Vinyl pressings
by Gershon Kingsley · 1970
Gershwin (Alive & Well & Underground) was first pressed on vinyl in 1970. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1970, the album's first year, in 4 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.
AVE 021 A-1 SON STERLING LHSide A run-out area [etched except "STERLING" stamp]
AVE 021 B-1 R SON STERLING LHSide B run-out area [etched except "STERLING" stamp]
AVE 021 ̷B̷ A [MR in circle] M-1 △15481 STERLING LHSide A etched; STERLING stamped
AVE 021 B ̷A̷ [MR in circle] M1 △15481-x STERLING LHSide B etched; STERLING stamped
AVE-021ASide A label
AVE-021BSide B label
AVE 021 B A M1 △15481 STERLING LHSide A run-out area [etched except "STERLING" stamp]
AVE 021 B M1 △15481-X STERLING LHSide B run-out area [etched except "STERLING" stamp]
AVE 021 A-1Side A run-out area
AVE 021 B-1Side B run-out area
SⒷ AVE 33021 A 112✢ 1FSide A run-out area, stamped
S AVE 33021 Ⓐ B 111✢Side B run-out area, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Canada | AVCO Embassy AVE 33021 / AVCO Embassy AVE-33021First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1970 | Japan | AVCO Embassy SJET-8324First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1970 | New Zealand | AVCO Embassy SAVL-934140First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1970 | US | AVCO Embassy AVE 33021 / AVCO Embassy AVE-33021First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1970 | US | AVCO Embassy AVE 33021 / AVCO Embassy AVE-33021First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1970 | US | AVCO Embassy AVE 33021 / AVCO Embassy AVE-33021First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1971 | Australia | AVCO Embassy SAVL-934140LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | US | Avco AV-11004-598LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1972 | US | Avco AV-11004-598LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1972 | US | Avco AV-11004-598LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1972 | US | Avco AV-11004-598LP, Promo, Reissue, Stereo · Promo | LP, Promo, Reissue, Stereo · Promo |
| 1973 | Australia | AVCO Embassy AVL 34736LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1973 | Brazil | AVCO Embassy AVLP 7024LP | LP |
| 1973 | New Zealand | Avco AVL 34836LP | LP |
| 1973 | Italy | Avco 33 AV 33021LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Philips SON 040LP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | Venezuela | AVCO Embassy AELP 66015LP, Album | LP, Album |
17 vinyl pressings of Gershwin (Alive & Well & Underground) are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1970 and 1973.
The earliest pressings are from 1970, in US, Canada, Japan, New Zealand. One of them is AVCO Embassy AVE 33021.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AVE 33021, SJET-8324, SAVL-934140) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AVE 021 A-1 SON STERLING LH and AVE 021 B-1 R SON STERLING LH. 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.
