Vinyl pressings
by Sparks · 1977
Introducing Sparks was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
17 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 8 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.
PBL 34901-1G AZ PEtched, Runout Side A, variant 1
PAL-34901-1H AZ PEtched, Runout Side B, variant 1
PAL-34901-1B AZ A1 SEtched, Runout Side A, variant 2
PBL-34901-1B AZ A4 e sEtched, Runout Side B, variant 2
o T1 PAL 34901-1F AZ A1A Side runout, variant 1, etched; o A stamped
o T1 PBL-34901-1E AZ Λ6B Side runout, variant 1, etched; o Λ stamped
o T1 PAL-34901-1E AZ AA Side runout, variant 2, etched; o A stamped
o T1 PBL-34901-1F AZ AB Side runout, variant 2, etched; o A stamped
AL 34901A side label
BL 34901B side label
1S PAL 34901-1A AZ [seagulls] AA Side
2S PBL-34901-1B AZ A6B Side
AL 34901A side label
BL 34901B side label
1S PAL 34901-1B AZ [seagulls] A1A Side
2S PBL-34901-1B AZ A4B Side
S PAL-34901 1B AZ A7Side A Runout - Etched : Variant 1
e S PBL-34901 1B AZ A8Side B Runout - Etched : Variant 1
S PAL-34901-1B AZ A7Side A Runout - Etched : Variant 2
e S PBL-34901-1B AZ A7Side B Runout - Etched : Variant 2
o TI PAL 34901-1F AZ B1A Side run-out etching [o stamped]
o Tl PBL-34901-1F AZ BB Side run-out etching [o stamped]
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Europe | CBS CBS 82284 / CBS PC 34901First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Japan | CBS/Sony 25AP 856First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Japan | CBS/Sony 25AP 856First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | Portugal | CBS CBS 82284First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | South Africa | CBS ASF 2027First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | US | Columbia PC 34901First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | US | Columbia PC 34901First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Promo · Promo, Colored vinyl |
| 1977 | US | Columbia PC 34901First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | US | Columbia PC 34901First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | US | Columbia PC 34901First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | US | Columbia PC 34901First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | US | Columbia PC 34901First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1977 | US | Columbia PC 34901First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | Yugoslavia | CBS CBS 82284 / Suzy CBS 82284First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | US | Columbia PAL/PBL-34901LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
18 vinyl pressings of Introducing Sparks are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in US, UK, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Columbia PC 34901.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PC 34901, CBS 82284, 25AP 856, ASF 2027) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, PBL 34901-1G AZ P and PAL-34901-1H AZ P. 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.
