Vinyl pressings
by Fela Kuti · 1984
Live In Amsterdam was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 5 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.
401291-A1Runout side A, variant 1
401291-B1Runout side B, variant 1
401301-A1Runout side C, variant 1
401301-B1Runout side D, variant 1
401291-A1Runout side A, variant 1
401291-B1Runout side B, variant 1
401301-A1Runout side C, variant 1
401301-B1Runout side D, variant 1
FELA 241̶0(1)291 A-1U-1-1-4Side A stamped (etched) runout
FELA 241̶0(1)291 B-1U-1-1-4Side B stamped (etched) runout
FELA 241̶0(1)301 A-1U-1-1-4Side C stamped (etched) runout
FELA 241̶0(1)301 B-1U-1-1-4Side D stamped (etched) runout
Matrix/Runout Side 1: FELA 24010291 A-2-1-1- (stamped) NICKZ (etched) Penthouse(stamped)
Matrix/Runout Side 2: FELA 24010291 B-2-1-1- followed by a half indented 8 (all stamped) NICKZ (etched) Penthouse(stamped)
Matrix/Runout Side 3: FELA 24010391 A-2-1-1- (stamped) Penthouse(stamped)
Matrix/Runout Side 4: FELA 24010391 A-3-2-1-1- (stamped) NICKZ (etched) Penthouse(stamped)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Europe | EMI 1A 158-2401293 / EMI 158-2401293First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | Europe | EMI 1A 158-2401293 / EMI 158-2401293First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1984 | France | EMI 2401303First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | France | EMI 2401293First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Italy | EMI 2-54 2401293First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Italy | EMI 2-54 2401293First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | UK | EMI FELA 24 0129/30 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | UK | EMI FELA 24 0129 3 / EMI FELA 2401291First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1984 | UK | EMI FELA 24 0129/30 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | US | EMI STB-12359 / Capitol Records STB-12359First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | US | Capitol Records B 173352 / EMI STB-12359First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Nigeria | Philips PH 2000-1LP, Album | LP, Album |
12 vinyl pressings of Live In Amsterdam are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1984 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in Europe, UK, US, France and more. One of them is EMI 1A 158-2401293.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 1A 158-2401293, FELA 24 0129/30 1, FELA 24 0129 3, STB-12359) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 401291-A1 and 401291-B1. 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.
