Ever wondered what the top 100 most valuable vinyl records are?
I know I have!
I also know that none of them are hiding in my vinyl collection!
Sure, I’ve got quite a few rare and fairly pricey pieces of vinyl…
…but nothing compared to what we’re going to find on the following hand-curated list…
…of the top 100 most valuable vinyl records…ever!
A word of warning though…don’t get too excited if you spot a piece of vinyl that you know you own, because the devil is most definitely in the detail.
The right record label, the exact same cover, plus a ton of other specific detail.
Top 100 Most Valuable Vinyl Records of All Time
This list of the top 100 most valuable vinyl records was actually much harder to put together than I had originally anticipated.
After a lot of indecision, I decided the best way to compile this list was to simply opt for valuable vinyl records…
…that are valuable in, and of themselves. Simply valuable vinyl records in their own right.
They have no further embellishments, such as being signed by, or once owned by, the artists, or any other famous person.
Does that make sense to you? I hope so.
Okay, now we’ve got that straight…
…let’s get going!..
#1. ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’ – Wu-Tang Clan
Record Sold For: $4,000,000 in 2021
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Self-Released
Number one spot of the top 100 most valuable vinyl records ever bought and sold.
Wu-Tang Clan recorded their ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’ album over six years, and released it on October 8, 2015…
…but don’t rush off to check your loft, they only ever pressed one single copy in vinyl.
Originally purchased through an auction by Martin Shkreli for $2 million in 2015;
Acquired by the American Government in a 2018 as forfeiture from Martin Shkreli;
Sold by the US Department of Justice in 2021 to a cryptocurrency collective called PleasrDAO for $4 million.
Wow! Wow! Wow!
#2. ‘Yesterday and Today’ – The Beatles
Record Sold For: $125,000 in 2016 (sealed copy)
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: EMI
The Beatles studio album ‘Yesterday and Today’ was released in 1966.
Quickly nicknamed ‘The Butcher Album’ because the original cover art showed all four group members in white lab coats, with raw meat and dismembered baby doll parts.
The image was heavily criticised and a panicked EMI ended up pulling all remaining copies from the shelves.
All new copies were then produced with a far less controversial piece of cover art.
One sealed copy, with the original cover art, sold for $125,000 in 2016.
Should you happen to have an unsealed copy, with original cover art, you’re probably looking at upwards of $15,000, providing it’s in very decent condition.
#3. ‘The Black Album’ – Prince
Vinyl Record Sold For: $42,000 in 2018 (sealed copy)
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Warner Bros.
‘The Black Album’ was the sixteenth studio album that Prince released…eventually!
Having recorded it, Prince originally deemed it as “too dark”, and pulled its planned 1987 release.
Officially with no name, or credited artist, it came to be know as ‘The Black Album’ and was officially released in 1994, when Prince stated that he was still “spiritually against” the albums release…
…but hopefully the $1,000,000 he was paid for the release eased his pain.
Original copies, from the first planned release, that weren’t destroyed, are worth a lot of money.
One of these copies, changed hands in 2018 for $27,500.
But, an incredibly rare, still sealed copy also sold in 2018, for $42,298.
#4. ‘Choose Your Weapon’ – Scaramanga Silk
Vinyl Record Sold For: $41,000 in 2021
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Single
Record Label: Self-Released
British DJ Scaramanga Silk released the single-sided 12″ vinyl single ‘Choose Your Weapon’ back in 2008.
The white-labelled piece of vinyl was one of only twenty copies ever made…
…and in addition to the vinyl, they all contained a CD-Rom, an art print and a poem on acetate.
A lot of conspiracy theories started to pop up online following this sale.
People just didn’t get how a fairly obscure release, by a largely unknown artist could legitimately command such a crazy price.
To be fair, neither could Scaramanga Silk himself.
But, while Discogs were not at liberty to disclose who the actual buyer was, they did state that the transaction was genuine and entirely legitimate.
Whoever bought it must love their Breakbeat and Electro…and have more money than they know what to do with!
