Vinyl pressings
by Levon Helm · 1977
Levon Helm And The RCO All-Stars was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1977, 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.
AAB-1017-A ③ S 2 SXTSide A runout etched, variant 1
AAB-1017-B ① S 2 SXTSide B runout etched, variant 1
AA ̷B̷ 1017-A ② Sx T. B S1Side A runout etched, variant 2
AA ̷B̷ -1017-B ① Sx T B S1Side B runout etched, variant 2
I S AAB-1017-A ③Side A variant 1
I S AAB-1017-B ①Side B variant ]
AA A⃫B⃫-1017-A ① B S ISide A variant 2
AAB⃫-1017-B ① D -SX- S2Side B variant 2
C 1 [Union Jack flag] AA ̶B̶ 1017-A ④ >Side A runout, variant 1
B 1 [Union Jack flag] AA ̶B̶ 1017-B ⑤ >Side B runout, variant 1
B [Union Jack flag] AA ̶B̶ 1017-A ⑤ >Side A runout, variant 2
C 1 [Union Jack flag] AA ̶B̶ 1017-B ④ >Side B runout, variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Canada | ABC Records 9022-1017First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Germany | ABC Records 25 599 XOTFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Japan | ABC Records YX-8118-ABFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Japan | ABC Records YX-8118-ABFirst yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | Spain | ABC Records 17.1259/0 / Mediterraneo 17.1259/0First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Spain | ABC Records 17.1259/0 / Mediterraneo 17.1259/0First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | UK | ABC Records AA 1017First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | UK | ABC Records ABCL 5236First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | US | ABC Records AA 1017First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | US | ABC Records AA 1017First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | US | ABC Records AA 1017First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Brazil | ABC Records 6.26-404-100LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Portugal | ABC Records AA-1017LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Japan | MCA Records P-5939LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
14 vinyl pressings of Levon Helm And The RCO All-Stars are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1977 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in US, UK, Canada, Germany and more. One of them is ABC Records AA 1017, released October 21, 1977.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AA 1017, ABCL 5236, 9022-1017, 25 599 XOT) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AAB-1017-A ③ S 2 SXT and AAB-1017-B ① S 2 SXT. 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.
