Best Vinyl Records To Get?

[KyCatFan]

I'm working on building up a Dolby Atmos audio setup. While doing that, I figured I'd look into getting a turntable and building up a record collection. I grew up with the end of 8 track tapes into the start of cassette tapes and never really collected albums. I tried one of those cheap suitcase players but it sucked. I was at Walmart yesterday and found an Audio-Technica AT-LPGO-BT. It was on sale for like $127 ($30 off). It sounds pretty good with my new Sony 7.1.2 AVR.

Well so far, I have 2 albums I got with it. The first was Motley Crue's Greatest Hits. I also grabbed Michael Jackson's Thriller. I ordered Beatles 1 off Amazon and should get it tonight or tomorrow. They're all remastered versions and that's fine. I saw Prince and the Revolution Purple Rain and probably will grab that one. Maybe will look into The Beach Boys and Chicago's Greatest Hits from 82-89.

What are some recommendations of other must have albums to get? I prefer to get greatest hits albums or maybe if there are some good compilation albums with various artists on them. My favorite era is the 80's and 90's but listen to some other decades. Pretty much anything but country (just not my thing).

 

[sefleming]

We live close to Bowling Green and there is store there Mellow Matts who sells new and used vinyl. Depending upon your location that would be a great way to build up your inventory.

 

[KyCatFan]

I'm in Louisville. Probably a bit to far. I went to some Peddler Malls around here, but most have stuff I'm not interested in. I might look up some specialty stores around here when I get time.

 

[UK82]

Acoustic Sounds has a great selection but you pay more for better packaging and customer service. Where they really shine is through their audiophile vinyl pressings (Analogue Productions). They manufactured the first record press in decades and work with the original analog master tapes. The end product is fabulous but expensive. I've purchased around 75 albums from them and most are incredible. Sure, a few have been disappointing but that may be due to the original recording. If you spent money building an audio/video system then it's worth it to have some audiophile vinyl.

 

[Nightwish84]

Even as a metal guy, I would suggest anything by Stapleton, Sturgill, Childers, John Moreland, Isbell, and Cash. Country and Americana sounds fantastic on vinyl. Simon & Garfunkel is great if you wanna chill out. For rock and metal, you can't go wrong with Black Sabbath's Heaven and Hell and anything by AC/DC. I have a used Back In Black that sounds great. It's slightly warped but someone online had said most used Back In Black records are that way because they were played so much throughout the 80s. Metallica remastered The Black Album through their label and I don't know how it was done but it's one of the most impressive remasterings I've ever heard.

 

[ukalum1988]

You can’t go wrong with anything by Led Zeppelin by that’s JMO.

 

[_ukcat]

I grew up in the 60's and College years early 70's and I huge Vinyl guy. If you want to get into the progession of Rock music vinyl collectible LPs grab The Beatles "Rubber Soul" and "Sgt. Peppers"

 

[sefleming]

Beatles stones simon and Garfunkel etc. Can't go wrong

 

[Blue-ish]

 

[Blue-ish]

 

[WildcatFan1982]

Get the discogs app

 

[Blue-ish]

 

[Blue-ish]

 

[FusterCluck]

Get the discogs app

This is an absolute must. Not only for identifying, organizing and valuing your records, but the vendors there are about the best you will find for online used records/cds. The standards for grading and shipping are very high there.

Feel free to check out my collection. Nothing for sale right now, but if you see something you really want, just ask.

https://www.discogs.com/user/TheCrushgroove/collection?header=1

Keep in mind that my star rating system is used to grade the audio quality/condition of the record/sleeve, not how much I like the album/music.

 

[stuway]

This is an absolute must. Not only for identifying, organizing and valuing your records, but the vendors there are about the best you will find for online used records/cds. The standards for grading and shipping are very high there.

Feel free to check out my collection. Nothing for sale right now, but if you see something you really want, just ask.

https://www.discogs.com/user/TheCrushgroove/collection?header=1

Keep in mind that my star rating system is used to grade the audio quality/condition of the record/sleeve, not how much I like the album/music.

Nice taste in music right there. Sweet collection man

 

[megablue]

If you want something other than greatest hits, I would suggest taking close looks at the debut albums by bands and artists.

100 Best Debut Albums of All Time

100 Best Debut Albums of All Time: From the Beatles and Bruce Springsteen to Nas, Kanye West, Beastie Boys, and beyond.

www.rollingstone.com

Not a debut album, but my single favorite all-time album is COURT AND SPARK … fwiw.

Court and Spark - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Here is a comprehensive list to shop …

List of greatest hits albums - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[HymanKaplan]

An absolute Jazz Classic, from the golden age (hard bop)

 

[WildcatFan1982]

This is solid

 

[rudd1]

This is an absolute must. Not only for identifying, organizing and valuing your records, but the vendors there are about the best you will find for online used records/cds. The standards for grading and shipping are very high there.

Feel free to check out my collection. Nothing for sale right now, but if you see something you really want, just ask.

https://www.discogs.com/user/TheCrushgroove/collection?header=1

Keep in mind that my star rating system is used to grade the audio quality/condition of the record/sleeve, not how much I like the album/music.

