Vinyl pressings
by Lou Reed · 1971
Lou Reed & The Velvet Underground was first pressed on vinyl in 1971. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
3 pressings came out in 1971, the album's first year, in 2 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.
2315258 A//1 1 1 5Side A runout, variant 1
2315258 B//5 420 06 1 1 5Side B runout, variant 1
2315258 A//1 1 1 3Side A runout, variant 2
2315258 B//5 420 06 1 1 4Side B runout, variant 2
2315 246 S1 320
2315 246 S2 320
2315 246 S1 320 1 A1
2315 246 S2 320 1 A1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Germany | MGM Records 2315246First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1971 | Germany | MGM Records 2315246First yearLP, Compilation, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1971 | UK | MGM Records 2315258First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Italy | MGM Records 2315 258LLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1974 | Brazil | Polyfar 2494 307LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1974 | Spain | MGM Records 23 15 285LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1974 | Germany | MGM Records 2315 258LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1974 | UK | Polydor 2315 258LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Italy | MGM Records 2315 246LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | UK | MGM Records 2315258LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
10 vinyl pressings of Lou Reed & The Velvet Underground are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1971 and 1974.
The earliest pressings are from 1971, in UK, Germany. One of them is MGM Records 2315258.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2315258, 2315246) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2315258 A//1 1 1 5 and 2315258 B//5 420 06 1 1 5. 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.
