Vinyl pressings
by Ellen Mcilwaine · 1973
We The People 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-5044A-2A [I A M in triangle]A-side runout
PD-5044B-1B [I A M in triangle] STERLINGB-side runout
PD 5044 AA-side label
PD 5044 BB-side label
PD-5044-A-[scratchout] 1C MR ∆17562 (2) STERLING RLA-Side Runout
PD-5044-B-1C MR ∆17562-X (2) STERLINGB-Side Runout
PD 5044 AA-Side Label
PD 5044 BB-Side Label
PD-5044-A-1A-A1F STERLING RL RSide A runout
PD-5044-B-1A-A1F STERLING RSide B runout
PD 5044 AA-Side Label
PD 5044 BB-Side Label
PD-5044-A-1C MR Δ17562 (1) STERLING RLRunout, side A, etched save for MR logo and STERLING, stamped
PD-5044-B-1C MR Δ17562-X (1) STERLINGRunout, side B, etched save for MR logo and STERLING, stamped
PD 5044 ALabel matrix, side A
PD 5044 BLabel matrix, side B
22 PD•5044-AS Sterling RLA-Side Runout Etching
22 PD•5044•BSB-Side Runout Etching
PD 5044A-Side Label
PD 5044B-Side Label
PD-5044-A-1A-A1d STERLING RL RSide A runout
PD-5044-B-1A-A1D STERLING RSide B runout
PD 5044 ASide A label
PD 5044 bSide B label
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 | Australia | Polydor 2391 059First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | Australia | Polydor 2391 059First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | Canada | Polydor 2391 059First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | Canada | Polydor 2391 059 / Polydor PD-5044First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD-5044 / Polydor PD 5044First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD-5044First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD-5044 / Polydor PD 5044First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD-5044 / Polydor PD 5044First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD-5044First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD-5044First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Japan | Cisco International AISLE-1004 / Polydor AISLE-1004LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Polydor PD-5044LP, Album | LP, Album |
12 vinyl pressings of We The People are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1973 and 1995.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, Australia, Canada. One of them is Polydor PD-5044, released January 1973.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PD-5044, 2391 059) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, PD-5044A-2A [I A M in triangle] and PD-5044B-1B [I A M in triangle] STERLING. 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.
