Vinyl pressings
by Wes Montgomery · 1973
While We're Young 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.
8 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 5 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.
MSP 47003-A 1B SXSide A runout etched
MSP 47003-B 1A SXSide B runout etched
MSP 47003-C 1A SXSide C runout etched
MSP 47003-D 1B SXSide D runout etched
MSP 47003-A 1B SXSide A runout etched
MSP 47003-B 1A SXSide B runout etched
MSP 47003-C 1A SXSide C runout etched
MSP 47003-D 1B SXSide D runout etched
MSP 47003-A 1B AZ 1SRunout side A etched
MSP 47003-B 1B AZ 1S A1Runout side B etched
MSP 47003-C 1B AZ 1S A1Runout side C etched
MSP 47003-D 1A AZRunout side D etched
NSP 47003-A /BRunout Side 1
NSP 47003-B /ARunout Side 2
NSP 47003-C /BRunout Side 3
NSP 47003-D /BRunout Side 4
SMX 43317 2ARunout Side A hand etched
SMX 43318 2ARunout Side B hand etched
SMX 43319 2ARunout Side C hand etched
SMX 43320 2ARunout Side D hand 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Argentina | Milestone MSPSS 47003First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1973 | Australia | Milestone L 45325/6 / Milestone L-45,325First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | France | Milestone 47003LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1973 | Spain | Milestone M.M. 40.050-SFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Spain | Milestone M.M. 40.050/51First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1973 | UK | Milestone 47003First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | US | Milestone 47003 / Milestone MSP-47003First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1973 | US | Milestone 47003 / Milestone MSP-47003First yearLP, Album, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Milestone 47003 / Milestone MSP-47003First yearLP, Album, Compilation | LP, Album, Compilation |
| 1976 | France | Milestone 47003LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Italy | Milestone HB 6051LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1980 | Spain | Milestone S 66.037LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Milestone 47003 / Milestone M-47003LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
13 vinyl pressings of While We're Young are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1973 and 1980.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, UK, Argentina, Australia and more. One of them is Milestone 47003.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 47003, MSPSS 47003, L 45325/6, M.M. 40.050-S) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MSP 47003-A 1B SX and MSP 47003-B 1A SX. 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.
