Vinyl pressings
by The Temptations · 1977
In A Lifetime 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.
12 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 6 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.
F/W ΔM PB 1-1 ST-A-34275-2 SRC ASA-Side Runout Etching
1-1 ST-A-34277-1 SRC BS F/W ΔM PBB-Side Runout Etching
ST-A-34275 SPA-Side Label
ST-A-34277 SPB-Side Label
ST-A-34275-3-1-1 AS PRC F/W AM PBRunout Side A
ST-A-34277-3-1-1 BS F/W AM PB PRCRunout Side B
ST-A-34275 RILabel Side A
ST-A-34277 RILabel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Germany | AtlanticFirst year7", 45 RPM, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1977 | Netherlands | Atlantic ATL 11046First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1977 | New Zealand | Atlantic 45 3436First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | South Africa | Atlantic ATS 714First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | Spain | Atlantic 45-1635 / Hispavox 45-1635 (SN)First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | US | Atlantic 3436First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | US | Atlantic 3436First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | US | Atlantic 3436First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | US | Atlantic 3436First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | US | Atlantic 3436First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | US | Atlantic 3436First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | Germany | Atlantic ATL 11 046First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of In A Lifetime are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in US, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand and more. One of them is Atlantic 3436.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 3436, ATL 11 046, ATL 11046, 45 3436) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, F/W ΔM PB 1-1 ST-A-34275-2 SRC AS and 1-1 ST-A-34277-1 SRC BS F/W ΔM PB. 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.
