how to tell on first pressing vinyl releases

If they're expensive, they're original. Otherwise, you'll have to look at the album in person.

Congrats on your Jose Feliciano album.

:^|

Many records have codes stamped into the deadwax which enable you to determine whether it is a first, second, etc. issue.

For example, here is a link for Pink Floyd which will enable you to determine information regarding country, issue, release date, etc. for any of their albums.

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/PFarchives/Directry.htm

This type of information is not available for ALL vinyl albums; it's only one example of what you can find with a little digging.

Good luck.

Michael Fremer within the last year in Steeophile answered this question, somewhat. I don't remember if his was label specific or in general but you should be able to check last years pretty quick at a library and find out what he had to say. Something about the last numbers on the inner groves by the label indicating when it was pressed. Do not quite remember it all. Hope someone else does to refresh my mind.