The album that launched one of the most iconic music careers of all time. Bob Dylan's self-titled first album released in 1962. The most valuable albums from Dylan’s debut record are stereo copies still in the original shrink wrap. Obviously these are extremely rare and don’t come up for sale very often. After that, collectors flock to the “Demonstration Record” versions that are stamped on the album cover and vinyl discs. There is a “6 Eyes” version that is in shorter supply. The more common “2 Eye” version is still valuable, often selling for $40 - $60 depending on condition. Well listened copies usually sell for around $20 - $30.
Sold: November 2022
Stereo Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CS 8579
This auction of Bob Dylan's first album featured a near-mint copy still sealed in original factory shrink wrap.
Sold: March 2022
Stereo Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CS 8579
Parts of the orignial shrink wrap still remain in tact on this lightly used original 1962 Bob Dylan self-titled vinyl album.
Sold: December 2022
Mono Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CS 1779
These "demonstration" versions were meant for radio stations. The back of the vinyl album sleeve is stamped "Demonstration Not For Sale." Disc also are stamped: "Demonstration Record." A sticker on the front album that says "A new star of Columbia records."
Sold: November 2022
Stereo Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CS 8579
This version of Bob Dylan's self titled 1962 vinyl record album features 6 Eyes on each side of the vinyl records label. This version is more rare than the mass produced "2 Eye" version.
Sold: March 2022
Mono Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CS 1779
These "demonstration" versions were meant for radio stations. This version features the silver "A New Star On Columbia Records" sticker on the back of the albums cover. Demonstration is stamped on the album cover reverse as well as the vinyl record discs.
Sold: December 2022
Mono Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CS 1779
Original mono-press version, still in its original shrink wrap. Album has a record store $2.77 price tag stapled to the front jacket - a common practice in those days.
The album that made Bob Dylan famous worldwide. Features the iconic hit and opening track "Blowin in the Wind." What makes some versions of the record more valuable than others is if the album is in stereo or mono - and more importantly if it’s a rare “first pressing” which contains songs not released on subsequent pressings. On rare versions of The Freewheelin Bob Dylan vinyl record each side of the disc will contain 2 tracks which were deleted from later pressings. On side one: “Rocks and Gravel” - also known as “Solid Road” along with “Let Me Die in My Footsteps” appear. On side two “Gamblin’ Willie’s Dead Man’s Hand” - also known as “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Willie” and the controversial track “Talkin’ John Birch Blues” also known as “Talkin’ John Birch Society Blues” and “Talkin’ John Birch Paranoid Blues” and “Talkin’ John Birch” tracks appear.
These Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan albums are so rare, it’s believed they weren’t distributed much farther than the West Coast of the United States. The easiest way to determine if you’re lucky enough to have one of these collector items is the serial number on the disc itself. The rare stereo versions will have XSM-58719-1A on side one and XSM-58720-1A on side two. Less rare versions will have XSM-58720-2A. The rare Mono versions will have XLP-58717-1A on side one and XLP-58718-1A on side two of the vinyl disc.
Common versions of the album in mono can fetch between $30 - $100 at auction depending on condition.
Sold: July 2022
Stereo Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CS 8786
Likely the most valuable Bob Dylan record album sold to date. This one is the rare stereo version with the 4 deleted tracks described above. It's believed that just 3 are known to exist. The condition wasn't perfect, with some original owners writing on the front and back album cover.
Sold: March 2022
Mono Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CS 1986
Mono version of the album described above with 4 deleted tracks early in the pressing. Believed to only be produced in the 100 of copies. This one still had original shrinkwrap still intact - with a cutout opening to remove the disc.
Sold: November 2022
Mono Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CS 1986
Mono version with the 4 deleted tracks. This one lacked the original shrinkwrap that sold for $30,000 in March 2022 (that's some expensive plastic).
Sold: March 2022
Mono Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CS 1986
Mono version with timing strip that features the 4 deleted tracks. Stamped "Demonstratoin Not For Sale" on back - vinyl record discs feature a white label.