#5. ‘Street Fighting Man’ – The Rolling Stones
Record Sold For: $22,500
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: London Recordings
Originally released by the Rolling Stones as a single in America during August 1968, it was then released in the UK just a few months later.
The lyrics, and the pictures on the sleeve of the original release, courted a lot of controversy.
The picture sleeve images depicted police brutality, with photos taken from riots that had broken out across the United States that same year.
The record company decided that these images were too controversial and chose to withdraw them from distribution, opting for a much safer image of the band for further releases.
A great band with a huge following, combined with a very limited number of original picture sleeve singles distributed, a link to a time of large-scale civil unrest…
…it’s hardly surprising the sum of money these fetch.
#6. ‘God Save the Queen’ – Sex Pistols
Vinyl Record Sold For: $20,000 in 2012
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: A&M Records
A&M Records originally signed the Sex Pistols, recording the single ‘God Save The Queen’ in 1977.
But the label dropped them like a hot brick in March 1977 because they were such a badly behaved bunch.
The increasingly notorious Sex Pistols were quickly signed by Richard Branson’s Virgin Records.
Only a handful of the original A&M records survived, because the label destroyed any copies they had left after the Pistols’ sacking.
Nowadays it’s thought that there’s less than a dozen copies of the original A&M singles still around.
#7. ‘Dark Round the Edges’ – Dark
Vinyl Record Sold For: $16,000 in 2021
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: S.I.S. Records
This was the first album that British psychedelic rock group ‘Dark’ released, back in 1972.
I have to admit…I’d never heard of this album, or the group, until sitting down to compile this list.
But having dug into their story a little, I think I might love them!
This particular album, ‘Dark Round the Edges’, was released with three different album covers.
This was because they originally had just thirty-two copies pressed…and they’d spent all their money doing it.
When this first pressing sold out, one of the band members created the next album covers himself, using his own photographs…
…which he glued on and printed with equipment from his father’s business.
I could go on and on about Dark’s amazing story, but it’s probably easier if you just hit the link back there.
Unsurprisingly, original vinyl pressings don’t often come up at auction.
When they do they now sell for a few thousand dollars a go.
The last one that can see, went for over $16,000 in 2021.
Brilliant stuff!
#8. ‘Supernatural Girl’ – Ferris Wheel
Vinyl Record Sold For: $15000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Nicro
Okay, this is not my cup of tea at all. I personally would not part with a fiver for this album.
But hey, that’s the beauty of music. We all have different tastes.
This folk rock / psychedelic folk underground rarity was originally a private pressing on the Nicro label.
These original pressings have now become one of the most valuable pieces of vinyl you can own.
The sound quality is lo-fi to the extreme, but that somehow fits the music.
#9. ‘Love Me Do’ – The Beatles
Vinyl Record Sold For: $15000
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Parlophone
The official debut single by the Beatles.
First released in the UK during October 1962, peaking at number seventeen in the charts.
Released in the United States in 1964, where it reached number one.
1982 saw EMI re-release the single into the UK charts.
It did a lot better this time round, but still couldn’t get to the top-spot, peaking at number four.
#10. ‘Ummagumma’ – Pink Floyd
Vinyl Record Sold For: $14000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Double Album / LP
Record Label: Odeon (originally released on Harvest)
I love this double album, if only for the fact that Pink Floyd fans get their knickers in such a twist about it.
They seem to love to argue about it online, stuff like…
“Can very much understand why most of Pink Floyd can’t stand this album now a days, they were REACHING”.
and…
“If you don’t like this album, you don’t understand Pink Floyd yet.
Takes time to appreciate and get into the spirit of their psychedelic stuff“.
Anyway, that aside, if you are lucky enough to have a copy of the right pressing, it’s worth a bunch of money.
#11. ‘Monster Movie’ – The Can
Vinyl Record Sold For: $13,950
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Music Factory
Monster Movie was released in 1969, as the debut studio album by German rock group The Can.
They became a pretty big deal in the world of Krautrock, and amassed quite a sizeable cult following.
Apparently only five hundred vinyl copies were pressed and released with the original album art.
#12. ‘Cough/Cool’ – The Misfits
Vinyl Record Sold For: $13,150
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Blank Records
Formed in 1977, The Misfits are an American horror-punk band.
