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Has it really been 45 years since Rhino Records put out their very first release in 1978? (Bonus points to those of you who remember “Rocky,” the original Elvis-ified Rhino company logo from back in the day.) But, yes, 1978 was indeed the first year Rhino began releasing albums and great archival material alike, in turn gaining a reputation as the years went on for going into the vaults to find original master tapes whenever possible for their licensed material (hello, Bill Inglot!), along with setting new standards for packaging and liner notes as well.

In celebration of Rhino’s 45th anniversary this year, the vaunted archival label is launching what they’re calling Rhino Reds, a new series of limited-edition reissues pressed on custom “Rhino Red” vinyl. Over the next few months, Rhino tells us, they will release classic albums and rarities from their vast music archive, showcasing records by key artists from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. Each reissue LP will also feature a bonus 7-inch 45, and both discs in each collection are being pressed on translucent “Rhino Red” vinyl, a color choice specifically based on the PMS color used in Rhino’s infamous logo.

In order to “ensure the highest audio fidelity” (their words), all of the lacquers for the 12 titles in the Rhino Reds series were cut at various mastering studios, including Bernie Grundman Mastering, The Bakery, and by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl. All 12 titles have been pressed at Third Man’s state-of-the-art pressing plant in Detroit.

“What better way to honor Rhino’s 45th anniversary than with a series of limited-edition ‘Rhino Red’ vinyl and 45s that spotlights our rich legacy of artists over the decades and highlights our continuing commitment to delivering unique releases for audiophiles,” Rhino president Mark Pinkus said in a press statement.

The Rhino Reds series commenced on July 28 with the first four titles covering the 1960s. Four titles from the 1970s follow on August 25, and the final four titles from the 1980s arrive on September 22. The balance of these Rhino Reds LP sets (i.e., 10 out of 12) have an SRP of $29.98, with one title going for $34.98 and another for $39.98. Additionally, Rhino is offering an exclusive bundle of the first four 1960s releases for $99.98, which can be ordered from their official site here.

Additional stats on each release in the Rhino Reds series — including release dates, SRPs, the number of units in their respective runs, and who did the mastering — are detailed individually below, with the album descriptions provided via the Rhino PR team. (They only supplied us with the cover art for the first four LPs as shown here, but you get the idea.)

RHINO RED LIMITED-EDITION LP REISSUE SERIES

JULY 28: THE 1960s

ARETHA FRANKLIN
Soul ’69 [Stereo] + Bonus [Monophonic] 7in*
*“I Can’t See Myself Leaving You” / “Gentle On My Mind”
Strictly limited to 3,000; SRP: $29.98
Mastering by Jeff Powell

Franklin’s 14th studio album, Soul ’69 reached No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and No. 15 on the Top Albums chart when it was released in January 1969.

OTIS REDDING
Love Man + Promo EP [Mono]*
*“That’s A Good Idea” / “Free Me” / “(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher & Higher” /
“I’ll Let Nothing Separate Us”
Strictly limited to 2,000; SRP: $29.98
Mastering by Jeff Powell

Love Man is the third posthumous album by Otis Redding, released in 1969. Produced by Steve Cropper, the album also features Booker T. & The M.G.’s. The album reached No. 46 on the Billboard 200 and No. 8 on the R&B Albums chart. Love Man comes with a deluxe gatefold jacket, and a mono promo 7in picture sleeve.

THE DOORS
Golden Album + Bonus 7in*
*“Hello, I Love You” / “Strange Days” / “The Unknown Soldier” / “Light My Fire” /
“People Are Strange”
Strictly limited to 5,000; SRP: $34.98
Exclusively Available at rhino.com and thedoors.com
Mastering by Bruce Botnick
Lacquers cut by Bernie Grundman Mastering

A 1968 compilation released exclusively in Japan and featuring tracks from The Doors’ first three studio albums The Doors, Strange Days, and Waiting For The Sun, Golden Album comes with a deluxe gatefold jacket with a tipped-in lyric insert and a 7in picture sleeve. For the very first time, this Japanese compilation is available worldwide, and it will not be available in any stores, as it is exclusively available via Rhino’s and The Doors’ official sites only.

