Vinyl pressings
by Gallagher & Lyle · 1978
Showdown was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
15 pressings came out in 1978, 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.
AMLH. 68461.1.A2 TML-M 5095- A Version M-1 BSide A runout variant 1, TML-M is stamped
AMLH. 68461.1.B2 TML-S 5096 "A" Version M-2 A 1 1Side B runout variant 1, TML-S is stamped
ALMLH.68461.1.A2 TML-M 5095- A Version M-1 ⋀Side A runout variant 2, TML-M is stamped
AMLH.68461.1.B2 TML-M 5096. "A" Version M-1Side B runout variant 2, TML-M is stamped
T⧵ A&M SP 5095-T-1 TML-M [stamped]A side runout, etched - variant 1
T⧵ A&M SP 5096 T-1 TML-M [stamped]B side runout, etched - variant 1
SP-5095 P-1 TML-M [stamped] 2.2998A side runout, etched - variant 2
SP-5096-M4 "A" Version TML-S [stamped]B side runout, etched - variant 2
SP-5095-My “A” Version TML-S Δ22998 PittmanRunout Side 1 Etched except TML-S is stamped
SP-5096-My “A” Version TML-S Δ22998-X PittmanRunout Side 2 Etched except TML-S is 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Australia | A&M Records L36531First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Brazil | A&M Records 31C 064 60945First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Canada | A&M Records SP-4679 / A&M Records SP 4679First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Canada | A&M Records SP-4679 / A&M Records SP 4679First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1978 | Europe | A&M Records AMLH 68461First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1978 | India | A&M Records AMLH 68461First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1978 | Japan | A&M Records GP-2078First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | New Zealand | A&M Records L36531First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Singapore, Malaysia & Hong Kong | A&M Records SP 4679First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | South Africa | A&M Records AMLH 64679 / A&M Records SP-4679First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Spain | A&M Records AMLH 68461First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1978 | UK | A&M Records AMLH 68461First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1978 | US | A&M Records SP 4679First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | US | A&M Records SP 4679First yearLP, Promo · Promo | LP, Promo · Promo |
| 1978 | US | A&M Records SP 4679First yearLP, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
15 vinyl pressings of Showdown are listed here, from 12 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in UK, US, Australia, Brazil and more. One of them is A&M Records AMLH 68461.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AMLH 68461, SP 4679, L36531, 31C 064 60945) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AMLH. 68461.1.A2 TML-M 5095- A Version M-1 B and AMLH. 68461.1.B2 TML-S 5096 "A" Version M-2 A 1 1. 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.
