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The Complete Guide to Collecting My Bloody Valentine on Vinyl

My Bloody Valentine revolutionized alternative rock with their groundbreaking shoegaze sound, making their vinyl releases among the most sought-after in modern music collecting. From the seismic 'Loveless' to the long-awaited 'm b v', their limited discography commands premium prices and passionate devotion from collectors worldwide.

Active 1983-present
Origin Ireland

Essential My Bloody Valentine Albums on Vinyl

The cornerstone of any collection is 'Loveless' (1991), widely considered one of the greatest albums ever made and essential on vinyl for its dense, immersive production. 'Isn't Anything' (1988) represents their breakthrough and is equally crucial for understanding their sonic evolution. The EP compilation 'EP's 1988-1991' captures their creative peak between albums, while 'm b v' (2013) ended a 22-year silence and deserves a place in every serious collection. Don't overlook early releases like 'Ecstasy and Wine' (1987) for a complete picture of their development.

Rare and Valuable Pressings

Original UK Creation Records pressings of 'Loveless' from 1991 are the holy grail, particularly first pressings with the CRE LP 060 catalog number and specific matrix etchings. First pressings of 'Isn't Anything' on Creation (CRELP 040) similarly command high prices, especially in excellent condition with original inner sleeves. The original 'You Made Me Realise' EP (1988) and 'Feed Me With Your Kiss' (1988) on Creation are increasingly rare and valuable. Japanese pressings from the early '90s often feature superior vinyl quality and additional inserts, making them desirable alternatives. The 2012 reissues overseen by Kevin Shields are sonically excellent but lack the collectibility of originals.

Collecting Tips

Authenticate original Creation pressings by checking matrix runout etchings and verifying the specific catalog numbers against discography databases like Discogs. Look for the distinctive Creation Records label design and quality of the inner sleeves, which often featured band photography or artwork. Be cautious of the numerous reissues and bootlegs, particularly of 'Loveless'—original pressings have specific weight and feel that experienced collectors recognize. Matrix numbers in the deadwax are crucial: original UK 'Loveless' pressings typically show specific codes that vary between side A and B.

Price Guide and Market Trends

Original UK pressings of 'Loveless' in VG+ or better condition regularly sell for $200-500, with mint copies exceeding $800. First pressings of 'Isn't Anything' typically range from $150-350 depending on condition. Original Creation EPs can fetch $50-150 each, with 'You Made Me Realise' at the higher end. The market has steadily appreciated over the past decade as shoegaze's influence has grown, making My Bloody Valentine vinyl a solid investment for collectors who prioritize both musical and financial value.

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FAQ: My Bloody Valentine Vinyl

What is the most valuable My Bloody Valentine vinyl? The most valuable My Bloody Valentine vinyl is an original 1991 UK first pressing of 'Loveless' on Creation Records (CRE LP 060) in near-mint condition, which can sell for $800-1200. Particularly sought-after are copies with specific matrix variants and original inner sleeves intact. Early test pressings or promotional copies with unique characteristics can command even higher prices among serious collectors. The value is driven by both the album's legendary status and the relatively limited original pressing quantities.
How to identify a first pressing? To identify a first pressing of 'Loveless', check for the Creation Records catalog number CRE LP 060 and examine the matrix runout etchings in the deadwax, which should match documented first pressing codes. Original UK pressings were manufactured at specific plants, and the matrix will reflect this. The label should be the classic Creation design from 1991, and the sleeve should be a gatefold with specific printing characteristics. For 'Isn't Anything', look for CRELP 040 with corresponding matrix numbers. Cross-reference all details with comprehensive discography databases and compare with verified copies.
Where to buy My Bloody Valentine vinyl? Discogs is the primary marketplace for My Bloody Valentine vinyl, offering verified seller ratings and detailed pressing information. Specialized independent record stores often stock both originals and reissues, particularly shops focusing on shoegaze, indie, and alternative rock. Online retailers like eBay can yield finds but require careful authentication of pressings. For rare original pressings, consider record fairs and collector conventions where you can physically inspect condition. The official My Bloody Valentine reissues are available through standard retailers and offer excellent sound quality at accessible prices for those prioritizing listening over collecting.

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