In October, we sold another brilliant selection of rare vinyl records. Some of the most interesting included an Ernest Ranglin LP, a signed copy of Boy by U2 and the original 2007 box set of In Rainbows by Radiohead.
Join us as we explore the top 10 rarest records we sold last month, starting at number 10...
10 - Ernest Ranglin Trio - Wranglin'
A fascinating jazz find, Ernest Ranglin was born in Jamaica and played ukelele and guitar from a young age. In 1964, he became resident jazz guitarist at Ronnie Scott's jazz club in London which is where his international career began. We recently acquired two of his LPs, the second being the even rarer "Reflections," pressed in the same year as this one, 1964.
9 - Black Sabbath - Paranoid - Second Press
A copy of the second UK issue, it is incredibly similar to the first press. Our copy came with the original Vertigo swirl inner sleeve, and the brilliant matching label as shown in our photo. The first pressing was withdrawn soon after release, due to the presence of management credits inside the gatefold. There were contractual disputes between the band and the management company, so this second pressing does not include these credits.
8 - The Who Live At Leeds - First Press
This album always catches our new staff out, due to being full of fascinating and rare looking inserts including (but not limited to) a letter from EMI Records, a contract for their Woodstock performance and a County Court Notice for the return of musical instruments. Alas, these are copies that were included with all versions of this album. Our copy, however, was a first press with a stamped red title on the front cover. Other versions came with blue, black or purple lettering.
7 - The Beatles - Abbey Road - Early Issue
Possibly a first pressing, certainly a very early pressing, this copy of Abbey Road by The Beatles came to us in brilliant EX/EX condition. The earliest issues of Abbey Road can be recognised by the alignment of the 'apple' on the back of the sleeve, and the presence of "Her Majesty" on the back of the sleeve. Learn more here.
6 - U2 - Boy - Second Press - Signed
Not typically producing the rarest records, this U2 release is of particular interest, because it was signed! We purchased it alongside a couple of other signed U2 items from a fan who had got them signed by the band many years ago. Without the signatures, this is a very run of the mill US release, typically selling around the £10 mark. It's always exciting to come across signed items, as it often means there's a good story behind it. We love to learn about the history behind the collections we purchase. Sell your collection.
5 - Yaggfu Front - Action Packed Adventure!
Something a bit different, this hip hop release dates from the mid 90s. With no more copies currently available on Discogs, it certainly makes sense that this one sold quickly. A reissue of this album with a bonus 7" single was pressed in 2024, but limited to 300 copies, meaning it too is very highly sought after.
4 - Radiohead - In Rainbows - Box Set - Limited
Stacked with extra items including CDs, a booklet and a solid outer box, this special early edition of this album was released in the year of initial release, 2007. Our copy was pressed by MPO, a French physical media pressing company. The other original issue which isn't quite as rare was pressed by Record Industry (Netherlands) and Sound Performance (UK).
3 - Uriah Heep - Salisbury - First Press
Another LP featuring the iconic Vertigo swirl inner and label, this album was released in 1971. This is the second month in a row that a first pressing of this album has appeared on our top ten list! The album was re-released later in 1971 when the band signed to Bronze Records for their third LP, "Look At Yourself." This album features a mirrored square on the album cover, which always makes for an interesting experience when we come to taking photos for our listings.
2 - Pink Floyd - The Wall - First Press
Taking the number two spot for the second month in a row, here we have another first press of The Wall with an original title sticker. The easiest indication of a first pressing is that the band members are not listed inside the gatefold. Instead, it just says "Words and Music - Roger Waters. Except..."
1 - Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin II - First Press
And onto the rarest record sold in October... tough to come by in decent condition, this is a first pressing of II by Led Zeppelin. All first presses of this album feature a misprint on the side two label, stating "Livin Lovin Wreck." "Wreck" was replaced with "Maid" on later versions. There are a couple of other minor adjustments to song titles on later pressings, but the Wreck/Maid difference is the easiest indicator.
