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VU by The Velvet Underground, album cover

Vinyl pressings

VU

by The Velvet Underground · 1984

30 pressings13 countriesArt RockPsychedelic RockGarage RockAvantgarde

VU was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. 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 VU

4 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 4 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.

Australasia

1984
Label and catalog number
Verve Records 823 721-1
Format
LP, Album, Stereo
Runout / matrix

823-721-1 AEtched A

823-721-1 BEtched B

Full details of this pressing

Canada

1984
Label and catalog number
Verve Records MIP 1 9466PolyGram MIP 1 9466
Format
LP, Album
Runout / matrix

MIP-1-9466A SNB 230 EL DM- 1 3Side A runout

MIP-1-9466B SNB 230 EL DM- 3Side B runout

Full details of this pressing

Netherlands

1984
Label and catalog number
Verve Records 823 721-1
Format
LP, Album, Stereo
Runout / matrix

823 721 1 1Y 1 Ⓟ 1984 670 06 111Runout side A, variant 1

823 721 1 2Y 1 Ⓟ 1984 670 06 112Runout side B, variant 1

823 721 1 1Y 1 Ⓟ 1984 670 06 111Runout side A, variant 2

823 721 1 2Y 1 Ⓟ 1984 670 06 113Runout side B, variant 2

Full details of this pressing

Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.

All 30 vinyl pressings

By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.

1980s29 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1984AustralasiaVerve Records 823 721-1First yearLP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1984CanadaVerve Records MIP 1 9466 / PolyGram MIP 1 9466First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1984CanadaVerve Records MIP-1-9466 / PolyGram MIP 1 9466LP, Album, Club Edition · Club editionLP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition
1984JapanVerve Records 23MM 0432First yearLP, Album, Promo · PromoLP, Album, Promo · Promo
1984NetherlandsVerve Records 823 721-1First yearLP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1984USVerve Records 823 721-1 Y-1 / Verve Records 422-823- 721-1 Y-1LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressingLP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing
1985BrazilVerve Records 823 721-1 / Verve Records 8237211LP, AlbumLP, Album
1985FranceVerve Records 823 721-1LP, AlbumLP, Album
1985GermanyVerve Records 823 721-1LP, AlbumLP, Album
1985GermanyVerve Records 823 721-1LP, Album, Repress, StereoLP, Album, Repress, Stereo
1985GermanyVerve Records 823 721-1LP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1985GermanyVerve Records 823 721-1LP, Album, Repress, StereoLP, Album, Repress, Stereo
1985GermanyVerve Records 823 721-1LP, Album, Repress, StereoLP, Album, Repress, Stereo
1985GermanyVerve Records 823 721-1LP, Album, Repress, StereoLP, Album, Repress, Stereo
1985GreeceVerve Records 823721-1LP, AlbumLP, Album
All 29 pressings from the 1980s
2000s1 pressing
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
2007US4 Men With Beards 4M136LP, Album, ReissueLP, Album, Reissue

Tracklist

  1. A1I Can't Stand It3:25
  2. A2Stephanie Says2:50
  3. A3She's My Best Friend3:05
  4. A4Lisa Says2:44
  5. A5Ocean5:00
  6. B1Foggy Notion6:58
  7. B2Temptation Inside Your Heart2:26
  8. B3One Of These Days2:28
  9. B4Andy's Chest2:42
  10. B5I'm Sticking With You2:25

Questions

How many vinyl pressings of VU are there?

30 vinyl pressings of VU are listed here, from 13 countries, released between 1984 and 2007.

When was VU first released on vinyl?

The earliest pressings are from 1984, in Australasia, Canada, Netherlands, Japan. One of them is Verve Records 823 721-1.

How do I tell if my copy of VU is a first pressing?

Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 823 721-1, MIP 1 9466, 23MM 0432) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 823-721-1 A and 823-721-1 B. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.

How much is VU 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.

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