US
May 1973- Label and catalog number
- Stax STA-0164
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
The Staple SingersBe What You Are
Vinyl pressings
Be What You Are
by The Staple Singers · 1973
15 pressings7 countriesSoulFunkFunk / Soul
Be What You Are was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Be What You Are
15 pressings came out in 1973, 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.
US
May 1973- Label and catalog number
- Stax STA-0164
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · Santa Maria Pressing
- Runout / matrix
STXS-0528-11 SS-01212 1B -L.NIX- SSSSS SSCRMSS 666Side A runout
STXS-0529-12 SS-01213 1A -L.NIX- SISide B runout
SS-01212Side A label
SS-01213Side B label
US
May 1973- Label and catalog number
- Stax STA-0164
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Styrene
US
1973- Label and catalog number
- Stax STA-0164
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
~CRM~ 666 STXS-0528-1 SS-01212 -L.NIX-A Side runout Hand-etched
SS-01213 -L.NIX- ̶S̶T̶X̶S̶-̶0̶5̶2̶9̶-̶1̶0̶B Side runout Hand-etched
SS-01212Label A
SS-01213Label B
US
1973- Label and catalog number
- Stax STA-0164
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Santa Maria Pressing
- Runout / matrix
~CRM~ 666 STXS-0528-12 SS-01212 1A -L.NIX-A Side runout etched variation 1
STXS-0529-12 SS-01213 1A -L.NIX-B Side runout etched variation 1
{CRM} 666 STXS-0528-11 SS-01212 1B -L.NIX- sA Side runout etched variation 2
STXS-0529-12 SS-01213 1A -L.NIX- sssB Side runout etched variation 2
US
May 1973- Label and catalog number
- Stax STA-0164
- Format
- 7", Promo
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 15 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s15 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Australia | Stax 2025 185First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Germany | Stax 2025 185First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1973 | Jamaica | Stax STA-0164First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | Jamaica | Stax STA-0164First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | UK | Stax 2025 185First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | US | Stax STA-0164First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Stax STA-0164First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Canada | Stax STA-0164First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | US | Stax STA-0164First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | US | Stax STA-0164First year7", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Stax STA-0164First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Stax STA-0164First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Stax STA-0164First year7", 45 RPM, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Styrene |
| 1973 | UK | Stax 2025-185First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Japan | Stax DW 1076First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
Tracklist
- ABe What You Are4:58
- BI Like The Things About Me5:52
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Be What You Are are there?
15 vinyl pressings of Be What You Are are listed here, from 7 countries.
When was Be What You Are first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, UK, Canada, Australia and more. One of them is Stax STA-0164, released May 1973.
How do I tell if my copy of Be What You Are is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use STA-0164, 2025-185, 2025 185, DW 1076) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Be What You Are on vinyl worth?
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.
