VinylAI 
Data as of Aug 25, 2026
Rush – Rush
1974 · US · Mercury · Vinyl LP Album
Price guide
Estimated market value via Discogs · as of Aug 28, 2026
- MMint
- $167.02
- NMNear Mint
- $149.44
- VG+Very Good Plus
- $114.28
- VGVery Good
- $79.12
- G+Good Plus
- $43.95
- GGood
- $26.37
- FFair
- $17.58
- PPoor
- $8.79
19 copies listed on Discogs from $28.29.
These are reference estimates from Discogs sold/asking data for this exact pressing, not offers and not a guaranteed price. Actual value depends on condition, completeness and current demand. Any active seller offers on this page are listed separately above.
Offers · 1
- $90ref VA-4JWHTMedia VG+ · Very Good PlusSleeve F🇺🇸 Ships from United States
The Discogs price estimate is a separate reference; offer prices above are sellers’ own.
New to condition grades like NM or VG? Read our vinyl grading guide →
Pressing identification
Match these against your copy to confirm the exact pressing.
- Runout — side A
- SRM-1-1011-ASRM-1-1011-A-CT8 T MASTERDISK GKSRM-1-1011-A-CT1 T MASTERDISK G.K.SRM-1-1011-A-CT2 2T MASTERDISK G.K.SRM-1-1011-A-CT2 2T MASTERDISK G.K. ^SRM-1-1011-A-CT2 2T 16 MASTERDISK G.K.SRM-1-1011-A-CT2 2T 5 MASTERDISK G.K.SRM-1-1011-A-CT2 2T MASTERDISK G.K. C7
- Runout — side B
- SRM-1-1011-BSRM-1-1011-B-CT1 T MASTERDISK GKXT SRM-1-1011-B-CP3 MASTERDISK G.K.SRM-1-1011-A-CT2 1T MASTERDISK G.K.SRM-1-1011-B-GS6 1 SX MASTERDISK G.K. ^SRM-1-1011-B-CT1 1T B MASTERDISK GKSRM-1-1011-B-CT2 1T A5 MASTERDISK GKSRM-1-1011-B-CT1 1T MASTERDISK G.K. A17
- Recorded At
- Eastern Sound
- Recorded At
- Toronto Sound Studios
- Remixed At
- Toronto Sound Studios
- Mastered At
- Masterdisk
- Pressed By
- Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Terre Haute
- Manufactured By
- Phonogram, Inc.
- Lacquer Cut At
- Masterdisk
Specifications
Tracklist
- A1Finding My Way5:03
- A2Need Some Love2:16
- A3Take A Friend4:27
- A4Here Again7:30
- B1What You're Doing4:19
- B2In The Mood3:36
- B3Before And After5:33
- B4Working Man7:07
- Producer
- Rush
- Mastered By
- Gilbert Kong
About this record
The dead-wax matrix on this 1974 Mercury pressing reads SRM-1-1011-A-CT8 T MASTERDISK GK and SRM-1-1011-B-CT1 T MASTERDISK GK, identifying it as a Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Terre Haute production rather than the Phonogram, Inc. alternative. The price spread between Mint and VG copies—from 167.02 down to 79.12—reflects how heavily condition drives value on this hard rock debut.
With 19 copies currently listed and 1602 collectors wanting it against 5557 who own one, this remains a foundational title where even played copies command real money.
What drives its value
The Mercury SRM-1-1011 first pressing commands a steep condition premium. A Mint copy reaches 167.02 USD, while NM drops to 149.44, VG+ to 114.28, and VG to 79.12—a spread that punishes wear.
The current market floor sits at 28.29 USD across 19 active listings, suggesting most available stock grades below VG. Community demand is robust: 1602 collectors want this record against 5557 who already own it, a ratio that keeps prices firm even for lower grades.
The pressing plant attribution—Columbia Records Terre Haute or Phonogram, Inc.—matters less than condition here; the original 1974 US Mercury release on catalogue SRM-1-1011 is the baseline, and any copy in playable condition will find a buyer.
How to appraise this pressing
Confirm this pressing by the catalogue number SRM-1-1011 on the label and spine. The dead-wax runout should read either SRM-1-1011-A-CT8 T MASTERDISK GK (Side A) or SRM-1-1011-B-CT1 T MASTERDISK GK (Side B), both indicating Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Terre Haute manufacture.
The label itself will show sides marked by alpha letter (A and B) rather than numerals. Look for the stereo indicator and 'STEREO' text on the left side of the spindle hole, with catalogue numbers on the right.
The back cover states 'MANUFACTURED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PHONOGRAM, INC.' and lists the Chicago address. Note that some copies were stickered for overseas export.
The inner sleeve, when present, may be the dated M6-4-30-74 variant. Grade by surface noise, groove wear, and jacket condition; even VG copies with light play and minor sleeve wear hold value at 79.12 USD.
Further reading: grading a record, how to sell vinyl.
Listen
Hear the album before you buy.
Official videos via YouTube.
Release notes
In The Mood credit only on Side B. Sides on labels indicated by alpha letter, not numeric Record side indicator & 'STEREO' on left side of spindle hole Catalog #'s on right side of spindle hole
℗© 1974 Phonogram, Inc.
Back Cover: MANUFACTURED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PHONOGRAM, INC. ONE IBM PLAZA, CHICAGO, IL. 60611. PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Some copies were stickered and exported to overseas markets
Inner sleeve to Var.7 was “The Half Notes ..” issue dated M6-4-30-74
Notes sourced from the Discogs database.
Frequently asked
What is a Mint copy of this pressing worth?
According to the price guide, a Mint (M) example is valued at 167.02 USD. This represents the peak of the market for this 1974 Mercury pressing and assumes no audible defects, minimal to no surface noise, and a near-perfect jacket.
How much less is a VG+ copy worth than Mint?
A VG+ copy is priced at 114.28 USD in the guide. The difference between VG+ and Mint reflects the collector premium for unplayed stock; VG+ copies show light surface noise and minor wear but remain highly playable.
Why does this record cost so much even in poor condition?
Rush's debut is a landmark hard rock album with sustained collector demand: 1602 want it while 5557 own it. Even a Poor (P) copy holds 8.79 USD because the title and artist command interest across grades. The 1974 original US Mercury pressing on SRM-1-1011 is the first and most sought variant.
How do I identify the pressing plant?
Check the dead-wax runout etched into the vinyl. If it reads SRM-1-1011-A-CT8 T MASTERDISK GK or SRM-1-1011-B-CT1 T MASTERDISK GK, it was pressed at Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Terre Haute. Other runouts may indicate Phonogram, Inc. pressing. The label itself does not always distinguish between plants.
What should I expect to pay for a copy right now?
The lowest current asking price across 19 active listings is 28.29 USD, likely for a well-played or damaged copy. Most VG copies sell closer to 79.12 USD. Condition is the primary driver; even small improvements in grade yield significant price jumps on this title.