This single was their debut release, and was put out on Blank Records, their own label.
They had gone on to release a fair number of singles and albums by the time the original group disbanded in1983.
Almost all of their releases were limited editions on their own label, and many of them have gone on to become very collectable.
#13. ‘Would You Believe’ – Billy Nicholls
Vinyl Record Sold For: $10,850
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Immediate
Billy Nicholls released the album ‘Would You Believe’ in 1968.
Some thirty years later, Nicholls re-released it on his own label Southwest Records.
Further releases followed on Sequel / Castle Communications in 1999.
But, you’re only chance of getting anywhere near $10,000, is if you have a copy released on the Immediate Records label.
#14. ‘Mourning Phase’ – Mourning Phase
Vinyl Record Sold For: $10,650
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Eden
Can we have a bit more folk/psychedelic rock I hear you cry!
Of course you can.
It’s one of the few original UK test pressings from 1971 that you’ll need to make $10k plus.
#15. ‘Melody A.M.’ – Röyksopp
Vinyl Record Sold For: $10,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Double Album / LP
Record Label: Wall of Sound
‘Melody A.M.’ by Norwegian duo Röyksopp is nothing short of magical…oh…
…in my opinion, of course.
Released in late 2001 on the Wall of Sound label, it deservedly reached number one in the Norwegian Albums charts.
It also did pretty well in the UK, reaching number nine.
A defining point for the late 90s / early 00s electronic music scene.
Not just any old copy will do however.
You’re going to need one of the one hundred copies that were pressed and sold in the Banksy drawn cover.
#16. ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’ – The Velvet Underground
Vinyl Record Sold For: $9,800
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Verve
‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’ is the debut album by the American rock band The Velvet Underground, and German singer Nico.
Released in March 1967 through Verve Records.
#17. ‘Too Fast For Love’ – Mötley Crüe
Vinyl Record Sold For: $9,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Leathür Records
Formed in 1981, the American band Mötley Crüe went on the sell more than 100 million albums.
It is mint condition copies from the first issue that are the most collectable and sought after.
Here are a few pointers to help you identify a first issue:
The band name and album title is written in white on the front cover;
Record labels are in white with black lettering;
The letters and numbers ‘LR-123’ is printed on the spine of the cover;
The cover is much thicker and stiffer than usual.
#18. ‘Gone With The Wind Is My Love’ – Rita & The Tiaras
Vinyl Record Sold For: $9,000
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Dore
Sweet, tuneful funk / soul from late 1967.
U.S. released promo copies are where the big money is at.
#19. ‘Chung King Can Suck It’ – Judge
Record Sold For: $8,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP (White Vinyl)
Record Label: Revelation Records
110 copies on white vinyl, of ‘Chung King Can Suck It’ by New York punk band ‘Judge’ were released in 1989 on Revelation Records.
The album title is an insult to the Chung King Studios in New York.
#20. ‘New Horizons’ – Sounds of Liberation
Record Sold For: $7,900
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Dogtown Records
Only three-hundred copies were pressed to vinyl of this 1972 example of free, improvised, abstract jazz.
I just listened to a few minutes of it. I won’t be parting with almost $8k for a copy…
…but that’s the beauty of music…different strokes for different folks!
#21. ‘Love My Stuff’/’Jersey Bull Blues’ – Charley Patton
Record Sold For: $7,000
Vinyl Record Type: 10″ Mono Single
Record Label: Vocalion
Quite simply an extremely rare record by a late and much admired Blues legend.
#22. ‘David Bowie’ – David Bowie
Record Sold For: $6,500
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Deram
‘David Bowie’ was the debut studio album by David Bowie. Released in the UK during June 1967 on Deram Records.
It achieved very little success at the time, but sold many more much further into Bowie’s remarkable career.
Singles that came from the album, such as ‘Rubber Band’ and ‘Love You till Tuesday’, whilst quirky and enjoyable, didn’t give too much away about Bowie’s remarkable musical potential.
This eponymous, debut studio album, is now quite understandably, a bit of a collectors item.
