10 60s Rock Albums That Are Impossible to Find on Vinyl
via Japan Watch Hunter / YouTube
The 1960s produced numerous rock albums, some of which have become rare collectibles on vinyl. Here are ten such albums that are now difficult to find:
1. The Beatles – Yesterday and Today
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Released in 1966, Yesterday and Today is infamous for its original “butcher cover,” depicting the band in white coats with dismembered dolls and raw meat. This controversial artwork led to its recall and replacement, making the original pressing highly sought after. Finding a copy with the original cover in good condition is extremely rare. Collectors often pay high prices for this piece of Beatles history.
2. The Velvet Underground & Nico – The Velvet Underground & Nico
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This 1967 debut album featured an iconic banana cover designed by Andy Warhol. Early pressings allowed fans to peel back the banana skin sticker, revealing a flesh-colored banana underneath. Due to legal issues and limited initial sales, original copies with the intact peelable banana are scarce. Over time, this album has gained recognition for its influence, increasing its desirability among collectors.
3. The Rolling Stones – Their Satanic Majesties Request
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Released in 1967, this album initially featured a 3D lenticular cover. The production costs of this cover were high, leading to its replacement with a standard image in later pressings. Original copies with the 3D cover are now rare and highly valued by collectors. The album’s experimental nature adds to its unique appeal.
4. The Beatles – The Beatles’ Second Album (Japanese Red Vinyl)
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In the 1960s, Japanese pressings of Beatles albums were released on red vinyl, making them distinct from standard black vinyl editions. The 1964 release of The Beatles’ Second Album on red vinyl is particularly rare. These pressings are prized for their unique color and excellent sound quality. Finding one in good condition today is challenging, making it a valuable collector’s item.
5. The Five Sharps – Stormy Weather
Although not a full album, this 1952 single is one of the rarest doo-wop records. Few copies were pressed, and even fewer have survived. Its scarcity has made it a holy grail for collectors. Despite its age, it remains one of the most sought-after records from the early days of rock and roll.
6. The Beatles – Introducing… The Beatles
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Released in 1964 by Vee-Jay Records, this album faced legal challenges, leading to its withdrawal from the market. Counterfeit copies are common, but authentic pressings are rare. Collectors seek out genuine versions, especially those with specific label variations. Its complex release history adds to its mystique among Beatles enthusiasts.
7. Bob Dylan – The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan
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The original 1963 pressing included four tracks that were soon replaced due to various reasons. Copies with these original tracks are rare. This version’s scarcity has made it a valuable item among Dylan collectors. The album’s historical significance adds to its desirability.
8. The Beatles – Please Please Me (Black and Gold Label)
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The first UK pressing of this 1963 album featured a black and gold Parlophone label. Later pressings switched to a more common black and yellow label. Copies with the original black and gold label are rare. Their scarcity and the album’s significance in music history make them highly sought after.
9. The Rolling Stones – Street Fighting Man (Picture Sleeve)
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In 1968, a limited number of “Street Fighting Man” singles were released with a picture sleeve depicting police brutality. Due to its controversial image, it was quickly withdrawn. Surviving copies with this sleeve are rare. The combination of its limited release and historical context adds to its value among collectors.
10. David Bowie – Space Oddity (Philips Label)
The original 1969 UK pressing of “Space Oddity” was released under the Philips label. Later reissues appeared under different labels as Bowie’s popularity grew. Copies of this original pressing are rare. Its significance as one of Bowie’s early works contributes to its desirability.
