US
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista SP-13
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
Vinyl pressings
Close Encounters Of The Third Kind
by Gene Page · 1977
36 pressings18 countriesDiscoFunk / Soul
Close Encounters Of The Third Kind was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Close Encounters Of The Third Kind
25 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 11 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.
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista SP-13
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
2525-SLXXX TML-MA-Side Run-Out
2525-SSX TML-SB-Side Run-Out
2525-SLA-Side Label
2525-SSB-Side Label
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista AS 0302
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
2523-SA-Side Label
2524-SB-Side Label
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista SP-13
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
2525-SLA label
2525-SSB label
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista SP-13
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
2525-SLXXX TML-MA-Side Run-Out
2525-SS X TML-SB-Side Run-Out
2525-SLA-Side Label
2525-SSB-Side Label
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista AS 0302
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 36 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s36 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Australia | Arista AR-11641First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | Barbados | Arista AS 0302First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | Belgium | Arista 4C 006-60389First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | Canada | Arista 75602First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1977 | Canada | Arista AS 0302First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | Ireland | Arista ARIST 171First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1977 | Japan | Arista IER 20400First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | Mexico | Arista 8110First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | Peru | Arista 01.221254First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1977 | Scandinavia | Arista 7C 006-60389First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1977 | Scandinavia | Arista 7C 006-60389First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | UK | Arista ARIST 12171First year12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited |
| 1977 | UK | Arista ARIST 171First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | US | Arista SP-13First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | US | Arista SP-13First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
Tracklist
- AClose Encounters Of The Third Kind (Long Version)4:25
- BClose Encounters Of The Third Kind (Short Version)3:38
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Close Encounters Of The Third Kind are there?
36 vinyl pressings of Close Encounters Of The Third Kind are listed here, from 18 countries, released between 1977 and 1978.
When was Close Encounters Of The Third Kind first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in US, UK, Australia, Barbados and more. One of them is Arista SP-13.
How do I tell if my copy of Close Encounters Of The Third Kind is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SP-13, AS 0302, ARIST 12171, ARIST 171) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Close Encounters Of The Third Kind on vinyl worth?
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.