-added you ... feel free (anyone) to add me rudd1.

 

[WTF Cat]

Isn't DSOTM a must for any audiophile?

 

[UK82]

Isn't DSOTM a must for any audiophile?

That goes without saying. I have the album on more formats than I can even remember.

 

[BGCATFAN2012]

Bob Seger for sure. Alman Brothers and probably some Clapton.

 

[Creed Bratton]

I grew up in the 60's and College years early 70's and I huge Vinyl guy. If you want to get into the progession of Rock music vinyl collectible LPs grab The Beatles "Rubber Soul" and "Sgt. Peppers"

My mother in law passed recently and we found Sgt Peppers and Abby Road albums in her collection. Sadly enough the Sgt Peppers was the cover only and we fear the actual album was in the LP Player that we donated to a local Goodwill. 😬

 

[KyCatFan]

My mom has a number of Beatles albums that I will probably eventually get but with how long the women live in my family compared to the men, she might outlive me and get whatever I collect 😆.

 

[KyCatFan]

This is an absolute must. Not only for identifying, organizing and valuing your records, but the vendors there are about the best you will find for online used records/cds. The standards for grading and shipping are very high there.

Feel free to check out my collection. Nothing for sale right now, but if you see something you really want, just ask.

https://www.discogs.com/user/TheCrushgroove/collection?header=1

Keep in mind that my star rating system is used to grade the audio quality/condition of the record/sleeve, not how much I like the album/music.

-added you ... feel free (anyone) to add me rudd1.

Downloaded the app and added you both.

 

[KyCatFan]

@FusterCluck

How do you figure out which album date it is for an artist? I did Motley Crue for example and found a bunch of Greatest Hits. I looked on the back and the date says 2006 BMG US. I can't find a match for it. I believe it's a Walmart exclusive and would have to be a reprint. I went to the Walmart site and the date said Oct 2024. I didn't see that on the album unless it's super small print. The Michael Jackson Thriller though did say 2016 on the Walmart site. I have a hard time seeing Walmart with a 9 year old record in their store.

 

[sefleming]

I'm in process of updating my collection. 145 so far but will be close to 1,000 when finished cd and vinyl both.

 

[FusterCluck]

That goes without saying. I have the album on more formats than I can even remember.

If you can't get a legit original pressing (or one of the subsequent pressing of release era), the European reissue/remaster from 2013 is supposed to be one of the best pressings you can get for the money.

Same for the Beatles reissues from mid 20teens. They're remastered in STEREO (which sounds really weird at first), but they're really, really good pressings that won't break the bank.

Also, Breakfast in AMerica, I own 3 copies (Original, reissue and the MOFI remaster) the MOFI reissue is just tits for SQ. Anything by MOFI is always good though. The AKUS album they remastered, the early B-52s stuff... all pristine pressings and worth owning.

MOV (Music on Vinyl) is another press co in the class of MOFI. Everything is mastered well and the vinyl is always clean and flat. One might be inclined to own both volumes of Gov't Mule's 'The Deep End.' Probably 2 of the very best pressings I've owned.

Also, one's record collection must contain this album. Thems the rules.

 

[FusterCluck]

@FusterCluck

How do you figure out which album date it is for an artist? I did Motley Crue for example and found a bunch of Greatest Hits. I looked on the back and the date says 2006 BMG US. I can't find a match for it. I believe it's a Walmart exclusive and would have to be a reprint. I went to the Walmart site and the date said Oct 2024. I didn't see that on the album unless it's super small print. The Michael Jackson Thriller though did say 2016 on the Walmart site. I have a hard time seeing Walmart with a 9 year old record in their store.

You will have to reference the runout data on the disc to the different release info. Look at the middle of the record, at the edge of the label, in the dead wax, there will be info. Numbers and letters and sometimes happy little messages or smiley faces. All those artifacts will add up to sourcing exactly what you have. All that info is on Discogs, relative to each release.

It's not fun or easy work, best to start early in collection like you are doing. Remember to be careful when handling records trying to get the info off of them. It can be very difficult to see and I usually do most damage when fumbling them around trying to source them. Get a good pair of high magnification reading glasses or a magnifying glass. It really helps.

 

[FusterCluck]

Downloaded the app and added you both.

I don't know how to add people...

 

[UK82]

If you can't get a legit original pressing (or one of the subsequent pressing of release era), the European reissue/remaster from 2013 is supposed to be one of the best pressings you can get for the money.

Same for the Beatles reissues from mid 20teens. They're remastered in STEREO (which sounds really weird at first), but they're really, really good pressings that won't break the bank.

Also, Breakfast in AMerica, I own 3 copies (Original, reissue and the MOFI remaster) the MOFI reissue is just tits for SQ. Anything by MOFI is always good though. The AKUS album they remastered, the early B-52s stuff... all pristine pressings and worth owning.

MOV (Music on Vinyl) is another press co in the class of MOFI. Everything is mastered well and the vinyl is always clean and flat. One might be inclined to own both volumes of Gov't Mule's 'The Deep End.' Probably 2 of the very best pressings I've owned.

