Ultimate Gift Guide for Vinyl Enthusiasts
This festive season, why not surprise the vinyl enthusiast in your life with a truly unforgettable gift? Whether they’re a die-hard collector or just starting their journey into the world of records, Graham Budd Auctions’ Vinyl & Pop Culture Auction is the perfect place to find something extraordinary.
This auction is a dream for music fans, offering rare finds: from first pressings to limited editions, iconic albums from legendary artists across genres—from The Beatles to David Bowie—and plenty of nostalgia!
We asked Graham Budd’s vinyl specialist, John Garrett, for his top picks…
David Bowie – Five Years 1969–1973 Vinyl Box Set (Estimate £700 - £1000)
Step into the formative years of David Bowie’s career with this stunning vinyl box set, Five Years 1969–1973. Released in 2015 by Parlophone Records, this collection captures Bowie’s meteoric rise to stardom, featuring remastered editions of iconic albums like Space Oddity, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Aladdin Sane, and more.
The set also includes live recordings from Santa Monica ‘72, the Ziggy Stardust motion picture soundtrack, and the compilation Re:Call 1, making it an essential addition for fans. Accompanied by a beautifully hardbound presentation book, this box set offers unparalleled insight into Bowie’s creative brilliance during this groundbreaking era.
While the box shows minor edge wear, the vinyl and book are in excellent condition—ready to take pride of place in any collection.
Alice Cooper – I’m Eighteen Promo 45 RPM Single (1971) (Estimate £140 - £200)
For Alice Cooper fans and vinyl collectors, this rare 1971 promo single of I’m Eighteen, backed with Body, is a true gem. Released on Straight Records, it captures the raw energy of Cooper’s early years and the rebellious spirit of a track that became an anthem for generations.
While housed in a non-original plain paper sleeve, the solid centre vinyl shows only a few light marks and hairline scratches—impressive for a piece of its vintage.
This is a rare opportunity to own a promotional pressing of a track that defined the early ‘70s rock scene, making it an essential addition for any serious collector of classic rock memorabilia.
Elvis Presley – No. 2 (HMV Records, 1957) Estimate £100 - £200
No gift guide is complete without the King! This rare pressing of Elvis Presley No. 2 is a cornerstone of rock 'n' roll history. Released in 1957 on HMV Records, this album captures Elvis at the height of his early career, shaping a genre that would change music forever.
Despite its age and wear—rips, creases, and tape repairs on the sleeve, with noticeable hairline scratches on the vinyl—this piece remains a remarkable collectible.
Professionally cleaned, the record plays well, offering that unmistakable crackle and pop that brings a nostalgic charm. Listening to this nearly 70-year-old landmark release is more than just playing an album; it’s stepping into the roots of rock 'n' roll and experiencing the raw energy that defined a generation.
Oasis – Making History Double Album (White Vinyl) Estimate £40-£50
Capture the essence of Britpop with this unofficial release of Oasis's legendary 1996 Knebworth concert. Pressed on pristine white vinyl, the Making History double album is in excellent condition, free from visible marks or scratches. This recording immortalises a pivotal moment in music history, where Oasis performed to over 250,000 fans, defining an era.
With Oasis's highly anticipated reunion tour, Oasis Live '25, set to commence in July 2025, interest in their memorabilia is surging. Collectors are increasingly seeking rare items, and the value of such pieces is expected to rise as the tour approaches.
Adam Faith – "Cowman, Milk Your Cow" (1967 Advanced Demonstration Copy) - Estimate £600 - £800
Delve into a unique fusion of British pop and psychedelia with this rare 1967 advanced demonstration copy of Adam Faith's "Cowman, Milk Your Cow," backed with "Daddy, What'll Happen to Me." Pressed by Parlophone Records, this green-label demo features a prominent white 'A' and the inscription "DEMONSTRATION RECORD – NOT FOR SALE," complete with a pop-out centre and housed in a generic paper sleeve.
The vinyl is in VG condition, exhibiting only light marks and paper scuffs, with a bright sheen indicative of careful preservation. This track represents a distinctive departure from Faith's earlier work, embracing a psychedelic rock sound penned by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees. The recording features contributions from The Roulettes and guitar work by Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, with backing vocals by the Gibb brothers and a bridge section duet between Faith and Robin Gibb. This demonstration copy is an exceptionally hard-to-find gem, offering a glimpse into Faith's experimental phase and the collaborative spirit of 1960s British rock.
For those seeking unique gifts or standout additions to their own collection, the Graham Budd Auctions Vinyl & Pop Culture Timed Auction is unmissable.
Running from 5th to 15th December 2024, it features an incredible selection of rare items: advanced promotional singles from the late 1960s, first pressings, Dave Rotheray's harmonium, an early 1960s Burns Sonic Bass, Rick Sanders' original manuscript on Pink Floyd, and much more.
Explore the full catalogue and bid to own a piece of music history this festive season! 🎶