Sold: November 2022
Mono Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CS 1986
Signed by Bob Dylan in the summer of 2009 - with COA. No disc was included in the auction.
Sold: November 2019
Pressed in the 1970's by a CBS Records employee - allegedly just two were made.
Sold: November 2022
Stereo Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CS 8786
More rare stereo vinyl record - but also contains two different hype stickers. One says "Singing his sensational hit Blowing in the Wind" - the other in the top right advertising Columbia branded phonographs.
Sold: November 2022
Mono Vinyl Frech Press Version CBS, CS 62193
Very rare disc made for the France market with different cover fonts & title.
Common The Times They Are A-Changin' LPs from the original time period usually sell between $30 - $100 depending on condition. More valuable versions are the radio station LPs that have timing strips on the front cover.
Sold: April 2022
Stereo Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CS 8905
Stereo LP vinyl signed by Bob Dylan with a JSA COA.
Sold: March 2022
Mono Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CL 2105
Rare mono edition with radio station/DJ timing strip. Album has white labels.
Sold: November 2022
French Vinyl LP Version, CBS 62 251
Album cover says "Mister Bob Dylan" with only the title "Times They Are A-Changin'" referenced on teh back cover and spine. Discs have orange labels.
"Blonde on Blonde," released in 1966, is one of Bob Dylan's most acclaimed and influential albums. Marking a significant departure from traditional folk music, this album is often celebrated for its innovative blend of rock, blues, folk, and surreal, poetic lyrics. It's Dylan's seventh studio album and was one of the first double albums in rock music.
The album was recorded in Nashville, which was a departure from the New York recording scene Dylan was accustomed to. This move brought a distinct country and blues feel to the album, aided by session musicians who were part of the Nashville sound, including notable figures like guitarist Charlie McCoy and bassist Henry Strzelecki.
"Blonde on Blonde" features a range of musical styles. It opens with "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35," known for its rollicking, brass-band sound and its chorus, "Everybody must get stoned." This track sets the tone for an album that's both musically diverse and lyrically complex. Songs like "Visions of Johanna" and "I Want You" display Dylan's unique lyrical prowess, blending personal introspection with broader social and philosophical themes.
The album also includes longer, more narrative-driven songs such as "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands," an epic 11-minute ballad that takes up the entire fourth side of the double album. This song, in particular, is often cited for its lyrical beauty and complexity.
"Blonde on Blonde" was released to critical acclaim and has since been lauded as one of the greatest albums of all time. It represents a pivotal moment in Dylan's career and in the broader landscape of 1960s music, encapsulating the experimental spirit of the era. The album's fusion of poetic lyricism with rock and roll instrumentation had a significant influence on the direction of popular music in the years that followed.
Common versions of the album in mono can fetch between $XXX - $XXX at auction depending on condition.
Sold: March 2023
Stereo Vinyl LP Version Columbia, CL 2516
This is as a white label promo meant for DJ's/Radio stations. The discs feature white lables with black lettering. The jacket features a DJ timing strip securely attached to the gatefold jacket. The jacket itself is in VG-EX 6 condition, while the records range from EX 7 to NM 8 in terms of their condition.
Sold: November 2023
Stereo Vinyl LP Version Columbia, C2S 841
This sealed version of the iconic double-LP comes with an original hype sticker. It has been encapsulated by Vintage Media Grading (VMG). The album's jacket has received a grade of 8.0, the spine a higher grade of 9.0, and the seal also holds a grade of 8.0, leading to an overall rating of 8.0 (EX).
Sold: March 2023
Stereo Vinyl LP Version Columbia, MFSL 3-45009
This is a 2013 reissue of the 1966 original Dylan classic, presented as an Original Master Recording Sealed Vinyl Box Set. Still in its original factory seal, it's a numbered edition, with the number 02168 hand written on the back. The box itself is in NM 8 condition. Unsealed versions are worth $50 - $60