
The world of rare vinyl goes far beyond classic rock and jazz – some records push the boundaries of what we consider music or even physical media. These unusual releases combine oddball concepts, bizarre formats, and sometimes downright strange content that make them highly sought-after by collectors who appreciate the eccentric side of recorded sound.
Records That Redefined Weird
- The “Nothing” Record (1978)
- The Concept: A completely blank record by The Dead Kennedys’ label Alternative Tentacles
- Why Valuable: Satirical commentary on the music industry; only 300 pressed
- Current Value: $800-$1,200
- Fun Fact: Came with instructions to “play at any speed”
- “The Lincolnshire Poacher” Numbers Station Vinyl (1980s)
- The Concept: Actual recordings of mysterious shortwave radio spy transmissions
- Why Valuable: Pressed in tiny quantities for intelligence community use
- Current Value: $3,000+ (if you can find one)
- Creepy Detail: Features the haunting folk tune used by British spies
Unusual Physical Formats
- The Playable Tattoo Record (2016)
- The Concept: A real skin tattoo that contains playable grooves
- Why Valuable: Only 5 were ever made (and they actually play)
- Current Value: Priceless (one sold for $25,000)
- Technical Note: Requires special microscope needle to play
- “The Square Record” (1959)
- The Concept: A perfectly square vinyl that somehow plays
- Why Valuable: Early experiment in format-breaking design
- Current Value: $2,500-$4,000
- Warning: Wears out needles incredibly fast
Bizarre Content Records
- “The Pope Smokes Dope” (1967)
- The Concept: Anonymous psychedelic satire album
- Why Valuable: Banned in 14 countries immediately after release
- Current Value: $1,500-$2,500
- Mystery: Still no confirmation who actually recorded it
- “The Sounds of Mars” (1971 NASA Pressing)
- The Concept: Alleged recordings from Mars Viking lander
- Why Valuable: Only given to NASA scientists (turned out to be Earth sounds)
- Current Value: $5,000+
- Irony: The “Mars winds” were actually desert winds from New Mexico
Where to Find the Strange Stuff
Specialist Dealers
- Rare Weirdness: WFMU Record Fair (New Jersey)
- Experimental Sounds: Reckless Records (Chicago)
- Oddities: Mole Listening Pearls (Germany)
Online Sources
- Strange vinyl collector forums
- Obscure pressings on Discogs
- Paranormal memorabilia auctions
Why Collect the Weird Stuff?
These records represent:
- The outer limits of recording technology
- Forgotten cultural oddities
- Physical artifacts of bizarre moments in history
- The sheer joy of owning something truly unique
For collectors tired of the same old rare pressings, these strange discs offer something genuinely different. They prove that in the world of vinyl records, reality is often stranger than fiction – and sometimes much more valuable.