US
1981- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records SP-3201
- Format
- LP, Compilation
- Runout / matrix
A&M SP03201-A P1Etched: Side A
A&M SP03201-B P2Etched: Side B
Nils LofgrenThe Best
Vinyl pressings
The Best
by Nils Lofgren · 1981
12 pressings7 countriesSoft RockPop RockClassic RockRock
The Best was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of The Best
8 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 5 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.
US
1981- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records SP-3201
- Format
- LP, Compilation, Stereo · Terre Haute Pressing
- Runout / matrix
A&M SP 03201-A T1 3A T1Runout side A, variant 1
A&M SP 03201-B T1 8A T1Runout side B, variant 1
A&M SP 03201-A T1 A6 T1Runout side A, variant 2
A&M SP 03201-B T1 1C T1Runout side B, variant 2
US
1981- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records SP-3201
- Format
- LP, Compilation
- Runout / matrix
AM SP03201-A RCA1 (Pig Face)Etched: Side A
AM SP03201-B RCA1 (Pig Face)Etched: Side B
US
1981- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records SP-3201
- Format
- LP, Compilation, Promo
Australia
1981- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records L 37764
- Format
- LP, Compilation
- Runout / matrix
2 SMX55989 P2ASide 1 runout etched
2 SMX55990 P2ASide 2 runout etched
P2APaul Ibbotson's mark, etched on both runouts
Canada
1981- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records SP-69876
- Format
- LP, Compilation
- Runout / matrix
A&M SP 03201-A INT.Side 1 Runout Etched
A&M SP 03201-B INT.Side 2 Runout Etched
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 12 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s9 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Australia | A&M Records L 37764First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Canada | A&M Records SP-69876First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Europe | A&M Records AMLH 20117First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | New Zealand | A&M Records L 37764First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | US | A&M Records SP-3201First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | US | A&M Records SP-3201First yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | US | A&M Records SP-3201First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1981 | US | A&M Records SP-3201First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1982 | South Africa | A&M Records AMLS 63201LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
Year unknown3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | A&M Records LP 393 201-1LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Germany | A&M Records LP 393 201-1LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Germany | A&M Records LP 393 201-1LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
Tracklist
- A1No Mercy4:05
- A2Cry Tough5:06
- A3Rock And Roll Crook2:53
- A4Keith Don't Go (Ode To The Glimmer Twin)4:21
- A5Goin' Back3:53
- B1I Came To Dance4:30
- B2Back It Up2:23
- B3Shine Silently3:41
- B4It's Not A Crime4:12
- B5Beggar's Day (Eulogy To Danny Whitten)4:18
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Best are there?
12 vinyl pressings of The Best are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1981 and 1982.
When was The Best first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in US, Australia, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is A&M Records SP-3201.
How do I tell if my copy of The Best is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SP-3201, L 37764, SP-69876, AMLH 20117) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A&M SP03201-A P1 and A&M SP03201-B P2. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Best on vinyl worth?
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.
