In the world of vinyl record collecting, rarity is often equated with desirability. The thrill of discovering a hidden gem, an obscure pressing, or a limited-edition LP can be an exhilarating experience for collectors. While rarity is subjective and can vary depending on the collector’s interests, some LPs have achieved legendary status due to their scarcity and historical significance. In this article, we will delve into the world of rare LPs and explore some of the most coveted records among collectors.
The Beatles – “The Beatles’ Yesterday and Today” (The “Butcher Cover”)
Perhaps one of the most famous rare LPs in the world of vinyl collecting is The Beatles’ “Yesterday and Today” album with the infamous “butcher cover.” In 1966, Capitol Records released this album with a cover photograph depicting the band dressed in butcher smocks, surrounded by dismembered doll parts and raw meat. The controversial cover was quickly withdrawn and replaced with a more conventional design. A small number of “butcher cover” albums, estimated to be around 60,000 copies, escaped the recall, making them highly sought after by collectors.
The Velvet Underground – “The Velvet Underground & Nico” (Promotional Copy)
“The Velvet Underground & Nico” is a seminal album that played a pivotal role in the development of alternative and underground rock. A rare promotional copy of this album, released in 1967, is a prized possession among collectors. What makes it special is the peelable banana sticker on the front cover, designed by Andy Warhol. Finding an original copy with the intact sticker in excellent condition is a daunting task, making it one of the rarest and most valuable LPs in rock history.
Sex Pistols – “God Save the Queen/No Feelings” (A&M Records Pressing)
The Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen” single is already a punk rock classic, but a specific pressing of this record makes it incredibly rare. A&M Records initially signed the band but quickly dropped them due to controversy. Only a handful of copies of the single bearing the A&M Records label were ever pressed before the contract was terminated. These original A&M pressings are exceptionally scarce and highly sought after by collectors of punk and rock music.
Pink Floyd – “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn” (Mono First Pressing)
Pink Floyd’s debut album, “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn,” is a psychedelic rock masterpiece. The mono first pressing of this album, released in 1967, is considered one of the rarest Pink Floyd collectibles. It is distinguishable by its black and silver Columbia label and is highly sought after by fans and collectors of the band’s early work.
Conclusion
The world of rare LPs is a treasure trove of musical history and collectible gems. While these mentioned records are among the most famous rare LPs, many others exist, waiting to be discovered by passionate collectors. Rarity in the world of vinyl records adds an exciting dimension to the hobby, encouraging collectors to search far and wide for that elusive, prized piece of musical history. Whether it’s the allure of a controversial Beatles cover, a promotional copy from The Velvet Underground, or a limited pressing of a punk rock classic, these rare LPs continue to captivate the imaginations of collectors around the world.
