Vinyl pressings
by Fairport Convention · 1974
Fairport Live Convention was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1974, the album's first year, in 7 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.
ILPS 9285 A-1U ℧ΩSide A runout, variant 1
ILPS 9285 B-1USide B runout, variant 1
ILPS 9285 A-1USide A runout, variant 2
ILPS 9285 B-2USide B runout, variant 2
ILPS 9285 A-1U M 1Side A runout, stamped
ILPS 9285 B-2U AP 2Side B runout, stamped
\ SX ILPS-9285-A KENDUN 1A B2Runout side A, variant 1
2 ILPS-9285-B KENDUN 1B SX BRunout side B, variant 1
S 1 ILPS-9285-A KENDUN 1A A4Runout side A, variant 2
S 1 ILPS-9285-B KENDUN 1A A3Runout side B, variant 2
I SMX.44677 2A.Side 1 runout
I SMX.44678 2A.Side 2 runout
I SMX.44677 2A.Side 1 runout
I SMX.44678 2A.Side 2 runout
ILPS-9285-A KENDUN 1B SX B ZRunout side A
ILPS-9285-B KENDUN 1B ARunout side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Australia | Island Records L 35251First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Australia & New Zealand | Island Records L 35251First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Canada | Island Records ILPS 9285First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Italy | Island Records ILPS 19285First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Spain | Ariola 88295-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | UK | Island Records ILPS 9285 / Island Records ILPS.9285First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | UK | Island Records ILPS 9285 / Island Records ILPS.9285First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | Island Records ILPS 9285First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | UK | Island Records ILPS 9285LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Portugal | Island Records ILPS 9285 P / Island Records ILPS 9285-PLP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | Spain | Island Records 88295-ILP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | UK | Island Records ILPS 9285 / Island Records ILPS.9285LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | UK | Island Records ILPS 9285LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | UK | Island Records ILPS 9285 / Island Records ILPS.9285LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | UK | Island Records ILPS 9285LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
15 vinyl pressings of Fairport Live Convention are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1974 and 1977.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in UK, US, Australia, Australia & New Zealand and more. One of them is Island Records ILPS 9285.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ILPS 9285, L 35251, ILPS 19285, 88295-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ILPS 9285 A-1U ℧Ω and ILPS 9285 B-1U. 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.
