Skip to content
VinylLens
Harry ThumannAmerican Express

Vinyl pressings

American Express

by Harry Thumann · 1979

15 pressings12 countriesDiscoEuro-DiscoFunkElectronic

American Express was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. 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 American Express

7 pressings came out in 1979, the album's first year, in 6 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.

Italy

1979
Label and catalog number
Baby Records LPX 38
Format
LP, Album
Runout / matrix

LPX 38 - 1A Side Runout

LPX 38 - 2B Side Runout

Full details of this pressing

Italy

1979
Label and catalog number
Baby Records LPX 38
Format
LP, Album
Runout / matrix

LPX 38 - 1A Side Runout

LPX 38 - 2B Side Runout

Full details of this pressing

Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.

All 15 vinyl pressings

By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.

1970s8 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1979ArgentinaRca Victor AVI 4761First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1979BrazilBaby Records BALP-12601First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1979FranceBaby Records BBY 21 504 / Charles Talar Records BBY 21 504First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1979GreeceVIP VIP 11First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1979ItalyBaby Records LPX 38First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1979ItalyBaby Records LPX 38LP, White Label, Test Pressing · Test pressingLP, White Label, Test Pressing · Test pressing
1979ItalyBaby Records LPX 38First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1979NetherlandsAriola 202.844 / Ariola 202844First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1980s7 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1980AustriaGiG Records 222 100LP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1980CanadaUniwave WLP-1007LP, AlbumLP, Album
1980GermanyMetronome 0060.356 / Metronome 0060. 356LP, AlbumLP, Album
1980NetherlandsKillroy KIL 21011 KL / Killroy KIL/21011/KLLP, AlbumLP, Album
1980PhilippinesApril Records BLP 5006 (LPX 38)LP, AlbumLP, Album
1980SpainRCA Victor SPL1-7225LP, Album, Promo · PromoLP, Album, Promo · Promo
1980VenezuelaColor CLRS-3579LP, AlbumLP, Album

Tracklist

  1. A1American Express7:26
  2. A2Give A Little Help8:30
  3. B1Underwater6:05
  4. B2You Turn Me On4:45
  5. B3Christine6:30

Questions

How many vinyl pressings of American Express are there?

15 vinyl pressings of American Express are listed here, from 12 countries, released between 1979 and 1980.

When was American Express first released on vinyl?

The earliest pressings are from 1979, in Italy, Argentina, Brazil, France and more. One of them is Baby Records LPX 38.

How do I tell if my copy of American Express is a first pressing?

Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LPX 38, AVI 4761, BALP-12601, BBY 21 504) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, LPX 38 - 1 and LPX 38 - 2. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.

How much is American Express 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.

More Harry Thumann on vinyl

VinylLens app

What is your copy of American Express worth?

Point your phone at the label. VinylLens finds the exact pressing in seconds and shows its value for every condition, from Mint to Poor, so you know what your record is really worth.

Scan your records free