Vinyl records have been treasured by collectors and music enthusiasts for decades, and part of their allure lies in the pursuit of rare and elusive records. Whether it’s the thrill of discovery, the historical significance, or the desire to own a piece of music history, collectors often embark on a quest to find the rarest vinyl records. In this article, we will delve into the world of vinyl record collecting and explore some of the hardest vinyl records to find, each with its own unique story and appeal.
1. The Beatles – “Please Please Me” (1963)
While The Beatles’ debut album, “Please Please Me,” is relatively common in its original UK pressing, it becomes exceptionally rare when it features a black and gold Parlophone label with the publishing credits listed as “Dick James Music Co.” instead of “Northern Songs Ltd.” Only a few copies of this variant are known to exist, making it a Holy Grail for Beatles collectors.
2. The Velvet Underground & Nico – “The Velvet Underground & Nico” (1967)
This seminal album is known for its iconic banana cover designed by Andy Warhol. What makes certain copies of this record incredibly rare is the presence of a peelable banana sticker on the cover. As the stickers were often removed or damaged, finding an original copy with an intact banana sticker is a challenging endeavor.
3. The Rolling Stones – “Promotional Album” (1969)
This mysterious album was never officially released and exists as a promotional item. It contains alternate versions of tracks from “Beggars Banquet” and “Let It Bleed.” Only a handful of copies are known to exist, with one of the most famous owned by Mick Jagger himself.
4. The Sex Pistols – “God Save the Queen” (1977)
The Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen” single, released during the height of the punk movement, is already a collector’s item. However, an extremely rare version exists with a blank white sleeve and no band or title information. Only a few copies of this plain white sleeve edition are believed to exist.
5. Elvis Presley – “My Happiness” (1953)
Elvis Presley’s first-ever recording, made in 1953, is an acetate disc that is among the rarest records in existence. In 2015, Jack White of The White Stripes fame purchased the only known copy at an auction for over a million dollars, making it one of the most expensive records ever sold.
6. The Beatles – “The Beatles’ Yesterday and Today” (1966)
This album’s rarity comes from its controversial original cover, known as the “Butcher Cover.” The cover featured the Beatles dressed in butcher smocks with dismembered doll parts and raw meat. Due to public outrage, the cover was recalled and replaced, making the “Butcher Cover” editions exceedingly rare.
7. Prince – “The Black Album” (1987)
Prince’s unreleased album, often referred to as “The Black Album,” was originally scheduled for release but was pulled at the last minute. While it remains a legendary “lost” album, a limited number of promotional copies were distributed. These promotional copies are exceptionally rare and highly sought after.
8. The Rolling Stones – “Steel Wheels” (1989)
While not as old as some of the other entries on this list, the rarity of “Steel Wheels” lies in its special box set edition. Only 200 copies were made, and they were given to the crew who worked on the band’s 1989 tour. Each box set contains the album on vinyl, a signed lithograph, and other exclusive items.
9. Bob Dylan – “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” (1963)
What makes certain copies of this classic album rare is their original cover, which included a photo of Dylan walking down a New York City street with his then-girlfriend Suze Rotolo. Due to copyright issues, some covers were replaced with a more generic photo, making the original cover version highly sought after by collectors.
10. The Quarrymen – “That’ll Be the Day”/”In Spite of All the Danger” (1958)
Long before The Beatles, they were known as The Quarrymen. In 1958, they recorded two songs on a 78 RPM acetate disc, making it one of the earliest Beatles-related recordings. Only one copy of this historic record is known to exist, and it is owned by Paul McCartney.
Conclusion:
The vinyl record collecting community thrives on the thrill of finding rare and valuable records. The records mentioned here are just a glimpse into the world of rare vinyl, where scarcity, historical significance, and cultural importance converge to create an exciting and competitive market. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your vinyl journey, the pursuit of these rare gems can be an exhilarating adventure, driven by the love of music and the desire to own a piece of music history.
