Vinyl pressings
by El Chicano · 1975
Pyramid Of Love And Friends was first pressed on vinyl in 1975. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1975, the album's first year, in 12 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 818-W2- ◈-P-◈Side A runout etched (Variant 1)
MCA 819-W2 B.D.I. ◈-P-◈Side B runout etched (Variant 1)
MCA 818-W1 ◈-P-◈Side A runout etched (Variant 2)
MCA 819-W1 B.D.I. ◈-P-◈Side B runout etched (Variant 2)
MCA 818-W1- ⧈-G-⧈Side A runout, variant 1, etched
MCA 819-W1 B.D.I. ⧈-G-⧈Side B runout, variant 1, etched
MCA 818-W1- ⧈-G-⧈ 2Side A runout, variant 2, etched, except ⧈-G-⧈ stamped
MCA 819-W1 B.D.I. ⧈-G-⧈ 2Side B runout, variant 2, etched, except ⧈-G-⧈ stamped
MCA 818-W1 MCA-2150-ASide 1 Runout Etched
MCA 819-W1 B.D.I. MCA-2150-BSide 2 Runout Etched
⧈-G-⧈Side 1 & 2 Runouts Stamped
MCA818Side 1 Label Matrix
MCA 2150 A EB-CD 20-11-75Side A
MCA 2150 B EB-CD 20-11-75Side B
LP VE-8012Label A
LP VE-8013Label B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-2150 / MCA Records MCA2150First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Chile | MCA Records MCA-2150First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1975 | Costa Rica | MCA Records MCA-8.017First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Germany | MCA Records 6.22 542First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Japan | MCA Records MCA 6084First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | New Zealand | MCA Records MAPS 8098First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Panama | MCA Records MCA 2150First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Peru | MCA Records MCA 2150First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1975 | Singapore | MCA Records MCA 2150First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Spain | MCA Records S- 32.747First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | US | MCA Records MCA 2150First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | US | MCA Records MCA-2150First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1975 | Venezuela | MCA Records MAPS 6041First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
13 vinyl pressings of Pyramid Of Love And Friends are listed here, from 12 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1975, in US, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica and more. One of them is MCA Records MCA 2150.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA 2150, MCA-2150, MCA-8.017, 6.22 542) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MCA 818-W2- ◈-P-◈ and MCA 819-W2 B.D.I. ◈-P-◈. 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.
