Led Zeppelin - II (1969 Atlantic First UK Pressing, Lemon Song Credits)

Few albums in rock history had the seismic impact of Led Zeppelin II. Released in October 1969, it hit like a freight train, displacing Abbey Road from the top of the charts and announcing that a new era of heavy, blues-drenched rock had arrived. For vinyl collectors, the first UK pressing on Atlantic Records is one of the most sought-after records from the late 1960s, and the specific variant with the original "Lemon Song" credits (before the plagiarism dispute forced changes) is the ultimate prize.

Why the First UK Pressing Matters

Led Zeppelin were a British band signed to Atlantic Records, and the UK pressings of their albums were manufactured at a different plant than the US versions (typically pressed at the Polydor pressing plant or other UK facilities under license from Atlantic). UK pressings of 1960s Atlantic releases are generally prized by audiophile collectors for their pressing quality and the distinct character of British vinyl production.

The first UK pressing of Led Zeppelin II carries the catalog number 588 198 on the Atlantic label. This is the plum/maroon Atlantic label variant, sometimes described as the "red/plum" label, with the Atlantic logo and text in white. The label reads "Made in Gt. Britain" and includes the licensing text "Under licence from Atlantic Recording Corpn., U.S.A."

The Lemon Song Credits Controversy

Here's where it gets really interesting for collectors. The song listed as track A3 on Led Zeppelin II has a complicated history. The song was originally titled "The Lemon Song" and credited to the band members (Page, Plant, Jones, Bonham). However, the song's main riff and much of its lyrical content were borrowed heavily from Howlin' Wolf's "Killing Floor," written by Chester Burnett (Howlin' Wolf's real name).

A plagiarism claim was filed, and subsequent pressings had to change the track listing. Later pressings list the song as "Killing Floor" and credit Chester Burnett as the songwriter. Even later pressings went back to "The Lemon Song" title but added Burnett to the writing credits.

This means the very first pressings, the ones that still list "The Lemon Song" credited only to Page, Plant, Jones, and Bonham, represent the album as it was originally released before the legal issues forced corrections. These are the most collectible variants.

Identifying the First UK Pressing

Identifying a genuine first UK pressing requires checking multiple details:

Catalog Number: 588 198 on both the label and the spine of the gatefold sleeve.

Label Design: Plum/maroon Atlantic label with white text. The Atlantic logo should be the correct period design.

Track Listing on Label: Side A, Track 3 should read "The Lemon Song" credited to Page, Plant, Jones, Bonham. If it reads "Killing Floor" by Burnett, it's a later pressing.

THANKYOU Misprint: On the earliest pressings, Side B Track 4 "Thank You" appears on the label as "THANKYOU" (one word). This misprint was corrected on later pressings to "THANK YOU" (two words). The one-word version is a strong indicator of a first pressing.

Matrix Numbers: The matrix numbers stamped into the dead wax (the smooth area between the last groove and the label) are critical. First pressing matrix numbers should be in the format "588 198 A" and "588 198 B" with specific stamper numbers. The exact matrix format varies, but lower stamper numbers indicate earlier pressings.

Sleeve: The gatefold sleeve should be the original UK design with the correct printing and color registration. The inner gatefold features the famous photograph of the band.

Living Loving Wreck Variant: The absolute earliest pressings (sometimes called the "Wreck Label" variant) have an additional misprint on the label: "Living Loving Wreck" instead of "Living Lovin' Maid (She's Just a Woman)" for Side B, Track 2. This "Wreck" variant is the most desirable of all and commands significant premiums.

Condition Grading (Goldmine Standard)

Vinyl records follow the Goldmine grading system:

Mint (M): Perfect, unplayed. Still sealed is the only way to guarantee this grade for a 1969 record. Essentially theoretical for this release.

Near Mint (NM): Nearly perfect. The record shows no visible signs of play. No scratches, scuffs, or marks. The sleeve is crisp with minimal wear. Labels are clean.

Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows some signs of play but still sounds excellent. Light paper scuffs or very fine hairline marks visible under light but not felt with a fingernail. Sleeve may show light ring wear or minor edge wear.

