AC/DC - Back in Black - Vinyl record - 1st Stereo pressing - 1980

General Information

Artist: AC/DC
Album: Back in Black
Release Date: 1980
Label: Atlantic (SD 16018)
Country: USA
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Edition: First US Pressing. This is the authentic 1980 original release featuring the iconic embossed (raised) lettering for both the "AC/DC" logo and the "Back in Black" title on the front cover.

Description

History: Released as a tribute to the band's late frontman Bon Scott, this was the first album featuring Brian Johnson. It became a cultural phenomenon and remains one of the best-selling albums in music history. The minimalist black cover was chosen by the band as a sign of mourning.
Key Features: Unlike later flat-printed reissues, this original pressing has a textured, embossed sleeve. This specific copy features a rare vintage "Crazy Eddie Record & Tape Asylum" store sticker on the front, adding unique provenance from the legendary NYC retailer.

Condition

Cover: Factory-sealed, never opened. The delicate matte black cover is well-preserved. There is light shelf wear and minor creasing around the edges, but the embossing remains sharp and prominent.
Vinyl: Presumed MINT (unplayed)

Notes for collectors

First Pressing Identification: This version is identified by the SD 16018 catalog number and the raised texture of the sleeve.
Value: Original 1980 copies in this condition are increasingly sought after by collectors, especially those with unique period-correct store stickers like "Crazy Eddie," which confirm the record's history and era.
Differences: Later reissues often dropped the embossing to save on production costs or moved to different catalog sequences (like the E1 series).

Matrix / Labels

Side A: ST-A-804517 [Check your runout groove for suffixes like -SP or -MO]
Side B: ST-A-804518
Label: Atlantic (SD 16018). ST-A-804517-AR / ST-A-804518-AR. “MFG BY ATLANTIC RECORDING CORP., 75 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, N.Y., N.Y.”