US
1970- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 1174
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene · Pitman Pressing
- Runout / matrix
A&M-1945 2A Etched, variant 1
A&M-1944 2B Etched, variant 1
A&M-1945 1 2 PA Etched, variant 2
A&M-1944 2 2 PB Etched, variant 2
Joe CockerThe Letter
Vinyl pressings
The Letter
by Joe Cocker · 1970
31 pressings18 countriesClassic RockRock
The Letter 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.
How to spot a first pressing of The Letter
27 pressings came out in 1970, the album's first year, in 16 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
1970- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 1174
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene · Monarch Pressing
- Runout / matrix
A&M-1944 15 MR (In a circle) Δ80302Runout side A
A&M-1945 15 MR (In a circle) Δ80302-XRunout side B
1945Label side A
1944Label side B
US
1970- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 1174
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene · Terre Haute Pressing
- Runout / matrix
A&M-1945 8. TIIIISide A etched
A&M-1944-8 TIIIISide B etched
US
1970- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 1174
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene · Pitman Pressing, Company sleeve
- Runout / matrix
A&M-1945 2A Etched, variant 1
A&M-1944 2B Etched, variant 1
A&M-1945 1 2 PA Etched, variant 2
A&M-1944 2 2 PB Etched, variant 2
US
1970- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 1174
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
UK
June 5, 1970- Label and catalog number
- Regal Zonophone RZ 3027
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
7XCAR 6979 -1Stamped Side A
7XCAR 6980 -1Stamped Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 31 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s29 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Australia | A&M Records AMK-3722 / A&M Records 1174First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Canada | A&M Records AM 1174First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Canada | A&M Records AM 1174First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1970 | Canada | A&M Records AM 1174First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | France | Stateside 2C006-91481 M / Stateside 2 C006-91481 MFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1970 | Germany | Polydor 2001 050First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1970 | Germany | Polydor 2001 050First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1970 | Greece | Regal GR 115First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1970 | Ireland | Regal Zonophone RZ(I)3207First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Israel | Tarantula RZ 3024-27 / Tarantula RZ. 3024/27First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1970 | Netherlands | Stateside 5C 006-91481 MFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1970 | New Zealand | A&M Records AMK-3722 / A&M Records 1174First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Norway | Polydor 2001 050 / Polydor 2001.050First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Singapore | A&M Records 1174First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1970 | South Africa | Continental Records PD.9672First year7", Single | 7", Single |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Cube Records 2016 0167", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | Lebanon | Regal Zonophone RZL 77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Tracklist
- AThe Letter4:10
- BSpace Captain4:01
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Letter are there?
31 vinyl pressings of The Letter are listed here, from 18 countries, released between 1970 and 1973.
When was The Letter first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1970, in US, UK, Italy, Ireland and more. One of them is A&M Records 1174.
How do I tell if my copy of The Letter is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 1174, RZ 3027, NIL 9030, RZ(I) 3027) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A&M-1945 2 and A&M-1944 2. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Letter 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.
