Vinyl pressings
by The Kinks · 1977
The File Series 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.
6 pressings came out in 1977, 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.
FILD 001 A-1 ◇MBRunout side one, etched
FILD 001 B-1 ◇MBRunout side two, etched
FILD 001 C-1 ◇MBRunout side three, etched
FILD 001 D-1 ◇MBRunout side four, etched
FILD 001 A-1◊MB F ZA Side Runout Etched
FILD 001 B-1◊MB LB Side Runout Etched
FILD 001 C-1◊MB FC Side Runout Etched
FILD 001 D-1◊MB F LD Side Runout Etched
FILD 001 A-1 ◇MB [sideways 2] [sideways M]Etched runout A side
FILD 001 B-1 ◇MB [sideways I] ◌Etched runout B side
FILD 001 C-1 ◇MB [sideways I] [unreadable sign]Etched runout C side
FILD 001 D-1 ◇MB [sideways I] [sideways N]Etched runout D side
FILD-001/1-A FH 8/2/4Side 1 runout hand etched
FILD-001/1-B FH 20/2/4Side 2 runout hand etched
FILD 001-A TXDSide 1, etched
FILD 001-D TXDSide 2, etched
FILD 001-C2 TXDSide 3, etched
FILD 001-D2 TXDSide 4, etched
FILD-001-A TXD
FILD-001-B TXD
FILD-001-C2 TXD
FILD-001-D2 TXD
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 | Australia | Astor FILD 001First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Canada | Pye Records FILD 001First yearLP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| 1977 | Canada | Pye Records FILD 001First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
| 1977 | UK | Pye Records FILD 001First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | UK | Pye Records FILD 001First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
| 1977 | UK | Pye Records FILD 001First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
| 1978 | France | PYE Records 400680 / Pye Records LVLX PY 680LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Japan | PRT SP36-5218-9LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Japan | PRT SP36-5218~9LP, Compilation, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | LP, Compilation, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | Pye Records FILD 001 / PRT FILD 001LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Canada | Pye Records FILD 001LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| ? | UK | Precision FILD 001LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | UK | PRT FILD 001LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
13 vinyl pressings of The File Series are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1977 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in UK, Australia, Canada. One of them is Pye Records FILD 001, released October 14, 1977.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FILD 001) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, FILD 001 A-1 ◇MB and FILD 001 B-1 ◇MB. 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.
