If you’ve ever owned—or even held—one of these original pressings, consider yourself lucky. Most fans never even saw them.
The year 2000 marked the peak of the CD era, leaving many albums either initially unpressed on vinyl or released in highly limited quantities. So what are the best vinyl to own? Here are a few records whose first pressings have become rare collector’s gems.
A genre-blurring fever dream, Midnite Vultures saw Beck at his most eccentric, blending funk, R&B, and electronic elements into a wild, almost satirical party album. While it was initially overlooked compared to Odelay, the album has since gained a cult following. The original 180g vinyl was only pressed once, making any additional copies extremely hard to find.
White Pony was the album that redefined Deftones, pushing them beyond nu-metal into an ethereal, genre-bending space. With haunting melodies and heavy, atmospheric guitars, it remains a landmark release. The rare promotional edition, pressed on red transparent vinyl, was never available for retail sale, making it a true collector’s item.
A grand, theatrical statement from Billy Corgan & Co., Machina / The Machines of God divided fans upon release but has since been re-evaluated as one of the band’s most ambitious works. Despite its significance, the album has never been reissued on vinyl, making original pressings increasingly rare and expensive. After years of speculation of a reissue and an expansive boxset, it has never materialized, so the one original pressing remains one of the most elusive Smashing Pumpkins records to own.
Elliott Smith’s final album before his passing, Figure 8, is a beautifully intricate and melancholic record that showcased his most expansive production to date. Limited in quantity, the original pressing remains the best-sounding version, with a warmth that later reissues haven’t quite captured.
A landmark in post-rock, Ágætis Byrjun introduced the world to Sigur Rós’ otherworldly soundscapes, blending ethereal vocals with sweeping instrumentation. While the album has seen many vinyl reissues over the years, only the original first pressing features a slightly different version of the artwork, with the fetus in a different position.
These rare first pressings serve as a reminder of vinyl’s enduring appeal—offering a depth, warmth, and authenticity that digital formats can sometimes lack. Bridging the heritage of analog with modern innovation, Wrensilva redefines the record listening experience. A HiFi record player is more than a means to listen—it’s a statement of appreciation for artistry.
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