The Non-Expert Guide to Record Collecting + 15 Albums to Get You Started
I remember the first time I saw it. It sat there on an empty shelf in a Walmart with a yellow clearance sticker attached to the corner of the box. The Ion turntable sat lonely, like it was waiting for me.
Too dramatic?
I thought so. Sorry, I will reel it back in.
That single purchase led to me dragging out my parents’ personal collection, numerous trips to local record stores and even stops on vacations to search for vinyl.
In all honesty, that box would change my life. It would offer me comfort, entertainment and allow me to reach a new level of appreciation for the art of music.
So, You Purchased Your Turntable, Now What?
Congrats! You bought your first turntable (or first in a while), and you are looking for suggestions about what recordings to add to your collection.
One thing you learn early on when collecting vinyl records is to appreciate the recording. It may be your favorite song or band in the world, but if the production value of the album is lacking, so will your listening experience. I have purchased several copies of popular albums that are muffled and have the vocals sporadically going in an out.
With older pressings you may encounter crackles and pops. This might be great for nostalgia but can put your stylus (needle) at risk. Static brushes and a quick cleaning can help minimize this.
There is also a difference in Mono and Stereo recordings. If you are not familiar with the terms, this article offers a great explanation. I actually prefer mono recordings of jazz vocalists. You can hear fun things, like artists speaking to the band in between recordings.
I made a quick video on vinyl collecting. You can watch that video here.
So, What Albums Do I Add To The Cart?
The vinyl you should add to your collection are the albums that speak to you. Maybe it’s your favorite song, maybe it brings back memories or maybe it is simply the artwork on the cover. You learn and discover as you go along. You will have some duds, some hidden treasures and everything in between.
There is a life lesson somewhere in that last paragraph.
A Little Help Please!
Maybe you have already purchased your first record or maybe you have no idea where to start. While asking me to nail down my absolute favorite recording is impossible (seriously, this selection is hard enough), here are 15 albums I think you will be happy to add to your collection. An Amazon link is attached to each title. This is so you can have a visual reference on your next vinyl outing (no affiliation, strictly reference).
“Stardust” By Willie Nelson
This album is quintessential Willie. There is not much more I can say about this album.
“Stardust” is dreamy. You feel like you could be walking down the street in a Norah Ephron film.
Not your thing? See, I told you that you will have to find out for yourself. Also, don’t let my rom-com dreams dissuade you, the song is beautiful.
“Georgia on My Mind” is a classic and “September Song” is one of the most tender recordings I have ever heard from Willie.
“Abraxas” By Santana
One of the first records that I bought after getting my turntable was Santana’s “Abraxas” album.
This album is the best of what makes Santana great. It has all the hits and is a quality listening experience.
“Black Magic Woman” is one of my favorites. It is a good representation of the instrumentals and the cymbals throughout add to the ambiance of the song.
“Samba Pa Ti” is another great instrumental on this album. The guitar does most of the talking and it speaks volumes. It is also a great way to test the quality of your speakers.
“Ella Live In Berlin” By Ella Fitzgerald
I own several pressings of Ella’s recordings.
Another helpful tip I can give you is that if you like an older artist, listen to recordings of them at different ages. Ella’s voice only got better as she aged.
One of my favorite albums of Ella is her live recording from Berlin. You get to hear her speak and introduce the songs. It makes the listening experience a bit more intimate. As someone who used to sing and perform, the effortlessness of the way she transitions from speaking to singing is incredible. It is no easy task, and she of course does it with ease and grace, just like she did everything else.
“How High the Moon” is high energy and features a lengthy skat sequence.
“Mack the Knife” is a song you probably attribute to Bobby Darin. Ella takes the song and makes it all her own. She even forgets the lyrics to part of the song and still recovers.
I absolutely love George Gershwin. Ella’s rendition of “The Man I Love” is beautiful. The song seems like it was made for her.
*Note- If you see anything with Ella and Count Basie, just get it. It will be good. I promise.
“Let’s Be Still” By The Head And The Heart
I discovered The Head and The Heart on YouTube. They were performing under a stairwell, and I instantly loved their sound.
I love playing this album when the weather cools and the leaves begin to change color.
“Shake” “Let’s Be Still” and “Josh McBride” are great additions to any playlist.
“Rainbow Bridge” By Jimi Hendrix
I was traveling through Greensboro, N.C., and stopped at a local record store.
While I was picking out several albums, I noticed that they had Hendrix playing on the turntable. I really liked the album and ended up buying it by the end of the store visit. I had never done this before but have no regrets. The album is actually the soundtrack for a movie. It is well worth a listen and will be a great addition to any collection.