#23. ‘Mirkwood’ – Mirkwood
Record Sold For: $6,500
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Flams Ltd
Blues Rock, Psychedelic Rock…do you love all of that? Any of that?
If yes, this LP, originally released through a pressing of just ninety-nine copies in 1973, could be right up your street.
Got a spare $6k?
#24. ‘The Love Cycle’ – Forever Amber
Record Sold For: $6,400
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Advance
1969 Progressive Rock / Psychedelic Rock offering from Forever Amber.
I’m not sure if this ever went to re-issue, but I do know you’ll need one of the ninety-nine pressings they turned out in the original self-financed production…
…for it to be worth the big bucks.
#25. ‘Led Zeppelin’ – Led Zeppelin
Record Sold For: $6,200
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Atlantic
The debut studio album by rock group Led Zeppelin, released in 1969 on Atlantic Records.
As is often the case, it’s copies of the first issue that are worth the most.
If your copy has ‘Led Zeppelin’ in turquoise lettering in the upper left corner of the cover, you could be on to a winner.
Subsequent pressing tended to have red lettering.
#26. ‘Gorilla Biscuits’ – Gorilla Biscuits
Record Sold For: $6,000
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Revelation Records
$6,000…I don’t know why this happened.
Do you know why a copy of this single reportedly sold for this much?
Post what you know in the comments all the way below if you do.
#27. ‘Growers of Mushroom’ – Leaf Hound
Record Sold For: $6,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Decca
This was is the debut studio album by Leaf Hound, and the only album by the original line-up. It was released in 1971.
The album is largely considered as a break-through example of hard rock, psychedelic rock and stoner rock…
…but as you would expect, a lot of people disagree.
#28. ‘You’re the Best’ – LaRom Baker
Record Sold For: $6,000
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single (single-sided)
Record Label: The Record Company
A 1978 U.S. release and a beautiful example of early Funk/Soul, Funk/Disco.
This record makes me very happy…I love it!
Think I’ll buy a re-issue rather than shell out $6k though.
#29. ‘Love is Strange’ – Wings
Record Sold For: $5,500
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single (single-sided, white-label)
Record Label: Parlophone
Originally written by Bo Diddley in 1955. Later released in the U.S. by Mickey and Sylvia.
Further released by an almost endless number of artists, but it is this 1972 version by Paul McCartney’s Wings, that is now worth a lot of money.
#30. ‘Born to Run’ – Bruce Springsteen
Record Sold For: $5,500
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Columbia
Bruce Springsteen’s third studio album was released in the U.S. during August1975.
Not just any old copy of ‘Born to Run’ will see you rolling in it.
The big-bucks are reserved for a special handful only.
What you’re looking for is a sepia picture sleeve with no inside/rear text and ‘script’ style title lettering on the front…known as the ‘the script cover’.
As for the vinyl itself, you’ll want to see a white “Advance Promotional” label, sometimes with handwritten song titles, sometimes not.
#31. Overdrive – Phafner
Record Sold For: $5,500
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Dragon Records
More psychedelic rock that most people never knew existed.
#32. ‘Heartache Souvenirs’ / ‘Chicken Shack’ – William Powell
Record Sold For: $5,500
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Power-House Records
When this slice of gentle Funk / Soul sold on Discogs way back in 2015, it was at the time, the highest priced single they’d ever sold.
#33. ‘Ever Again’ / ‘Next to You’ – Bernie Williams
Record Sold For: $5,300
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Bell Records
The copy of this fine example of Northern Soul / Rhythm and Blues that fetched this price was an original 1969 promo.
#34. ‘Speed, Glue & Shinki’ – Speed, Glue & Shinki
Record Sold For: $5,200
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Double Album / LP
Record Label: Atlantic Records
Japanese psychedelic rock band Speed, Glue & Shinki, released this double album in 1972.
This was the last album they released.
To get the top money, it’ll need to be a promo with blue labels, and include lyric sheet inside of the famous tiger jacket.
#35. ‘Metaphysical Animation’ – Metaphysical Animation
Record Sold For: $5,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Double Album / LP
Record Label: Self Released
Self-released in 1973 with a white cover and ‘Metaphysical Animation’ written in black ink on the front.
#36. ‘Negative Approach’ – Negative Approach
Record Sold For: $5,000
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ EP
Record Label: Touch and Go
American hardcore punk band from Detroit. Now considered a pioneer of the hardcore punk genre and still very influential.
Whilst this is a 7″, it is an EP, known as ‘Ten Song EP’. They crammed so many songs on because most of them are about thirty seconds long.
First pressing with black & white labels, labels are reversed, printed lyric insert.
If you find one of these in your attic, the cover picture is going to scare the living sh!t out of you!
#37. ‘Equidity Funk’ – Mistafide
Record Sold For: $5,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Single
Record Label: Land of Hits
#38. ‘Wil Malone’ – Wil Malone
Record Sold For: $5,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Fontana
#39. ‘Frutti Per Kagua’ – Capitolo 6
Record Sold For: $4,500
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: It Records
70’s Progressive Rock from Italy.
#40. ‘Cold Cuts’ – Nicholas Greenwood
Record Sold For: $4,500
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Kingdom Records
70’s Progressive Rock out of the UK underground scene.
#41. ‘Sahib Shihaband & The Danish Radio Jazz Group’ – Sahib Shihaband & The Danish Radio Jazz Group
Record Sold For: $4,500
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Oktav
This jazz album released in 1965 is thought by some to be “one of the great jazz collaborations of the past 75 years”.
I have no idea whether it is or it isn’t!
#42. ‘Science Friction’ / ‘She’s So Square’ – XTC
Record Sold For: $3,700
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Virgin Records
The first single released by the brilliant (in my opinion) British Punk/New Wave band XTC.
The original pressing was a run of fifty copies only.
How many are still around now? I don’t know why but it’s generally reckoned that about half of them are still out there.
#43. ‘Meddle’ – Pink Floyd
Record Sold For: $4,400
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Harvest Records
This was the sixth studio album from Pink Floyd.
A transitional period for the band, between psychedelic and more conceptual progressive rock.
#44. ‘Love is the Key’ – Dynamic Five
Record Sold For: $4,250
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: United Artist Records
Disco/Funk had been almost done-to-death by the time this 1978 release came along. Or had it already been done-to-death?
I don’t know.
What I do know is that, this pricey album is pretty much the only evidence that the Dynamic Five ever existed.
#45. ‘I’ll Be on My Way’ – Bob & Fred
Record Sold For: $4,000
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Big Mack Music
Beautiful Funk/Soul from 1966.
#46. ‘Just Another Diamond Day’ – Vashti Bunyan
Record Sold For: $4,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Philips Records
1970 debut album by English folk singer-songwriter Vashti Bunyan.
Now considered by people who know, to be one of the best works in British Folk.
#47. ‘Pay to Cum!’ – Bad Brains
Record Sold For: $4,000
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Bad Brain Records
Hardcore Punk from 1980.
What could be more punk than paying $4k for a vinyl single?
#48. ‘Mammut’ – Mammut
Record Sold For: $4,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Mouse Trick Track Music
Krautrock from 1971.
Test pressings, with orange labels and white lettering, are where the money is at.
#49. ‘Liza Jane’ – Davie Jones & The King Bees
Record Sold For: $4,000
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Vocalion Pop
The 1964 promo’s were pressed with a four-prong centre on the Vocalion Pop label.
Black with silver print and ridged at the edge…just so you know exactly what you’re looking for.
Some later pressings on the Decca label can be worth a ton of cash too.
#50. ‘Sex Drive’ – Necros
Record Sold For: $3,800
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Touch and Go Records
More hardcore punk fans splashing the cash.
#51. Analogy – Analogy
Record Sold For: $3,800
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: DischiProduzioniVentotto
#52. ‘Pre-Flight’ – Room
Record Sold For: $3,800
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Deram
#53. ‘Monster Movie’ (Remastered) – CAN
Record Sold For: $3,700
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Spoon Records
What I said earlier about these Krautrockers and ‘Monster Movie’…but a bit different.