Very Good (VG): Moderate play wear. Surface noise noticeable on quiet passages. Visible scratches that can be felt. Sleeve shows ring wear, edge wear, possibly minor seam splits.

Good Plus (G+): Heavy play wear. Significant surface noise throughout. Scratches clearly audible. Sleeve shows heavy wear, splits, writing.

Good (G) and below: Rough shape. Plays through but with constant noise. Primarily value as a placeholder or for the label/sleeve.

What's It Worth?

Variant / Condition	Price Range
Wreck Label variant (NM)	$2,000 - $5,000+
Wreck Label variant (VG+)	$800 - $2,000
Lemon Song credits, THANKYOU misprint (NM)	$800 - $2,000
Lemon Song credits, THANKYOU misprint (VG+)	$300 - $800
Lemon Song credits, corrected Thank You (NM)	$400 - $1,000
Lemon Song credits, corrected Thank You (VG+)	$150 - $400
Killing Floor credits (later pressing, NM)	$100 - $250
Killing Floor credits (later pressing, VG+)	$40 - $100
Any variant (VG or below)	$20 - $80

These prices fluctuate based on market conditions, but the overall trend for first pressing Led Zeppelin vinyl has been steadily upward for decades. The Wreck Label variant, being the earliest and most error-laden pressing, is the true collector's piece.

The Sound

Beyond collectibility, first UK pressings of Led Zeppelin II are valued for their sound quality. The early stampers produce a pressing with exceptional dynamics, a wide stereo image, and a raw energy that later pressings and reissues struggle to match. The bass response, in particular, is remarkable, with John Paul Jones' bass lines and John Bonham's kick drum creating a physical sensation that digital formats and later vinyl reissues rarely replicate.

Collectors often describe the first pressing sound as "more alive" than subsequent versions. Whether this is the result of the specific mastering, the pressing quality, or the listener's knowledge of what they're hearing is a matter of eternal debate in audiophile circles. But the consensus among serious Zeppelin collectors is clear: the first UK pressing is the one to own.

Authentication Tips

Beware of counterfeit labels. Reproduction labels exist for valuable records. Genuine 1969 Atlantic labels have a specific paper type, printing quality, and adhesive pattern. Compare suspicious labels to verified examples.

Check the dead wax carefully. The matrix numbers, stamper marks, and any hand-etched messages in the dead wax should be consistent with documented first pressing examples. Discogs.com maintains detailed matrix information for each pressing variant.

Examine the vinyl. Original 1969 pressings used a heavier, slightly more flexible vinyl than many later pressings. The weight and feel of the record can provide clues, though this isn't definitive.

Sleeve printing. The gatefold sleeve printing quality, color saturation, and paper stock all differ between first and later pressings. First pressing sleeves tend to have richer, slightly darker colors.

Provenance. A record with a documented history (original purchase receipt, lifetime ownership by a single collector, etc.) provides confidence in authenticity.

What to Look For When Buying

Grade the record and sleeve separately. A NM record in a VG sleeve (or vice versa) is common. Understanding both grades helps you assess fair value.

Listen before buying if possible. No amount of visual grading substitutes for actually hearing the record. What looks like a VG+ disc might have a nasty skip from a previously unnoticed scratch.

Check for warping. Hold the record at eye level and look across its surface. Any visible warping reduces playability and value.

Inspect the labels. Label damage (writing, stickers, residue) permanently reduces value. "Promo" or "DJ" stamps can either increase or decrease value depending on the collector's preference.

Buy from reputable dealers. For a purchase in this price range, buying from established record dealers or auction houses with return policies is worth the premium over anonymous online marketplace sellers.

Get multiple opinions on grading. Grading is subjective, and sellers tend to grade generously. If you're spending hundreds of dollars, consider asking for additional photos or having a knowledgeable friend verify the grade.

A first UK pressing of Led Zeppelin II with the Lemon Song credits is one of the great trophies in rock vinyl collecting. It captures the album exactly as it was released, before legal disputes altered the track listing, and represents the raw, unfiltered power of a band that was redefining what rock music could be. Whether you're building a comprehensive Led Zeppelin vinyl collection or seeking a single iconic record to anchor your shelves, this is the pressing to hunt for.

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