Autobahn, Kraftwerk

Kraftwerk – Autobahn (Australian Pressing)

Artist: Kraftwerk

Title: Autobahn

Format: Vinyl LP

Original Australian Release: 1975

Label: Vertigo (Spaceship)

Genre: Electronic / Krautrock

The "Deep Dive" Details:

• The Label Mystery (Spaceship vs. Swirl): In the UK and Germany, the "Swirl" label was phased out before Autobahn arrived. However, for the Australian first press (Catalog: 6360 620), it was released exclusively on the Vertigo "Spaceship" label (designed by Roger Dean). If you ever see an Australian "Swirl" copy, it is likely a rare international hybrid or a transition mispress, as the Spaceship label is the standard for the '75 Australian debut.

• The "UK-Style" Sleeve: Unlike the original German release which featured the white "car dashboard" painting, the Australian version used the UK artwork—the iconic blue-and-white "motorway and bridge" illustration. The Australian sleeve is a single pocket (not a gatefold) and was distributed by Phonogram Pty Limited.

• The Columbia/EMI Homebush Cut: The Australian lacquer was cut locally, which gives it a distinct sound profile compared to the German or US versions. Check the runout for the codes 2YS3866 (Side A) and 2YS3867 (Side B). These indicate the record was mastered at the Columbia/EMI studios in Homebush, NSW. This pressing is known for being remarkably quiet, which is essential for the atmospheric B-side tracks like "Mitternacht."

• The "Full Length" Pride: The 7" single edit of "Autobahn" was famously butchered for radio (down to 3 minutes), but the Australian LP features the full 22:42 minute voyage. First-press labels will list the track as a single entity on Side A, even though the song moves through several distinct phases.

   

  • 1975 First Press: Credits Phonogram Pty Limited and features the Roger Dean "Spaceship" label.

   

• The "Morgenspaziergang" Spelling: Check the label on Side B. On many Australian copies, the final track "Morgenspaziergang" is spelled correctly on the sleeve but has been known to have slight typographical variations or "condensed" spacing on the label itself.

Keywords: Kraftwerk, Autobahn, Vinyl LP, 1975, Australian Pressing, Vertigo Spaceship, 6360 620, Phonogram Australia, EMI Homebush, Ralf Hutter, Florian Schneider

Tags: Electronic Music, Krautrock Vinyl, Rare Australian Pressings, Synth Pop Pioneers, Vertigo Label Collector.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve