Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones Among Most Collectible Records of All TIME

12/6/12

Kevin Winter / Slaven Vlasic, Getty Images

Who knows what rare and valuable records could be sitting on your shelves. A list on New York radio station WCBS-FM’s website uncovers some classic albums and singles that may look like they are run-of-the-mill, but are actually worth a good chunk of change.
Topping the list is the original pressing of Bob Dylan‘s second album, ‘The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.’ The album, which was released in 1963, contains the protest song, ‘Talkin’ John Birch Society Blues.’ The version was recalled on the eve of its release after Columbia Records feared litigation from the extremist right-wing group over the lyrics.
Three other songs, ‘Rambling Gambling Willie,’ ‘Rocks and Gravel’ and ‘Let Me Die in My Footsteps’ were also removed, and replaced by ‘Masters of War,’ Bob Dylan’s Dream,’ ‘Talkin’ World War III Blues’ and ‘Girl from the North Country.’ Columbia believed they had destroyed all copies, but several managed to escape and are now worth up to $20,000.
Slightly below ‘Freewheelin” at $18,000 is the picture sleeve of the Rolling Stones‘ 1968 single, ‘Street Fighting Man.’ The photographs on the sleeve depicts Los Angeles cops beating protestors during the 1966 Sunset Strip riots (the same events inspired Buffalo Springfield‘s classic ‘For What Its Worth,’ which recently came in at No. 75 on our list of the Top 100 Classic Rock Songs). The band’s label pulled the sleeve to avoid controversy.
So check out the complete list and then run to your vinyl collection to see if a big pay day is in your future.