#54. ‘I Beat You’ / ‘No No’s’ – Vicious Visions
Record Sold For: $3,700
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Self-Released
#55. ‘Uganda’ – Akira Ishikawa & Count Buffaloes
Record Sold For: $3,600
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Toshiba Records
#56. ‘An Ideal for Living’ – Joy Division
Record Sold For: $3,500
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ EP
Record Label: Enigma
This was the first EP by the legendary Joy Division. Released in 1978 on the band’s own Enigma label.
The cover has a black-and-white picture of a Hitler Youth member beating a drum, with ‘Joy! Division’ printed in ‘Blackletter’ font.
The cover design, along with the band’s name, caused controversy about whether the Joy Division were Nazi sympathisers…which they were not.
The 7″ EP was re-released on 12″ vinyl, with the original cover art being replaced by some far less controversial scaffolding.
#57. ‘Song of a Gypsy’ – Damon
Record Sold For: $3,500
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Ankh
#58. ‘Malted Milk’ / ‘Milkcows Calf Blues’ – Robert Johnson
Record Sold For: $3,500
Vinyl Record Type: Shellac 10″ Single
Record Label: Vocalion
#59. ‘The Atrocity’ / ‘Good Procedures’ – Opus
Record Sold For: $3,500
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Catatonic Records
#60. ‘That’s Why I Love You’ / ‘Did My Baby Call?’ – The Professionals
Record Sold For: $3,500
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Groove City Records
#61. ‘Believe It or Not’ – Nabay
Record Sold For: $3,500
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Impact Records
#62. ‘Swaddling Songs’ – Mellow Candle
Record Sold For: $3,400
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Deram Records
Irish Progressive Rock? Yes.
Worth $3,400? Not sure.
#63. ‘Lonely Every Day’ – The Golden Earrings
Record Sold For: $3,400
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Polydor
1965 Pop Rock out of The Netherlands…what could possibly go wrong?
Actually, that wasn’t quite as bad as I’d imagined it would be.
Anyway, you’ll be looking for the already manufactured and distributed copies of the withdrawn first issue, due to incorrect spelling of the b-side.
Around 25 copies out there, apparently.
#64. ‘Endless Memory’ – Roy Panton
Record Sold For: $3,300
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Bronco
I don’t mind a bit of Reggae in the Rocksteady style, I really don’t.
This 1968 example out of Bronco in Jamaica is super cool, if a little too laid-back…but whoever paid over £3k didn’t think so!
#65. ‘Love Buzz’ / ‘Big Cheese’ – Nirvana
Record Sold For: $3,300
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Sub Pop
A vinyl 7″ single by grunge rockers Nirvana, first single they ever released, original limited edition pressing, …
…hmmm, sounds expensive!
#66. ‘Estrelando Embaixador’ – Tribo Massahi
Record Sold For: $3,300
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: River’s
Afro-Psych is not a music genre I’ve listened too all that much.
What I can tell you with relative certainty is that you won’t find too many LP’s that sound quite like this one.
Only about three hundred copies were made of the original issue…and it’s thought a fair few of those were returned to the record company as unsold.
I found this description of it, which I love:
“candomblé-inspired psychedelic party music, taking the Afro-Brazilian sound into some wild territory… a heady mix of tropicalismo, chimed guitar, conversational chatter, studio fuckery, and heavy percussion with a female chorus. The songs blend together so that each side of the record runs as a continual piece.”
Don’t that just make you want to get your hands on it?
#67. ‘I Really Love You’ – Jimmy Burns
Record Sold For: $3,300
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Erica Records
#68. ‘Do You Get the Message?’ / ‘The Other Side’ – The Grey Imprint
Record Sold For: $3,300
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Clear Hill Records
#69. ‘Ethiopian Modern Instrumentals Hits’ – Various Artists
Record Sold For: $3,300
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Amha Records
If you’re in your loft looking for the copy of this you think you remember owning, I think you want one of the copies with the sides mixed-up…
…so the content on the A-side corresponds with the track-listing shown on the B-side and vice versa.