LOVE
Da Capo [Mono] + Bonus 7in*
*“7 And 7 Is” / “No. Fourteen"
Strictly limited to 2,000; SRP: $29.98
Mastering by Jeff Powell

Released in November 1966, Da Capo reinvented Love’s sound, and it features the commercial hit, “7 And 7 Is.”

AUGUST 25:: THE 1970s

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
Minute By Minute + Bonus 7in*
*“What A Fool Believes” / “Don’t Stop”
Strictly limited to 2,000; SRP: $29.98
Mastering by Bernie Grundman Mastering

The 3x platinum Doobie Brothers album Minute By Minute was released in 1978, and it stayed on the Billboard 200 chart for 87 weeks. The song “What A Fool Believes” became their biggest hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979, and it also went on to win three Grammys.

RAMONES
Ramones [Mono] + Bonus 7in [Mono]*
*“Blitz” / “Havana Affair”
Strictly limited to 3,000; SRP: $29.98
Mastering by Jeff Powell

Released in April 1976, Ramones’ self-titled debut has been deemed one of the most influential punk albums of all time. Featuring the infamous tracks “Blitzkrieg Bop” and “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.”

TODD RUNDGREN
Runt + Bonus 7in*
*“We Gotta Get You A Woman” / “Baby Let’s Swing/Last Thing You Said/Don’t Tie My Hands”
Strictly limited to 2,000; SRP: $29.98
Mastering by Bernie Grundman Mastering

Rundgren’s debut solo album Runt was released in September 1970, and it peaked at No. 185 on the Billboard 200. The featured single “We Gotta Get You A Woman” reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1971.

CHICAGO
Chicago V + Bonus 7in*
*“Saturday In The Park” / “Alma Matter”
Strictly limited to 2,000; SRP: $39.98
Mastering by The Bakery

Released in July 1972, Chicago V hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, while its hit single “Saturday In The Park” reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100. This reissue includes two exclusive posters of the full band.

SEPTEMBER 22: THE 1980s

FOREIGNER
Agent Provocateur + Bonus 7in with picture sleeve*
*“I Want To Know What Love Is” / “Street Thunder”
Strictly limited to 2,000; SRP: $29.98
Mastering by Jeff Powell

Foreigner’s triple platinum fifth album Agent Provocateur, which was released in 1984, reached No. 1 in the UK and the Top 5 in the U.S. The album's key single “I Want To Know What Love Is” was a massive hit, reaching No. 1 in both countries.

B-52’s
Bouncing Off The Satellites + Bonus 7in with picture sleeve*
*“Summer Of Love” / “Housework”
Strictly limited to 2,000; SRP: $29.98
Mastering by Jeff Powell

The fourth studio album from the American new-wave group the B-52’s, Bouncing Off The Satellites was released in September 1986, and it features the hit tracks “Wig” and “Summer Of Love.”

ZAPP
ZAPP + Bonus 7in with picture sleeve*
*“More Bounce To The Ounce. Part I” / “More Bounce To The Ounce. Part II”
Strictly limited to 2,000; SRP: $29.98
Mastering by Jeff Powell

Zapp released their debut gold-certified self-titled LP in July 1980, and it landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B chart for 2 weeks.

STARSHIP
Knee Deep In The Hoopla + Bonus 7in with picture sleeve*
*“We Built This City” / “Private Room”
Strictly limited to 2,000; SRP: $29.98
Mastering by Jeff Powell

Starship’s platinum debut LP Knee Deep In the Hoopla was released in September 1985 and features their biggest tracks “We Built This City” and “Sara,” both of which reached No. 1 in the States.