Vinyl pressings
by Roy Orbison · 1972
Memphis 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.
9 pressings came out in 1972, 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.
SE 4867 MGS 2928 ℗1972 MGM RECORDS, INC.Runout Side A, Etched
SE 4867 MGS 2929 ℗1972 MGM RECORDS, INC.Runout Side B, Etched
MGS 2928Matrix Side A, On Label
MGS 2929Matrix Side B, On Label
K SE 4867 MGS 2928 ℗1972 MGM RECORDS, INC.Runout Side A, Etched
SE 4867 MGS 2929 ℗1972 MGM RECORDS, INC.Runout Side B, Etched
MGS 2928Matrix Side A, On Label
MGS 2929Matrix Side B, On Label
SE4867 MGS 2928 P(in a circle) 1972 MGM Records Inc.Runout Side A
SE 4867 MGS 2929 ℗1972 MGM RECORDS, INC.Runout Side B
MGS 2928Matrix Side A, On Label
MGS 2929Matrix Side B, On Label
SE 4867 MGS 2928 ℗1972 MGM RECORDS, INC.Runout side A, etched
SE 4867 MGS 2929 ℗1972 MGM RECORDS, INC.Runout side B, etched
MGS 2928Matrix Side A, On Label
MGS 2929Matrix Side B, On Label
SE 4867 MGS 2928 ℗ 1972 MGM RECORDS, INC.runout A
SE 4867 MGS 2929 ℗ 1972 MGM RECORDS, INC.runout B
MGS 2928Side A Label
MGS 2929Side B Label
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 | Australia | London Records SAHA.8445 / London Records SAHA.8445First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1972 | UK | London Records SHU 8445 / London Records SHU.8445First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1972 | UK | London Records SHU 8445 / London American Recordings SHU.8445First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1972 | US | MGM Records SE-4867 / MGM Records SE 4867First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | US | MGM Records SE 4867First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1972 | US | MGM Records SW-94979 / MGM Records SE-4867LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1972 | US | MGM Records SE-4867 / MGM Records SE 4867First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | US | MGM Records SE-4867 / MGM Records SE 4867First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | US | MGM Records SE-4867First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | US | MGM Records SE-4867 / MGM Records SE 4867First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | US | MGM Records SE-4867 / UMe 00602547233011LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
11 vinyl pressings of Memphis are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1972 and 2015.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in US, UK, Australia. One of them is MGM Records SE-4867.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SE-4867, SE 4867, SHU 8445, SAHA.8445) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SE 4867 MGS 2928 ℗1972 MGM RECORDS, INC. and SE 4867 MGS 2929 ℗1972 MGM RECORDS, INC.. 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.