“Jimi Live in Monterey” is a staple of any good record collection. I have a remaster that was released for Record Store Day.
“The Wind Cries Mary” “Purple Haze” and “Like a Rolling Stone” are all included on this album.
“Metamorphosis” By Iron Butterfly
I found this vinyl in the dollar bin at a local store. I honestly purchased it because I liked the art deco album cover.
Now if the name Iron Butterfly doesn’t ring a bell, you might be more familiar with their lengthy hit, “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” which came out in 1968.
This album is somewhat a departure from their traditional style.
“Butterfly Bleu” is my favorite from this vinyl.
“Isaac Hayes Movement” By Isaac Hayes
You may recognize Hayes as the vocalist of the theme song for “Shaft,” but his album “The Isaac Hayes Movement” is great on its own.
It is as much a story, as an album.
Hayes deep vocals on “I Stand Accused” are something to behold. Originally co-written by Billy Butler and Jerry Butler, you know the song has to be good.
There are a total of 4 songs on the whole album and they are all worthy of a listen.
“Gentle Is My Love” By Nancy Wilson
Nancy Wilson is a vocal powerhouse. Her vocal style is timeless and will always be a great addition to your collection.
The first time I heard her voice was on a cassette tape of Christmas songs when I was little. “That’s What I Want for Christmas” will always be added to any Christmas music playlist I create.
I found this particular vinyl in a store with a love letter written on the cover. Being the romantic that I am, I had to add it to my collection.
The album features hits like “Gentle My Love” and “Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me).”
“Déjà Vu” By Crosby, Stills, Nash And Young
“Woodstock,” “Our House” and “Almost Cut My Hair” are just some of the hits from this classic rock album.
It is no secret that I am a huge C.S.N.Y fan and after you listen to this album, I am sure you will be too.
“With A Little Help From My Friends” By Joe Cocker
I have listened to this album over and over.
With vocal gems like “Bye Bye Blackbird” and “I Shall Be Released,” you will definitely be entertained.
Joe Cocker’s version of “With a Little Help From My Friends” is perfection.
To hear him restrain his voice in “I Shall Be Released” is interesting as well. With such a powerful voice, this is not an easy task.
“Blue” By Joni Mitchell
Oh, my goodness, I love Joni Mitchell.
I could go on and on about this album.
All of her songs are so poetic and speak of life and love. I have several of her albums and I don’t regret owning a single one.
Favorites from this album include “River,” “A Case of You” and “California.”
“What A Diff’rence A Day Makes” By Dinah Washington
Do you ever have a song that just continues to circle around in your head? You continue to sing or hum it in your mind without reason.
For me, that song is Dinah Washington’s “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes.”
It is beautifully performed.
Other favorite selections include “Cry Me a River,” “A Sunday Kind of Love” and “Time After Time.”
Dinah Washington also made several albums with Brook Benton. My favorite is “The Two of Us.” It features a great rendition of “Baby, You Got What It Takes.”
“The George Gershwin Songbook” By Sarah Vaughan
“Someone to Watch Over Me” has been one of my favorite songs since I first heard it in the film “Mr. Holland’s Opus.”
Sarah Vaughan’s version is heartbreakingly beautiful.
I was luckily able to find a brand-new pressing of this album on a record store visit. The vinyl set duo features selections from Gershwin. If you are a fan of jazz in any capacity, this album exceeds expectations.
I suggest listening to “The Man I Love” and “Love Walked In.”
“Abbey Road” By The Beatles
The Beatles are one of the most famous bands of all time. I own several pressings and it is really interesting to listen to their style evolve from catchy pop songs to more poetic folk rock.
“Abbey Road” is one of their later albums and features hits like “Here Comes the Sun” and “Something.”
“Good Morning Heartache” By Billie Holiday
This selection is a bit different because it features a song, rather than an album.
Billie is one of those artists who in my view, can do no wrong.
If you only listen to one song by Billie Holiday, please let it be “Good Morning Heartache.”
If you listen to this selection and feel no emotional response, I might be concerned.
Scratching The Surface
Listen, this by no means scratches the surface of all of the vinyl recordings I love. From Edith Piaf to Tiny Tim, I listen to a variety of artists. This list is merely a starting point and will allow you begin to explore.
You may have an album that you listen to once and then not touch it for years. Others you will wear out and have to purchase subsequent copies.
Have any suggestions? I would love to hear them.
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Meet Caitlin
Caitlin is a storyteller and photographer currently based in the coastal city of Wilmington, N.C.
A self-confessed romantic, she is a firm believer that there is good in the world.
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