Vinyl pressings
by Lee Michaels · 1968
Recital was first pressed on vinyl in 1968. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1968, the album's first year, in 3 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.
A+M-SP-4203-Re1 -15 (MR) Δ12376Side A Etched Variant 1
A+M-SP-4204-Re1 -15 (MR) Δ12376-X ②Side B Etched Variant 1
A+M-SP-4203-Re1 -15 (MR) Δ12376 ②Side A Etched Variant 2
A+M-SP-4204-Re1 - 15 (MR) Δ12376-XSide B Etched Variant 2
o SP 4203 (RE1) -7 2 T D3Side A runout etched
o SP 4204 (RE1) -7 T D1Side B runout etched
SP-4203Side A label
SP-4204Side B label
A+M SP4203 (RE-1) 1Side A Etched
A+M SP4204 (RE-1)-1Side B Etched
SP-4203Side A Label
SP-4204Side B Label
p A+M SP 4203 (RE1) 1 1 C 7Side A runout, variant 1
p A+M SP 4204 (RE1) -1 1 C CSide B runout, variant 1
p A+M SP 4203 (RE1) 1 B 1Side A runout, variant 2
p A+M SP 4204 (RE1) -1 1 A 2Side B runout, variant 2
A+M-CSG-4203-15 MR(inside circle) △12475Side A Etched
A+M-CSG-4204-15 MR(inside circle) △12475-XSide B Etched
SP-4203Side A Label
SP-4204Side B Label
AMLS 928A-1 *T STEREOStamped Side A
AMLS 92B-1 *T STEREOStamped Side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Germany | A&M Records 212 054First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1968 | UK | A&M Records AMLS 928First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1968 | US | A&M Records SP 4152 / A&M Records SP4152First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1968 | US | A&M Records SP 4152 / A&M Records SP4152First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1968 | US | A&M Records SP 4152 / A&M Records SP4152First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1968 | US | A&M Records SP 4152 / A&M Records SP-4152First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1968 | US | A&M Records SP 4152 / A&M Records SP4152First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Germany | A&M Records 85 058 IT / Ariola 85 058 ITLP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | A&M Records SP 4152LP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | Canada | A&M Records SP 4152LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
10 vinyl pressings of Recital are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1968 and 1970.
The earliest pressings are from 1968, in US, UK, Germany. One of them is A&M Records SP 4152.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SP 4152, AMLS 928, 212 054) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A+M-SP-4203-Re1 -15 (MR) Δ12376 and A+M-SP-4204-Re1 -15 (MR) Δ12376-X ②. 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.
