
25 MX39511 3ASide A Runout
14 MX39512 3BSide B Runout
MX39511 (50856)Side A Label
MX39512 (50856)Side B Label
Don McLeanAmerican Pie
Vinyl pressings
American Pie
by Don McLean · 1971
12 pressings6 countriesFolk RockAcousticRock
American Pie 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 American Pie
9 pressings came out in 1971, the album's first year, in 4 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.
Australia
December 1971- Label and catalog number
- United Artists Records UAK-4511
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
MX39511Side A runout
MX39512Side B runout
Australia
December 1971- Label and catalog number
- United Artists Records K-4511
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Alternate Label.
Australia
1971- Label and catalog number
- United Artists Records UAK-4511
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Label variation
- Runout / matrix
3A MX39511Side A runout etched
3B MX 39512Side B runout etched
MX39511Side A label
MX39512Side B label
Australia
1971- Label and catalog number
- United Artists Records UAK-4511United Artists Records 50856
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
MX39511 3ARunout Side A
MX39512 3BRunout Side B
MX39511Label Side A
MX39512Label Side B
UK
1971- Label and catalog number
- United Artists Records UP 35323
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM, Mono
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 12 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Australia | United Artists Records UAK-4511First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | Australia | United Artists Records UAK-4511 / United Artists Records 50856First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | Finland | United Artists Records UP 35323First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | New Zealand | United Artists Records UAK 4511First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | UK | United Artists Records UP 35323First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Mono · Mono | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Mono · Mono |
| 1971 | Australia | United Artists Records UAK-4511First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | Australia | United Artists Records UAK-4511First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | Australia | United Artists Records K-4511First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | UK | United Artists Records UP 35323First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1972 | Denmark | United Artists Records UP 35325 / EMI7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | United Artists Records UAK-45117", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | Germany | United Artists Records 35 3237", Single | 7", Single |
Tracklist
- AAmerican Pie4:11
- BEmpty Chairs3:24
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of American Pie are there?
12 vinyl pressings of American Pie are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1971 and 1972.
When was American Pie first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1971, in Australia, UK, Finland, New Zealand. One of them is United Artists Records UAK-4511, released December 1971.
How do I tell if my copy of American Pie is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use UAK-4511, K-4511, UP 35323, UAK 4511) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 25 MX39511 3A and 14 MX39512 3B. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is American Pie 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.
