The Vinyl Records That Might Be Urban Legends
The world of rare vinyl is filled with whispered rumors, disputed sightings, and records so elusive that some question whether they exist at all. These are the holy grails that collectors obsess over—albums and singles said to have been pressed in minuscule quantities, destroyed before release, or perhaps never made at all. Some have been hunted for decades, with only blurry photos and secondhand stories as evidence. Here are the most infamous vinyl records that straddle the line between myth and reality.
Prince – The Black Album (1987 Original Pressing)
Prince famously withdrew The Black Album just before its release, ordering all copies destroyed due to a personal crisis. A few allegedly survived, and bootlegs have circulated for years. But an original sealed copy has never been verified, leading some to believe the official vinyl pressing was entirely scrapped.
The Sex Pistols – God Save the Queen (A&M 1977 Test Pressing)
After signing with A&M Records, the Sex Pistols pressed a small batch of God Save the Queen singles before being dropped by the label. Most were destroyed, but collectors swear a handful of test pressings escaped. None have been definitively authenticated, making this one of punk’s greatest mysteries.
Bob Dylan – The Royal Albert Hall Concert (1966 Original Bootleg)
This legendary recording of Dylan’s electric transition was bootlegged so early that some claim original vinyl pressings predate official releases. A few collectors insist they’ve seen copies from 1966 or 1967, but no verifiable proof exists.
Jimi Hendrix – The First Rays of the New Rising Sun (Pre-Death Mixes)
Hendrix was working on this album at the time of his death, and some claim early test pressings with his intended tracklist exist. No such vinyl has ever been confirmed, leaving fans to wonder if these mixes were ever physically pressed.
The Beach Boys – Smile (1966 Original Version)
Brian Wilson’s abandoned masterpiece was nearly finished before being shelved. Rumors persist that a handful of acetates or test pressings were made, but none have surfaced. The 2011 official release reconstructed the album, but the original vinyl remains a myth.
The Velvet Underground – The Lost 1966 Scepter Studios Album
Before The Velvet Underground & Nico, the band recorded an earlier version of their debut at Scepter Studios. Some claim test pressings were made, but no copies have ever been found. Bootlegs exist from tape sources, but the original vinyl is a ghost.
The Wu-Tang Clan – Once Upon a Time in Shaolin (The Single-Copy Album)
In 2015, Wu-Tang Clan created a one-of-a-kind album, sold to a private buyer for millions. While not an urban legend, its existence raises questions—will it ever be heard publicly? And could unauthorized pressings exist in secret?
Why Do These Legends Persist?
The allure of undiscovered music drives collectors to chase shadows. Some myths stem from mislabeled bootlegs, while others may be elaborate hoaxes. But the possibility that a lost record exists—waiting in an attic or thrift store—keeps the hunt alive.
How to Spot a Vinyl Urban Legend
No Verified Copies – If no collector can prove ownership, skepticism is warranted.
Bootlegs Muddy the Waters – Many myths arise from unofficial pressings mistaken for originals.
The "Friend of a Friend" Story – Most legends rely on hearsay rather than hard evidence.
The Thrill of the Chase
Even if these records don’t exist, the stories behind them enrich music history. Collectors will keep searching, and maybe—just maybe—one day, a sealed copy of Carnival of Light or the original Smile will emerge from the shadows.
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