Vinyl pressings
by Phil Ochs · 1976
Chords Of Fame was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1976, the album's first year, in 3 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.
AM SP 4933 MI △ 21600 (1)Side A runout etched (variant 1)
AM SP 4934 MI △ 21600-XSide B runout etched (variant 1)
AM SP 4935 M2 △ 21601 (2)Side C runout etched (variant 1)
AM SP 4936 MI △ 21601-X (3)Side D runout etched (variant 1)
T1 AM SP 4933 T1 B7Side A runout etched
T 1 AM SP 4934 T1 BSide B runout etched
T1 AM SP 4935 T1 A4Side C runout etched
T1 AM SP 4936 T2 BSide D runout etched
AM SP 4933 P2Side A runout etched, variant 1
AM SP 4934 P2Side B runout etched, variant 1
AM SP 4935 P1Side C runout etched, variant 1
AM SP 4936 P1Side D runout etched, variant 1
A&M SP. 4933- IND-1 11A1Side A runout etched
A&M SP. 4934- IND-1 1A1 CSide B runout etched
A&M SP. 4935-IND-1 1A1 ASide C runout etched
A&M SP. 4936- IND-1 1A1 ASide D runout etched
AM SP 4933 M2 MR △ 21600 (2)Side A runout
AM SP 4934 MI MR △ 21600-X (1)Side B runout
AM SP 4935 M1 MR △ 21601 (1)Side C runout
AM SP 4936 MI MR △ 21601-X (3)Side D runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Canada | A&M Records SP-4599First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | Canada | A&M Records SP-4599First yearLP, Promo, Compilation · Promo | LP, Promo, Compilation · Promo |
| 1976 | UK | A&M Records AMLM 64599First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | US | A&M Records SP-4599First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1976 | US | A&M Records SP-4599First yearLP, Album, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | US | A&M Records SP-4599First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1976 | US | A&M Records SP-4599First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1976 | US | A&M Records SP-4599First yearLP, Album, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | US | A&M Records SP-4599First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1976 | US | A&M Records SP-4599LP, Album, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1977 | Spain | A&M Records AMLH 64599 / A&M Records AMLM 64599LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | US | A&M Records SP-6511LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | A&M Records SP 94599LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
13 vinyl pressings of Chords Of Fame are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1976 and 1981.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in US, UK, Canada. One of them is A&M Records SP-4599.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SP-4599, AMLM 64599) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AM SP 4933 MI △ 21600 (1) and AM SP 4934 MI △ 21600-X. 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.
