Vinyl pressings
by Ricky Wilde · 1972
I Am An Astronaut was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1972, the album's first year, in 7 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.
℗ 1972 M ZXDR- 52337 Manufactured in Germany SRunout side A
℗ 1972 M ZXDR- 52338 Manufactured in Germany SRunout side B
XDR 52 337Label side A
XDR 52 338Label side B
XDR 52 337Label side A
XDR 52 338Label side B
XDR-52337-T1-IC D 1Runout B-side stamped
XDR-52338-T1-IC R 1Runout A-side stamped
XDR 52337Label side-A
XDR 52338Label side-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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Belgium | Decca 105-26.346YFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Denmark | UK Records UK 18First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Germany | UK Records DL 25 544First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1972 | Germany | UK Records DL 25 544First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | Netherlands | Decca 6103 053First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Sweden | UK Records UK 18First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | Sweden | UK Records UK 18First year7", Single, Stereo | 7", Single, Stereo |
| 1972 | Sweden | UK Records UK 18First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | Sweden | UK Records UK 18First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1972 | US | UK Records 45-49008First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | UK | UK Records UK 18First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | UK | UK Records UK 18First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1972 | UK | UK Records UK 18First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
13 vinyl pressings of I Am An Astronaut are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in Germany, UK, US, Belgium and more. One of them is UK Records DL 25 544.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use DL 25 544, UK 18, 45-49008, 105-26.346Y) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ℗ 1972 M ZXDR- 52337 Manufactured in Germany S and ℗ 1972 M ZXDR- 52338 Manufactured in Germany S. 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.
