Where Do You Start?
One of the most common questions we get at Sound Hound Records is: "I'm just getting into vinyl — what should I buy first?" It's a great question. Here are our picks — records that sound incredible on vinyl, hold their value, and never get old. Better yet, we have them all in stock right now.
70s Rock Essentials
Fleetwood Mac — Rumours (1977)
One of the best-produced albums of the decade. On a good pressing, the separation between instruments is stunning. This one belongs in every collection, full stop. We have a UK pressing in stock — one of the best-sounding editions available.
Led Zeppelin — IV (1971)
Four symbols. No band name on the cover. One of the greatest sides of vinyl ever cut. "When the Levee Breaks" alone justifies the purchase. Our gatefold copy is a beauty.
Pink Floyd — The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
The audiophile benchmark. If you want to show someone what vinyl can do, put this on. We have an original 1973 pressing with poster — a genuine piece of rock history.
Neil Young — Harvest (1972)
Warm, intimate, and beautifully recorded. Harvest is one of those records that sounds like the artist is in the room with you. Our gatefold copy is in excellent condition.
The Eagles — Hotel California (1976)
One of the defining albums of the 70s. We have a near mint gatefold copy with the original poster — a rare find in this condition.
Steely Dan — Aja (1977)
Possibly the most technically perfect album ever recorded. Hi-fi enthusiasts use this to test their systems. Our gatefold copy is a must for any serious collector.
Meat Loaf — Bat Out of Hell (1977, 1st Australian Pressing)
A local pressing of one of the biggest-selling albums of all time. Theatrical, enormous, and utterly unique. The Australian pressing has a warmth that later editions don't match.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience — Are You Experienced? (1969 Australian Pressing)
A landmark debut on an Australian pressing — these are increasingly hard to find in good condition. Ours is a genuine collector's piece.
John Farnham — Whispering Jack (1986)
The best-selling Australian album of all time. If you're building an Australian collection, this is non-negotiable. Our gatefold copy is in great shape.
80s Pop & Rock Essentials
Michael Jackson — Thriller (1982)
The best-selling album of all time. On vinyl, the production is extraordinary — every track is a single. Our gatefold copy is a classic.
Prince — Purple Rain (1984, Japanese Pressing with OBI)
Near mint, with the original OBI strip. Japanese pressings of this album are among the finest available — exceptional pressing quality and a stunning collector's item.
Dire Straits — Brothers in Arms (1985)
One of the first albums mastered for CD, but it sounds extraordinary on vinyl. "Money for Nothing", "So Far Away" — a record that rewards repeated listening.
Bon Jovi — Slippery When Wet (1986)
Pure 80s rock at its peak. "Livin' on a Prayer", "You Give Love a Bad Name" — this album defined a generation. A great addition to any collection.
John Farnham — Whispering Jack (1986)
The best-selling Australian album of all time. If you're building an Australian collection, this is non-negotiable. Our gatefold copy is in great shape.
Timeless Additions
The Beatles — Abbey Road (1969, Japanese Pressing)
The final recorded Beatles album, and one of the greatest. Our Japanese pressing is a beautifully made copy of an untouchable classic.
Carole King — Tapestry (1971, Australian Press)
Intimate, warm, and beautifully recorded. Our near mint Australian pressing is a joy to own — and a great example of local pressing quality.
Queen — A Night at the Opera (1975)
"Bohemian Rhapsody" alone earns this a place on the list. The embossed gatefold cover is one of the most striking sleeves in rock history.
Browse the Full Collection
These are just a few highlights from our Essential Albums collection. All graded honestly, all ready to play. If you're after a specific title or pressing, get in touch — we'll do our best to track it down.