Persian Disk Catalog: Complete Guide to Vintage Persian Vinyl RecordsThe Persian Disk Catalog is a treasure trove for collectors, music historians, DJs, and anyone enchanted by the rich sounds of Persian popular and traditional music on vinyl. This guide explains what the catalog is, why it matters, how to use it, and practical tips for building and caring for a vintage Persian vinyl collection. Whether you’re tracking down a rare single from the 1960s Tehran pop scene or trying to identify an obscure 45 rpm pressing, this article will give you a clear roadmap.
What is the Persian Disk Catalog?
The Persian Disk Catalog is a bibliographic and discographic resource listing vinyl releases from Persian-speaking regions — primarily Iran, but also Afghanistan, Tajikistan (Persian/Dari), and the Persian diaspora. It documents records issued by commercial labels, independent presses, and exile-era producers, covering genres such as classical (radif), traditional folk, Iranian pop, film soundtracks, religious chants, and experimental music.
The catalog typically includes:
- Artist name(s)
- Song titles (Persian and transliterated)
- Label and catalog number
- Year of release (when known)
- Format (LP, 45 rpm single, EP)
- Track durations (if available)
- Credits (composer, lyricist, arranger)
- Matrix/runout and pressing details
- Notes on rarity, alternate versions, and reissues
Why it matters
- Preservation: Many Persian vinyl releases are not archived by official institutions. The catalog preserves release information that might otherwise be lost.
- Identification: Collectors can match physical records to catalog entries by catalog number, label, and runout stamps.
- Historical context: Releases often reflect social, cultural, and political currents — pre- and post-revolution Iran produced very different musical landscapes.
- Valuation: Rarity and condition combined with catalog data help determine market value.
- Research: Academics and musicians use the catalog to locate primary sources and trace influences, covers, and song credits.
Historical overview of Persian vinyl production
- 1950s–1960s: The modern Iranian music industry grows. Tehran becomes a regional hub with growing demand for Western-style pop fused with Persian melodies. Labels such as Caltex (later in diaspora), Taraneh (diaspora), and small local imprints begin pressing 45s and LPs.
- 1970s: A boom in popular music with iconic singers (e.g., Googoosh, Viguen, Dariush) and sophisticated studio arrangements. Film soundtracks and dance-oriented pop proliferate.
- 1979 Revolution and 1980s: Following the revolution, many commercial outlets were shut down or censored. A large wave of artists emigrated, and the Persian disk scene shifted largely to diaspora communities in Los Angeles, Toronto, and Europe.
- 1990s–2000s: Diaspora labels reissued older material and produced new releases for expatriate communities. Collectibility rose as original pressings became scarcer.
- 2010s–present: Renewed interest from younger listeners and international crate-diggers fuels online sales, reissues, and digitization projects.
How to read a Persian disk catalog entry
A typical entry might look like:
- Artist — Song A / Song B (Label — Catalog# — Year) Key things to check:
- Catalog number and label — primary identifiers for physical pressings.
- Matrix/runout — etched codes near the record’s center often confirm pressing plant and version.
- Transliterations — spellings vary; cross-reference alternate romanizations.
- Composer/lyricist/arranger credits — crucial for tracking versions and covers.
Finding rare and valuable pressings
Factors affecting rarity and value:
- Limited pressing runs: Smaller labels often pressed fewer copies.
- Artist popularity: Early or unique releases by major artists command higher prices.
- Political context: Records released pre-1979 or in exile may be more sought after.
- Condition: Grading (Mint, Near Mint, Very Good Plus, etc.) heavily impacts price.
- Unique variants: Alternate sleeves, colored vinyl, promo copies, and foreign pressings.
Where to look:
- Online marketplaces: eBay, Discogs, specialist Persian music shops.
- Local record fairs and flea markets in areas with Persian diaspora populations.
- Social media groups and collector forums focused on Persian music.
- University and national libraries with Middle Eastern music collections.
Tips for buying and authenticating Persian vinyl
- Check catalog number and matrix/runout against the catalog entry.
- Compare label artwork and sleeve variations — many reissues change artwork or credits.
- Ask for high-resolution photos of record center labels, runout etchings, and sleeve back.
- Buy from sellers with solid ratings and clear return policies.
- Beware of modern repressings marketed as originals; look for manufacturing marks and runout details.
- Learn common transliterations and alternate artist spellings to broaden searches.
Cataloging your own collection
Recommended fields to record:
- Title, artist (Persian script + transliteration)
- Label and catalog number
- Format and speed (LP, 45 rpm)
- Year and country of issue
- Matrix/runout etchings
- Condition (record and sleeve)
- Purchase source, price, and date
- Notes (pressing variants, liner notes, special credits)
Tools:
- Discogs for building an online collection and price lookup
- Spreadsheet (Google Sheets/Excel) with standardized fields
- Photo archive for sleeve and label images
- Local backups and offsite/cloud copies for preservation
Caring for vintage Persian vinyl
- Storage: Vertical shelving in a cool, dry, dark environment. Avoid heat and direct sunlight.
- Sleeves: Use anti-static inner sleeves and sturdy outer sleeves to protect artwork.
- Handling: Hold records by the edges and label to avoid fingerprints and oils.
- Cleaning: Use a carbon-fiber brush for dust and a gentle record-cleaning solution or dedicated machine for deeper cleans.
- Playback: Use a well-maintained turntable with a good cartridge and tracking force to avoid wear.
Notable Persian labels and imprint examples
- Caltex Records (diaspora; many reissues and new releases post-1979)
- Taraneh Records (Los Angeles-based, large Persian catalog)
- Avang Records (pop and film soundtracks)
- Iranian local presses (1960s–1970s small labels that issued 45s and LPs)
- Film soundtrack labels and composers’ self-releases (often rare)
Digitization and legal considerations
Digitizing vinyl for private use is common among collectors for preservation and easier listening. Legal status varies by country; generally:
- Personal backups for private use are tolerated in many jurisdictions, but distribution or uploading may infringe copyright.
- For public sharing or commercial use, secure appropriate rights/permissions.
Research resources and communities
- Discogs — marketplace and crowd-sourced discography data.
- Specialist blogs and archives devoted to Iranian music history.
- University collections with Middle Eastern music holdings.
- Social media groups, forums, and collector networks — useful for ID help and trades.
- Local Persian cultural centers and music shops in diaspora hubs.
Example collector journeys
- Discovering a rare 1960s 45 in a Tehran flea market, verifying it by matrix etchings, and listing it on Discogs.
- Digitizing a family-owned stash of LPs to preserve recordings of a now-retired local vocalist.
- Tracing songwriting credits across multiple covers using catalog entries to build a timeline of a popular tune.
Final thoughts
The Persian Disk Catalog is more than a list of records; it’s a cultural map. Each entry connects listeners to artists, historical moments, and communities spanning Iran and its diaspora. For collectors and researchers, mastering how to read and use the catalog opens doors to discoveries that bring Persian musical heritage back into circulation—on turntables, in archives, and in the playlists of new generations.
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