Identifying First Press David Bowie Vinyl Records: A Guide for Collectors
Let's discuss the finer details of pinpointing your favorite David Bowie records like an expert.
1 - 'Hunky Dory', 1971
This iconic album can be a collector's dream if spot right! Look for a laminated sleeve front only found on the initial UK press. This unique feature could turn your record into a limited goldmine; recent auctions have gone for over £400! The record's RCA labels and specific matrix information might also help, with '3T' often appearing in the dead wax space[5].
2 - 'The Man Who Sold The World', 1970
This album was first released under Mercury label in the USA. If you see a red Mercury label, you've got the original US press. The artwork will also be different from later UK releases with RCA labels[1][2]. 'Space Oddity', Bowie's other release with the Mercury label, shares a similar US release history, with promotional versions bearing white Mercury labels[4].
3 - 'The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars', 1972
Early US releases of this album featured orange RCA labels and the famous 'Dynaflex' records. Check out the Dynaflex text at the bottom of the orange RCA label for confirmation. Some international reissues may vary, but they're generally easy to spot with alternate label colors like green or black, and slight text alterations[4][6].
4 - 'Aladdin Sane', 1973
Released in the UK on RCA labels, the first press can be easily recognized by the 'T3' matrix stamp on each side's dead wax space. Later releases may feature green labels, but the 'T3' stamp should help you distinguish the early editions[1][3].
5 - 'Diamond Dogs', 1974
Look for the 'HH' price code on the rear sleeve and the 'KEV' etching in the B side's runout to confirm you have a first UK pressing[2][3].
6 - 'Low', 1977
Limit your search to orange RCA label versions for the UK release, as fewer reissues were made until 1980. USA releases from 1977 also exist, with the 'Nipper the dog' RCA icon on the label[4].
7 - 'Let's Dance', 1983
If your label only features black and white artwork, you might have a rare 1984 US reissue on your hands. For the original UK press, look for "manufactured in the UK" written in the label's rim[4]. Certain European reissues from the mid to late '80s can be identified by the varied language used across the label[1].
Several resources, such as vinyl collector communities, Discogs, and record authentication services, can aid in the process of verifying your records' authenticity and value[1][2][4]. Don't forget to check for rarity and condition, and mint condition records usually fetch higher prices[1].
[1] https://www.discogs.com/guides/how-to-identify[2] https://analogplanet.com/guide/learning-how-to-identify-first-press-vinyl-records/[3] https://medium.com/@elrobomontoya/low-1977-902aecb04415[4] https://www.recordcollector.com[5] https://www.discogs.com/David-Bowie-Hunky-Dory/release/9551743[6] https://www.discogs.com/David-Bowie-The-Rise-And-Fall-Of-Ziggy-Stardust-And-The-Spiders-From-Mars/release/4301602
1 - Entertainment and music enthusiasts might appreciate the rarity of early pressings of Bowie's 'Hunky Dory' album, as its laminated sleeve front and specific matrix information can prove its authenticity and value.
2 - For fans of classic rock and collectors, identifying the original US press of 'The Man Who Sold The World' album could mean a find in the realm of music history, thanks to its distinctive red Mercury label and altered artwork compared to later UK releases.