Vinyl pressings
by MFSB · 1975
Philadelphia Freedom was first pressed on vinyl in 1975. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
18 pressings came out in 1975, the album's first year, in 13 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.
P.I.R. AL 33845 (stamped) mastering by frankford/waine phila. NSA side runout variant 1
P.I.R. BL 33845 (stamped) mastering by frankford/waine phila. NSB side runout variant 1
0 T1 P.I.R. AL 33845 (stamped) mastering by frankford/waine phila. NS Λ 3A side runout variant 2
0 T1 P.I.R. BL 33845-1E (stamped) mastering by frankford/waine phila. NS 3B side runout variant 2
P P.I.R. AL-33845-1B MASTERING BY FRAN-FORD/WAYNE PHILA. NS DHA side runout variant 1
P P.I.R. BL-33845-1B MASTERING BY FRAN-FORD/WAYNE PHILA. NS AB side runout variant 1
AL 33845Side A Label
BL 33845Side B Label
1S P.I.R. AL-33845-1H MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE PHILA. A3Runout A
1S P.I.R. BL-33845-1H MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE PHILA. HS A3Runout B
AL 33845Label A
BL 33845Label B
P P.I.R. AL-33845-1B MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE PHILA. NSRunout A
P P.I.R. BL-33845-1B MASTERED BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE PHILA. NSRunout B
AL 33845Label A
BL 33845Label B
PIR.S.69208-A1 ⋀Stamped A
PIR.S.69208-B1 ⋀Stamped B
S PIR 69208 A*Label A
S PIR 69208 B*Label B
PIR.S.69208-A1Stamped A
PIR.S.69208-B1Stamped B
S PIR 69208 A*Label A
S PIR 69208 B*Label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Philadelphia International Records PZ 33845LP | LP |
24 vinyl pressings of Philadelphia Freedom are listed here, from 17 countries, released between 1975 and 1977.
The earliest pressings are from 1975, in US, UK, Australia, Dominican Republic and more. One of them is Philadelphia International Records PZ 33845.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PZ 33845, S PIR 69208, PL 3002, CS-10.220) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, P.I.R. AL 33845 (stamped) mastering by frankford/waine phila. NS and P.I.R. BL 33845 (stamped) mastering by frankford/waine phila. NS. 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.
