There were many variations of the Atlantic labels up until they changed to the green and orange/red label in late 1968. Since so many of Atlantic's albums remained in their catalog for years after initial release, one can find albums which were originally issued on the black label with many variations of labels corresponding to the period when re-pressings were issued. The particular label on the album often gives an indication of the time the album was actually pressed and sold.

The earliest albums in the 8000 series had the mid- 1950s Atlantic label, which was black with silver printing(the "black Atlantic label"). "ATLANTIC" was over the center hole in black with a thin black line under it, there was a black ring around the perimeter of the label except in the area the Atlantic name was located. At the bottom of the label was "LONG PLAYING" on one side and "UNBREAKABLE" on the other, between the words was a circle with 33 1/3 RPM. This label was used from 8001 to at 8041. During the time when the black label was being used, the stereo labels were light green with black printing, the graphics were identical except for "STEREO" in green lettering in a black box at the top of the label.



Atlantic used a transitional, or experimental label, for some of its issues in 1959. The label is white with black printing. For the mono labels, there is an red, purple and black fan around the center hole of the record. "ATLANTIC" is at the top of the label in an orange and purple band that extends around the perimeter of the label. On stereo releases, the band around the outside of the label is green and blue as is the fan colors in the center of the record. This label may not have been used on any new releases but only records that previously had the black label, or it may have been an experimental label and used at the same time the black labels were being released.



The next Atlantic label used on monaural releases was red on the top and purple on the bottom with black printing. There was a white band running through the center hole from side to side, separating the red and purple areas. The label name "ATLANTIC" was in the white area to the left of the center hole. To the right of the center hole was a large "A" and a white fan in a black box. This is the "white fan Atlantic label." On stereo records, the graphics are the same, but with the top of the label being green and the bottom of the label being blue, and "STEREO" in white letters at the top of the label. The promotional issues used the same graphics but were simply white with black printing. This label was used from 8042 to 8059.



The next Atlantic label was very similar to the "white fan" label described above, except that the fan to the right of the center hole was black in a white box, and a small "ATLANTIC" is inserted at a 90-degree angle between the large "A" and the fan. We call this the "black fan Atlantic label." Monaural records were red on the top and purple on the bottom with black printing. Stereo records had the same graphics with the top of the label being green and the bottom of the label being blue. The promotional issues are white with black printing with the same graphics. This label was used from 8060 to approximately 8125.



The next Atlantic label was similar to the black fan label, except the large "A", small "ATLANTIC" to the left of the fan and the black fan itself have been replaced by the new Atlantic logo, which has a box containing the large "A" to the left of the black fan, and "ATLANTIC" in small letters running horizontally at the bottom of the logo box. We have termed this the "logo box" label. Monaural records were red on the top and purple on the bottom with black printing. Stereo records had the same graphics with the top of the label being green and the bottom of the label being blue. The promotional issues are white with black printing with the same graphics. This label was used from 8126 to about 8197.



Another Atlantic label variation was used on a few titles during 1968 and early 1969, where the Atco label blank was used instead of the Atlantic label blank. These may have been RCA Record Club pressings. The label was purple at the top and gold on the bottom, with black printing. A white band ran through the record slightly above the center, as on the Atco label and unlike the Atlantic design of the time where the white band was centered. The black printing graphics were the same as the "black fan label," except the word "STEREO" appeared under the left side of the white band running across the middle of the label (like the Atco stereo label and unlike the black fan label's positioning of "STEREO" in white letters at the top of the label). This label is rare and only appeared on a few titles from around 8130 to 8200. Both Time Peace by the Rascals [SD 8190] and the first Led Zeppelin album [SD 8216] are known to have been pressed with this labeling error. The Led Zeppelin album error commands premium prices, since not only is the label in error, but side 1 of the album is a different mix from the regular pressing.

We would appreciate any additions or corrections to this discography. Just send them to us via e-mail. Both Sides Now Publications is an information web page. We are not a catalog, nor can we provide the records listed below. We have no association with Atlantic Records. Should you be interested in acquiring albums listed in this discography (which are all out of print), we suggest you see our Frequently Asked Questions page and follow the instructions found there. This story and discography are copyright 2000 by Mike Callahan.