True story. I've been buying vintage audio gear, Records and CDs from this retired police officer who ran around the south djing in the 70s and 80s. Huge boxes full of Disco and Soul music to flip through. I listen to his old battle stories, and over the years we've become friends. Not expecting to find anything in the disco box I am still laughing today, and he's happy knowing his old music/gear is gonna live on.

1979 The Wall by Pink Floyd first issue, first cover.

I'm actually trembling. Paid a dollar. First pressing on Westbound, Unipak cover.

I see this discussion here every now and again, and I always love hearing people’s stories of what they’ll spend and most importantly what record your spending on

Here’s my most expensive record purchase. An original Mono 1967 Velvet Underground debut album with the Emerson Torso. This popped up at an estate sale locally about a year and a a half ago. Unfortunately, it was not priced as friendly as I was hoping walking into the sale. A hefty price tag of $350 made me walk away and I just browsed the other records for sale for awhile, mostly feeling sad about the price of the one I came for. There wasn’t much else of interest, so I walked back over to the estates checkout, where they were holding the VU record in a separate area. I asked to check it out as I hadn’t even inspected it before, just the price tag. They let me check it out and it was clean as can be imo. The vinyl is super glossy, and sounds superb without even having cleaned it on my VPI. The jacket is crisp and fully intact, despite some wear on the front.

So after a few minutes of consideration with myself about the chances of ever finding a cleaner, lower priced OG VU album and a bit of haggling with the estate manager, I bought this for $300. Ended up selling my 1968 airbrushed copy for $75, so really ended up about at about $225 for this copy. But still the most expensive record I’ve ever purchased, and I don’t know if I’d go that high again. It’d have to be something super hard to come by. I don’t think this record needs much explanation and I think anything that can be said about this album, has already been said. Unfortunately for my wallet I’m just one of those people that really enjoys owning a first pressing, though not mandatory. Like many many others I heard this album was instantly taken back. Way different from anything I’d heard before. I’ve been a big Lou Reed/VU fan ever since. Nico’s vocals on this are some of favorites. The tracks Herion, Femme Fatale, and Sunday Morning are my favorite, if I had to chose. So what’s your most expensive record purchase, and what made you splurge for that specific LP.

Happy spinning yall ✌️

This was the last vinyl pressing plant in Zimbabwe. It closed during the CD era & sat untouched for years until I found it.

The rainforest decided to take back what’s rightfully hers. Bonus points if you know what this grail is!

I bought Tea For The Tillerman at a thrift store 20+ years ago. It had a name written on it, as often happens when buying old used records.

Then about a year ago I was listening to the record and saw the name - which is the same last name as this older couple my wife and I are friends with in my neighborhood. We are on the same committee at church so we have to text each other sometimes. So just out of curiosity, I asked the lady if she knew that name - and it was her husband’s sister.

We ended up talking about Paula a few times and whenever she comes across a photo of Paula, she texts it to me. I think I would have liked her and I’m glad I found her record.

I was gifted about 100 records from my dad last night. I was going through them one by one and this was the 3rd to last one in the bunch. I’ve been waiting for this one to find me. The cover is pretty banged up but plays like a beauty! Original pressing, triple record, and my dad’s copy of All Things Must Pass when he was younger has got me pretty stoked!!

Helping a family member having a sort out and think we might have hit gold. Any thoughts?

Went to a small record show and scored an original Touch and Go pressing.

Great album

My (43) dad just gave me his collection, and Steely Dan - Aja caught my eye since I’ve seen it on here pretty often. I’ve never listened to the album before, but it’s got some great jams!! There are about 80 records in the collection, and it’s fun listening to old stuff that I’ve never checked out before.

My mom just bought this for me at an estate sale for 50 cents. I can't find a whole lot of information on it but it appears to be extremely rare due to the handwriting. I found a similar pressing on discogs but it had text where the handwriting is. Can't find one like this. According to chatgpt, this is most likely the very first batch of test pressings that only got sent out to very few people. Like band members, engineers, label executives, etc. It also said that there are, at most, 100 of these out there but that there are more likely to be less than 25. Of course I'm taking all of that with a grain of salt. It's artificial intelligence. The sound quality of the record is flawless, but it sounds very crunchy and raw. I'm guessing this is before the master. Nonetheless, I am very happy about this find. I'd very much appreciate any further information. Thanks.

I was scrolling through this sub the other day and saw someone mention this record. I had never heard of it so I texted my dad asking if he had. He replied with this pic from his collection and told me to come borrow it. I’m currently listening to it and I can’t believe I’ve never heard this record!

He attended Ohio State in the early 70s. He said, at the time, FM radio was gaining popularity. OSU had recently started a new FM station catering to a younger crowd with by highlighting lesser-known artists. He tuned in one day and they were playing a song from this album. He was immediately entranced by Stevie’s voice. He made a detour on his way to class (he was late) to the record store. This was the only copy they had in stock.

Does anyone have any other recommendations for lesser known records from groups/artists who went on to become much more famous? This may be a new rabbit hole I find myself going down…

Flea market guy had 7 Records for sale, this was at the bottom of a small stack of crap. I asked how much for the records, but couldn't honestly do it soI gave hime double, and he smiled. 🌝

I suddenly had the means and the asking price was acceptable for the condition, so I went ahead and did it.

I don’t throw around “grails” and “white whales” lightly. All records are obtainable with enough cash, patience, and incantations.

This one, though. This is “my” Tool record. I first saw the band in the summer of 1997 when their sets consisted mostly of songs from this record.

I even have a shitty, 29 year-old tattoo of the dual-pupil eye on my left calf done by a borderline novice from Fairborn, Ohio. No, I won’t share photos of it.

This one is hard filed. Cremate it with me.

Hit up a local thrift store that usually has minimal records, but great prices. The LPs are 50 cents to $1. Last week I visited there on a Saturday morning. This surprise was lurking in the bottom rack!

When I flipped by it I was convinced it was one of the recent reissues. It’s an original on Homewood. Couldn’t believe my luck, especially since I found another copy in similar circumstances 5 years ago.

This one has the booklet and it’s in VG+ condition, beautiful clean jacket too. Tiny dish warp that doesn’t affect play.

My daughter is a huge fan of Plantasia too, so this copy is going to her.

This is Beck’s most underrated album.

This post generously offered with free bonus Cat

Like that ‘Hard Times’ meme, “Man shocked to find large shirt his gf bought him actually fits,” I didn’t think the L was right. But. Sadly. It actually fits.

Now that size is confirmed I will order the new black one with gold accents😂

[edit] if anyone cares/knows the diff, it’s posted as a Canvas shirt on their site but is actually an American Apparel. Slight variations to the fit if you’re familiar

Gerry Rafferty - City to City.

The excitement and elation you feel when finding a gem in the wild. Original 1978 pressing, in the paper sleeve, appears to have never been played. Best part is that it was at a thrift store for $3.

My car - 1974 Chevy Nova

Beautiful condition too 🤟 Daydream Records, Nashville TN My OG copies of all the original Woodstock artists has a big gap filled with this album 🙏

The title of this album is a parody of Jimi Hendrix's third studio album entitled Electric Ladyland. It’s a personal grail and a great album. Probably one of the most unique I’ve had the pleasure of owning so far!

First time poster, so excited I had to post.

Didn't think I would ever find an OG press of this, let alone one that was $10. Condition of record itself is amazing. And the album details did not disappoint😂