Vinyl pressings
by Levon Helm · 1980
American Son was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. 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 1980, 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.
MCA- 2219- CRS-2 ◈-P-◈ ISide A runout - variant 1
v v MCA - 2220 - CRS-2 ◈-P-◈ ISide B runout - variant 1
MCA- 2219- CRS-2 ◈-P-◈ IISide A runout - variant 2
v v MCA - 2220 - CRS-2 ◈-P-◈ ISide B runout - variant 2
MCA-2219-CRS-I ⧈-G-⧈Side A runout
MCA-2220-CRS-I ⧈-G-⧈Side B runout
MCA 2219Side A label
MCA 2220Side B label
MCA- 2219- CRS-2 ◈-P-◈ ISide A runout
MCA - 2220 - CRS-2 ◈-P-◈ ISide B runout
MCA2219Label side 1
MCA2220Label side 2
MCA-2219-CRS-1 MCA 5120-A ⧈-G-⧈Side A runout
MCA-2220-CRS-1 MCA 5120-B ⧈-G-⧈Side B runout
MCA-2219Side A label
MCA-2220Side B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Unknown | MCA Records MCA-5120LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1980 | Australia | MCA Records MCA-5120First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-5120First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Italy | MCA Records MCA 4094First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Italy | MCA Records MCA 4094 / MCA Records (MCA 5120)First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Japan | MCA Records VIM-6227First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Japan | MCA Records VIM-6227First yearLP, Promo · Promo | LP, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | Netherlands | MCA Records 202 494 / MCA Records 202.494First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | US | MCA Records MCA-5120First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | US | MCA Records MCA-5120First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | US | MCA Records MCA-5120First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
11 vinyl pressings of American Son are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in US, Australia, Canada, Italy and more. One of them is MCA Records MCA-5120.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA-5120, MCA 4094, VIM-6227, 202 494) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MCA- 2219- CRS-2 ◈-P-◈ I and v v MCA - 2220 - CRS-2 ◈-P-◈ I. 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.
