Vinyl pressings
by Thelonious Monk · 1976
The Complete Genius was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
5 pressings came out in 1976, the album's first year, in 2 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.
BN-LA 579-1-(SET2) CH UASide A runout, etched
BN-LA 579-2-(SET1)(2) CH UASide B runout, etched
22 BN-LA 579-3-(SET1) CH UASide C runout, etched
22 BN-LA 579-4 (SET2) CH UASide D runout, etched
BN-LA 579-1-(SET2) CH UASide A runout, etched
BN-LA 579-2-(SET1)(2) CH UASide B runout, etched
22 BN-LA 579-3-(SET1) CH UASide C runout, etched
22 BN-LA 579-4 (SET2) CH UASide D runout, etched
BN-LA 579-1-(SET2) G3 CH UA OSide A runout, etched Variant 1
LWB-2-579-P-2 X #1 0Side B runout, etched, X encircled, 0 stamped Variant 1
LWB-3-579-P-1 X #1 0Side C runout, etched, X encircled, 0 stamped Variant 1
LWB-4-579-P-1 X #1 0Side D runout, etched, X encircled, 0 stamped Variant 1
BN-LA 579-1-(SET1) Eck UAA runout
BN-LA 579-2-(SET2) CH UAB runout
BN-LA 579-3-(SET2) CH UAC runout
BN-LA 579-4 (SET1) Eck UAD runout
BN-LA 579-1-(SET2) CH UASide A Runout, Etched
BN-LA 579-2-(SET1)(2) CH UASide B Runout, Etched
22 BN-LA 579-3-(SET1) CH UASide C Runout, Etched
22 BN-LA 579-4 (SET2) CH UASide D Runout, Etched
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Canada | Blue Note BN-LA579-H2First yearLP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| 1976 | US | Blue Note BN-LA579-H2 / Blue Note BN-LA579-H2 -0798First yearLP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| 1976 | US | Blue Note BN-LA579-H2 / Blue Note BN-LA579-H2 -0798First yearLP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| 1976 | US | Blue Note BN-LA579-H2 / Blue Note BN-LA579-H2 -0798First yearLP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| 1976 | US | Blue Note BN-LA579-H2 / Blue Note BN-LA579-H2 -0798First yearLP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| 1979 | UK | Blue Note BND 4032LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | New Zealand | World Record Club WU 3871LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1981 | Australia | World Record Club R-08693 / World Record Club R-08694LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Liberty LIBLP 1020/21LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Italy | Blue Note BN-LA579-H2 / Blue Note BN-LA579-H2 -0798LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
10 vinyl pressings of The Complete Genius are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1976 and 1982.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in US, Canada. One of them is Blue Note BN-LA579-H2, released July 1976.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BN-LA579-H2) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BN-LA 579-1-(SET2) CH UA and BN-LA 579-2-(SET1)(2) CH UA. 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.