Also, one's record collection must contain this album. Thems the rules.

Thanks for the tips!! I own several MOFI and MOV albums and you're right, top notch. Acoustic Sounds stocks both along with their own pressings. I have a few Herb Alpert LPs but for some reason I never bought the one you posted. I remember it well though so based on your recommendation I'll buy it.

BTW, the best Dark Side of the Moon I've heard is multichannel SACD (5.1). Amazing. My favorite Floyd album is still Wish You Were Here but they're all good.

 

[FusterCluck]

Yes, I've only had 2 SACD's and DSOTM was one of them... I think that was the one where the music rotates around the room.

I don't even have a SACD player anymore. sad face.

 

[JDHoss]

If you can't get a legit original pressing (or one of the subsequent pressing of release era), the European reissue/remaster from 2013 is supposed to be one of the best pressings you can get for the money.

Same for the Beatles reissues from mid 20teens. They're remastered in STEREO (which sounds really weird at first), but they're really, really good pressings that won't break the bank.

Also, Breakfast in AMerica, I own 3 copies (Original, reissue and the MOFI remaster) the MOFI reissue is just tits for SQ. Anything by MOFI is always good though. The AKUS album they remastered, the early B-52s stuff... all pristine pressings and worth owning.

MOV (Music on Vinyl) is another press co in the class of MOFI. Everything is mastered well and the vinyl is always clean and flat. One might be inclined to own both volumes of Gov't Mule's 'The Deep End.' Probably 2 of the very best pressings I've owned.

Also, one's record collection must contain this album. Thems the rules.

My brother had this album. He was a trumpet player and big into Alpert.

 

[UK82]

Yes, I've only had 2 SACD's and DSOTM was one of them... I think that was the one where the music rotates around the room.

I don't even have a SACD player anymore. sad face.

Some Bluray players support SACD. My SACD player died on me but my Sony player can read SACDs. Not as well. Still prefer vinyl when it comes to music playback. DSD downloads are pretty damn good though and close to the analog sound.

 

[Nightwish84]

I'm in process of updating my collection. 145 so far but will be close to 1,000 when finished cd and vinyl both.

Interesting you bring up cds. I still have mine in one of those thick binders but tossed the cases + booklets years ago. They were collecting dust in a large box in one of my closets. Couldn't justify keeping them. Eddie Trunk on the other hand doesn't like vinyl and only listens to cds.

 

[KyCatFan]

You will have to reference the runout data on the disc to the different release info. Look at the middle of the record, at the edge of the label, in the dead wax, there will be info. Numbers and letters and sometimes happy little messages or smiley faces. All those artifacts will add up to sourcing exactly what you have. All that info is on Discogs, relative to each release.

It's not fun or easy work, best to start early in collection like you are doing. Remember to be careful when handling records trying to get the info off of them. It can be very difficult to see and I usually do most damage when fumbling them around trying to source them. Get a good pair of high magnification reading glasses or a magnifying glass. It really helps.

I tend to use my phone camera zoomed in for tiny print. That's one less hand to hold with though.

I don't know how to add people...

On the app there's a friends section that says view more. On the next screen there's a plus and then add friend pops up. Then just type their names. Mine is the same as on here by the way.

 

[FearThe Blue]

If you can't get a legit original pressing (or one of the subsequent pressing of release era), the European reissue/remaster from 2013 is supposed to be one of the best pressings you can get for the money.

Same for the Beatles reissues from mid 20teens. They're remastered in STEREO (which sounds really weird at first), but they're really, really good pressings that won't break the bank.

Also, Breakfast in AMerica, I own 3 copies (Original, reissue and the MOFI remaster) the MOFI reissue is just tits for SQ. Anything by MOFI is always good though. The AKUS album they remastered, the early B-52s stuff... all pristine pressings and worth owning.

MOV (Music on Vinyl) is another press co in the class of MOFI. Everything is mastered well and the vinyl is always clean and flat. One might be inclined to own both volumes of Gov't Mule's 'The Deep End.' Probably 2 of the very best pressings I've owned.

Also, one's record collection must contain this album. Thems the rules.

My mom had that. Made a young FTB feel kind of funny.

 

[JIMFKFT]

I've been buying vinyl albums for about six years. "Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd was a must. Gustav Mahler's "Symphony No. 5." Miles Davis "Kind of Blue." Frank Sinatra's "Platinum Collection." The Beatles "Revolver."

 

[FusterCluck]

I have 1 album in my wanted list and it's AKUS "Baby, Now That I've Found You: A Collection."

A mint copy runs around $600 and they are rarer than hen's teeth. I'm not paying that. It's this exact kind of stuff that I keep waiting on press companies like MOFI and MOV to pick up, remaster and reissue. ALL that money left on the table. A $50 180g double album reissue would sell-out nearly overnight due to demand for that record. But, nope, they'd rather have the status of possessing rights to a rare record.

Same for Junior Brown. If he ever decides to put his stuff on wax, I'll re-buy all his stuff, too. Again, he/his label couldn't care less about all the money they're missing out on.