Gen Z’s look at record albums as “Affordable Art”
We have noticed the past uptick on sales for record albums and apparently there are a few variables driving the market. Gen Z is a major driver of the vinyl record resurgence, contributing significantly to the average 18% annual sales growth over the past five years. Many young buyers are drawn to vinyl records more for their aesthetic appeal and use as “affordable art” or home decor rather than their audio quality – with many of them not owning a turntable. Fifty-six percent of Gen Z fans like vinyl for its aesthetic, while 37% use it as home decor, according to a Vinyl Alliance survey.
According to one recent story, Taylor Swift has been a major driver of this market, promoting her albums as artsy collectibles, sometimes including additional songs, posters or poems for her dedicated fanbase. Five of Swift’s albums were among the top 10 most sold vinyl albums last year in the US.
As well, collectors are increasingly “thrifting” by searching local record stores and markets to find the best deals.
So what are the collectible vintage albums to look for?
The most desirable vinyl records are typically rare original pressings, limited editions, or unique copies from iconic artists like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, and Prince, which command high prices from collectors. Scarcity, condition, and historical significance are key factors in their desirability.
Highly sought-after records include:
- The Beatles – The Beatles (aka the “White Album”): Original UK pressings with a low serial number (especially No. 0000001, which sold for $790,000) are among the most valuable records.
- The Beatles – Yesterday and Today: The controversial “butcher” cover version, which was quickly recalled and pasted over, is a famous and valuable collector’s item, with sealed “first state” stereo copies fetching over $100,000.
- Bob Dylan – The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan: Early pressings that mistakenly included four tracks later removed from the album are extremely rare and desirable.
- Prince – The Black Album: The original 1987 release was withdrawn just before release, and the few hundred promo copies that escaped destruction are highly sought after.
- Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon: The first UK pressing with the solid blue triangle on the Harvest label is a prized possession among audiophiles and collectors.
- Wu-Tang Clan – Once Upon a Time in Shaolin: Only one copy of this album was produced, making it the most valuable single-copy album ever sold at $4 million.
- Nirvana – “Love Buzz / Big Cheese”: The first Nirvana release on Sub Pop, hand-numbered out of 1,000 copies, is a major punk/grunge collectible.
- Signed LPs and unique pressings: Records signed by the artist, particularly rare single or demo copies, also command high prices, such as the Elvis Presley “My Happiness” test pressing purchased by Jack White for $300,000.
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