Hunting for Vintage Records
During the heyday of vinyl records, in the mid 1970s, up to 300 million records were sold every year. After the advent of the cassette tape, the CD and now digital music and streaming, vinyl fell off a cliff.
Many of those 300 million records per year are now ending up in garage sales. Here are some vinyl records that might be worth digging for at your next garage sale.
MILES DAVIS, “KIND OF BLUE”
Released in 1959 on Columbia’s 6-eye label, this version of Davis’ classic album sells for around $1,000 on ebay. This misprinted version shows the B-side tracks listed in reverse order.
LED ZEPPELIN, “LED ZEPPELIN”
This album includes the classic “Dazed and Confused.” It was released in 1969 by Atlantic Records. The first U.K. pressing of the record has Led Zeppelin and the Atlantic logo in turquoise. That edition can sell for up to $14,000.
THE WHO, “THE WHO SELL OUT”
This LP was presented as a pirate radio broadcast filled with songs, fake commercials and mock public service announcements. The cover art shows Pete Townsend with a giant deodorant and Roger Daltrey in a bathtub full of beans. The first 1,000 U.K. pressings included a folded poster of a butterfly. An original copy – not a reissue – with the poster sells for more than $2,000.
Bruce Springsteen, “Last American Hero from Asbury Park N.J.”
The classic “Born to Run” is the star of this 1978 release from Boss Records. Fewer than 100 copies were released and today, they can sell for as high as $2,499.
NIRVANA, “BLEACH”
Released in 1989, before the blockbuster “Nevermind,” this Nirvana album came out on Sub Pop Records. Look for the third pressing with a red-and-white marbled vinyl and only about 500 copies exist, which will go for $650. A first pressing on white vinyl lists for around $4,000.
ELVIS PRESLEY, “THAT’S ALL RIGHT/BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY”
Released on Sun Records in 1954, this seven-inch 45 has 209 on the label of its first pressing. Find one in exceptionally clean condition, and it’s around $3,000.
MISFITS, “LEGACY OF BRUTALITY”
Punk rock pioneers the Misfits released this 12-inch vinyl in 1986. Only 16 copies were ever made of this second-pressing, pink record. Expect it to fetch around $2,700.
MAX STEINER, “THE CAINE MUTINY”
The original music and dialogue of this 1954 movie includes Humphrey Bogart and Fred Macmurray. The first pressing of the album features composer Max Steiner’s film score on side one and the complete dialogue from the movie’s courtroom scene on side B. It can cost you up to $1,000 on ebay.
OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN AND ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA, “XANADU”
This is the title track from a 1980 movie, pressed on promotional 10-inch picture discs. An estimated 20-30 copies were ever released, reportedly because Newton-john didn’t like the picture of herself.
It’s been reported that copies have sold for up to $9,000.