#70. ‘Be My Fortune Teller’ / ‘I Just Wanna Be’ – East ft. Prince
Record Sold For: $3,300
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Polydor
#71. ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ – Pink Floyd
Record Sold For: $3,200
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Harvest
The 1973 release ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ by Pink Floyd is one of the biggest selling records of all time.
It’s also considered by many, to be one of the finest records ever laid down on vinyl.
All of this surely begs the question: If there are so many copies out there, how come it’s so valuable?
Well, like we all know, the devil is in the detail. It’s copies from the first issue that are the most valuable.
Here’s a helpful post all about how to recognise a ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ first issue.
#72. ‘Music Emporium’ – Music Emporium
Record Sold For: $3,200
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Sentinel
More Psychedelic Rock from the late 60’s.
Here’s a quote about the album that I found online:
“Music Emporium have laced their music with buffoonish pointed sticks, loud noises and uncomfortable angular dispositions from the very first track”.
I don’t think they liked it!..Maybe it was them that paid over $3k for it and now they’ve got the hump.
#73. ‘Hand in Glove’ – The Smiths
Record Sold For: $3,200
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Rough Trade Records
The 1983 debut single by British Indie pop legends The Smiths.
Somehow it didn’t even make the top one-hundred of the UK Singles Chart.
Note: I’ve just found out that the copy that sold for this price was in fact signed on the front of the outer sleeve by Morrissey, Andy Rourke, Johnny Marr, Mike Joyce.
At the top of this post I said I wouldn’t include signed copies and the like…but hey, it’s here, I love it…and it’s my list, so it’s staying!
#74. ‘I Wanted to Tell You’ / ‘You Said’ – Little Nicky Soul
Record Sold For: $3,100
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Shee Records
#75. ‘Anarchy In The UK’ – Sex Pistols
Record Sold For: $3,100
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: EMI
Released as the debut single of The Sex Pistols in November 1976.
Issued in a black sleeve on EMI, before EMI dumped them, it reached number thirty-eight in the UK Singles Chart.
#76. ‘A Man of My Word’ / ‘Linda’ – Salt & Pepper
Record Sold For: $3,100
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Heatwave
#77. ‘Tom Prehn Kvartet’ – Tom Prehn Kvartet
Record Sold For: $3,050
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: V 58
Danish 60’s avant-garde Jazz.
Nice?..Or dog-shite? You decide.
#78. ‘Baby Your Phrasing is Bad’ / ‘A Woman of Distinction’ – Caleb Quaye
Record Sold For: $3,000
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Philips
Compiling this list has made me realise something; old psychedelic rockers have way too much money.
#79. ‘Through You’ – The Contents Are
Record Sold For: $3,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Rok Records
See comments directly above.
#80. ‘Mouth A Massey’ / ‘Ska Beat’ – Alton Ellis
Record Sold For: $3,000
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Pat’s Records
Some Ska out of Jamaica in 1965, makes a nice change.
#81. ‘Mystic Beauty’ – Reggie Andrews and the Fellowship
Record Sold For: $3,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: H.M.E.
#82. ‘King of Fuh’ – Brute Force
Record Sold For: $3,000
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Apple Records
Are you still here?..You’ve got too much time on your hands!
#83. ‘Damned Damned Damned’ – The Damned
Record Sold For: $3,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Stiff Records
The debut studio album by British punk legends ‘The Damned’
This album was released in 1977 and was the very first 12″ LP released by a punk band.
Brilliant stuff! Who doesn’t love a bit of The Damned?
#84. ‘Pleure et Applaudit’ – Jean Debuffet
Record Sold For: $2,900
Vinyl Record Type: 10″ EP
Record Label: Galleria Del Cavallino Venise
Discogs describe the style of this as: Spoken Word, Experimental, Free Improvisation, Noise.
You know, sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t figure some things out.
#85. ‘Kind of Blue’ – Miles Davis
Record Sold For: $2,700
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Columbia Records
Recorded and released in 1959, ‘Kind of Blue’ is the biggest selling Jazz album of all time.
I’m not a big jazz fan, but this is beautiful and very special.
