Vinyl pressings
by Keith Green · 1982
Songs For The Shepherd was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1982, 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.
+ SLM △ 1447 PGR-002-A2 MCAShRunout Side A Variant 1
+ SLM △ 1447 PGR-002-A2 MCAShRunout side A, variant 2
PGR-002-B2 + SLM △ 1447-XRunout Side B Variant 1
PCR-002-B1 + SLM △ 1447-XRunout side B variant 2
+ SLM △ 1447 PGR-002-A2 MCAShSide A: Runout
PCR-002-B1 + SLM △ 1447-XSide B: Runout
PGR-002-A2 MCASh + SLM △ 1447Side A Runout
PCR-002-B2 + SLM △ 1447-XSide B Runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Australia | Sparrow PGR-2First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Australia & New Zealand | Pretty Good Records PGR-2First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Canada | Sparrow SPR 0002First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | South Africa | Pretty Good Records JCC 118First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | UK | Sparrow BIRD 140First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | US | Pretty Good Records PGR-2First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | US | Sparrow SPR 0002First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | US | Pretty Good Records/Sparrow PGR-5432First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | US | Pretty Good Records PGR-2First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | US | Pretty Good Records PGR-2First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Pretty Good Records PGR-2LP, Album, Repress | LP, Album, Repress |
11 vinyl pressings of Songs For The Shepherd are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in US, UK, Australia, Australia & New Zealand and more. One of them is Pretty Good Records PGR-2.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PGR-2, SPR 0002, PGR-5432, BIRD 140) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, + SLM △ 1447 PGR-002-A2 MCASh and + SLM △ 1447 PGR-002-A2 MCASh. 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.