Probably best enjoyed with solitude, a leather armchair, a great record player and speakers…and a very decent whiskey…nice.
#86. ‘Bleach’ – Nirvana
Record Sold For: $2,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Sub Pop
The 1989 debut studio album by the very legendary US band ‘Nirvana’.
There seems to be a ton of different releases that fetch a pretty penny. First editions, a number of coloured vinyl variations etc.
#87. ‘The Who Sell Out’ – The Who
Record Sold For: $1,800
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Track Records / Decca
This was the third studio album by The Who, released at the end of 1967 on Track Records in the UK and Decca in the US.
Described as a concept album, it is made up of a bunch of unrelated songs, fake commercials and public service announcements.
Seeing as only 1000 copies were originally made of the Who’s third album, this record will fetch at least a $1000 when put up for auction.
The copies that sell for the top money tend to be first pressings, either UK or US, have the fully laminated cover, and are accompanied by a psychedelic poster.
Top stuff by a top band.
#88. ‘That’ll be the Day’ / ‘In Spite of All the Danger’ – The Quarrymen
Record Sold For: $1,500
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Apple Records
The first single recorded by ‘The Quarrymen’.
At the time the band was made up John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, pianist John Lowe, and drummer Colin Hanton.
Hmm, I wonder why this bang average offering is worth so much?
#89. ‘Diamond Dogs’ – David Bowie
Record Sold For: $1,500
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: RCA Records
The image originally used on the inner of the album’s gatefold cover caused quite a stir and had to be replaced.
If you have one of the valuable original pressings, complete with original album art…
…well, that is quite literally, the dog’s bollocks!
#90. ‘Reverbaration (Doubt)’ – The Thirteenth Floor Elevators
Record Sold For: $1,500
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ EP
Record Label: Riviera
#91. ‘Waltzes’ – Johann Strauss, Jr.
Record Sold For: $1,500
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: RCA Camden
Cover art by Andy Warhol.
#92. ‘The Caine Mutiny’ – Max Steiner
Record Sold For: $1,500
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: RCA Victor
Scrapped movie soundtrack record.
#93. ‘Pride (In The Name of Love)’ – U2
Record Sold For: $1,250
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: Island Records
Not just any copy, the rare Australian edition that was released as a batch of just fifty.
#94. ‘Xanadu’ – Olivia Newton-John & Electric Light Orchestra
Record Sold For: $1,000
Vinyl Record Type: 7″ Single
Record Label: MCA / Jet
I mean, if this is your sort of thing, then this is your sort of thing.
It’s a little hard to believe but apparently people pay big money for a specific picture disc copy of this abomination.
I mean, I have absolutely nothing against the late Dame Olivia Newton-John, or ELO’s Jeff Lynne, but, this?..
…what were they thinking?
I’ve just listened to it all the way through, and now I feel physically sick!
#95. ‘Blue Note 1568’ – Hank Mobley
Record Sold For: $1,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Blue Note
#96. ‘Lafayette Blues’ / ‘Sugar Never Tasted So Good’ – The White Stripes
Record Sold For: $1,000
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Italy Records
This second single from the The White Stripes was released in 1998.
One thousand copies were originally released on white and red vinyl…it’s these rarities that fetch the highest prices.
#97. ‘Stonewall’ – Stonewall
Record Sold For: $900
Vinyl Record Type: 12″ Album / LP
Record Label: Tiger Lily Records
Obscure 70’s Psychedelic Rock…I have nothing more to say at this stage.
To be Continued…
Okay, okay, that’s enough of this top 100 most valuable vinyl records list for now.
I’ll get the remaining three done in a few days.
That Xanadu thing has really sapped my energy.
Wrapping it Up!
There are some seriously expensive pieces of vinyl on this list. Let’s hope all of the current owners are safeguarding their investment and know how to store vinyl records.
In some cases it’s pretty easy to see why the price has got so high. There’s musical quality, history, a captivating story, rarity, all of that and more.
But in some cases, well, I don’t know, your guess is as good as mine…I’m looking at you Xanadu…amongst others.
If you still haven’t had enough of reading about valuable vinyl records, try my most valuable 45 rpm records list.