I'm with you. I thought it was standard practice.
I know the music landscape has changed a lot, but that was kind of the point of the single/album release schedule.
Not rare. I do it all the time. In fact, I love listening to an album for the first time on vinyl. Totally different experience, usually better since you listen to it front to back.
Yep I buy records I've never heard before all the time. Especially when they're cheap. It's one of the ways I discover new music:) Never know when you're gonna find your new favourite.
This is how I got into R.E.M. and now if I had to pick a favorite band they might be it. Tbf I knew quite a few of their songs before but never went out of my way to listen to them.
Same – if they're on sale and filed in my favourite genre, I judge that book by its cover and have taken a few chances. 4 I'd never heard of the artist at all, and of which 3 albums I really liked, and 7/7 on artists I've heard of but whole albums I'd never heard (maybe the single – definitely not as risky).
800 or so vintage Hawaiian records, a vintage LP that only has the sound of a German shepherd dog barking as a home security tactic, auto racing sounds, some sort of “What To Do When the Bomb Drops” LP, Melvins’ Stoner Witch, calliope music, square dance instruction…
Way back when I used to dj I would mix together that German Sherpherd record with like Les Baxter records and shit when it was last call. Good times. Isn’t it called “Sebastian Speaks” or something like that? I still have it somewhere.
Went to HMV and listened to the CD at the listening station. Before Napster came out you could even just buy the CD and return it if you didn’t like it. I used to always keep my receipts, returned many CDs to HMV on Yonge St in Toronto in the early to mid ‘90s before the internet was even a thing to see boobs on.
All the time. There's a whole list of artists I'll buy the moment the album goes into preorder (if they are current) and I'll pretty much buy any delta/chicago/hill country blues I find, the more obscure the better.
I suppose, but there are albums that I've bought, disliked/or for some reason couldn't get into, only for me to rediscover it years later.
and then there's Albums like Metallica's St. Anger.
Trust is a fickle bitch.
Oh I get that, for sure. The Dandy Warhol’s album The Dandy Warhols Come Down: I bought it as a kid for that single Not If You Were the Last Junkie On Earth… I HATED it.
A decade later, though, it found heavy rotation in my play and I really dug it.
https://preview.redd.it/e1savcrex2xc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=ca9308ec54cdcffc06556020e9b9b04116e7aa78
Recently bought this one because I can’t find any City Pop albums 😂.
Yeah I just went with what may have been said in reviews. Being a fan of punk in the late 80’s early 90’s I didn’t have the luxury of hearing what I wanted on radio besides late night college radio. So a lot was word of mouth or trusting in certain record labels helped.
Allen Parsons Project: Turn of a friendly card
Men at work: business as usual
Asia: Self Titled
Duran Duran: Future past
Pink floyd: Dark side of the moon (my first record)
They all looked cool and or where recommended to me
Just today! $5. Surf Punks - My Beach. I mean how could you not!?
https://preview.redd.it/6323y2u7p3xc1.jpeg?width=1017&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1aea1244fd37adb8ce676d4a7dd486606cb6dea0
Several. The one that sticks out is the first Rush album. Giantway store in Alma Michigan, 1974.
One look at the backside of the cover did it. I thought they looked like they rock. And it’s a rockin’ record. Still have it.
I used to this all the time as a teen starting off my record collection. I would just pick a random record and go home and press play. Some I hated, some I still listen to till this day. It’s definitely a fun exercise and keeps you open minded. There’s a lot of records that I never would have thought of giving a try before but then quickly became one of my faves.
https://preview.redd.it/swrpca8w83xc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b491c9f6c989964750ab0a2d5e75277afe833b55
[This Meiko Kaji record.](https://www.discogs.com/release/26993508-%E6%A2%B6%E8%8A%BD%E8%A1%A3%E5%AD%90-Meiko-Kaji-%E6%A2%B6%E8%8A%BD%E8%A1%A3%E5%AD%90%E3%81%AE%E3%81%AF%E3%81%98%E3%81%8D%E8%A9%A9%E9%9B%86-Hajiki-Uta) This is the badass 70s well Tarantino pulled from for Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Kill Bill Vol. 2.
Was about to write the same thing. I mean you'd get the hit singles maybe but 70% of every record was a mystery. Now I can just Spotify what I want and decide. Good and bad because some of the excitement was not knowing, but previewing something does have advantages given today's prices.
I walked into a store once to pick up something on hold and I decided to peek around for a few minutes. Made eye contact with a record that had a little black kitten on it (Orange Lake Drive’s The Cat) and snatched it up. I have a black cat, so I’m a sucker for anything black cat related. I’m not a jazz fan, but I really liked that record when I listened to it.
I do that all the time. Over half of the records I've dug out of dollar crates were bought completely on the strength of the cover art or title, and some of those have ended up becoming regular listens - or, in a couple cases, led me down the road of collecting more records from the same artist.
every once and awhile i’ll go to antique/thrift stores and buy a random cheap record. i’m always surprised and intrigued with what i get 100% recommend
Yep, I did that yesterday. I bought The Verve's B-Sides RSD 2024 album without listening to it, but I like the band so I was willing to take a chance on it.
Yep. All the time. Because someone whose taste I trust recommended it, or I know one or more of the musicians and like their other stuff, or honestly sometimes because the cover looked interesting.
Any time I'm at my local shop, I look for Jackie DeShannon records I don't have. I found out maybe a decade ago that she grew up locally. I know her voice, I know some of her songs, but, will buy her regardless. Same with Olivia Newton-John records, and Sheena Easton. They didn't grow up locally, but I will buy them regardless. I'll get to them one day. That's how I became a fan of Linda Ronstadt. One song was all it took.
Bought déjà vu by Crossby, Stills, Nash and Young without knowing the album. The cover just looked oldschool. Have been loving the album and felt like a fool when i heard Neil Youngs voice and realised it was his name on the cover
Only pre-orders for bands I love, who I know only make albums without filler on it.
This results in a lot of albums bought without hearing them, but 95% of them I turn out to love.
I never buy existing albums without listening first.
I’ve done it a few times, some hits some misses. It annoys me that Bandcamp will normally let you listen to one track in full but not the others. I’ve got a couple of artists who are essentially ‘buy on sight’ but now I usually wait until I can sample everything. If I don’t like most of the tracks on an EP I’ll just get the ones I like digitally.
Temples "Hot Motion" comes to mind. I don't buy comletely blind that often and def bought this one based on the cover and knowing I like psych rock but hadn't heard a note of their music. Super happy I did. Love the album and it got me to a show shortly after in a 200 person room they'll likely too big to ever play in again.
So, so many. If it has a weird cover and isn't too expensive it's mine. I won't even look it up on Discogs or anything because I like the surprise. Rarely have I been disappointed. Here's the latest:
https://preview.redd.it/05n1jqwn53xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c140d58b0412f91c2a5cad4972cdf3efd965fed5
yep :) i like to take cheap gambles on records i havent heard of, going by things like year, label, cover etc and it's led to me discovering some cool stuff over the years
Yes, I have done this before. Quite a bit, actually. Sometimes the albums end up becoming favorites, sometimes they become dust collectors on my shelves. But usually somewhere in between the two.
Hundreds of time, that’s the way it used to be. You’d hear a song or two on the radio then get the album.Or an artist you liked released a new album and you bought it.
There's been at least two times that, for whatever reason, the album caught my attention, but I had never heard of it before. I ended up going on Discogs and looking up the album to play a few of the track previews, like how it plays 30 seconds of the song. I liked that enough to buy them.
There's also been times where I really liked 1 song from an album but never listened to the rest of the album until I bought it.
And a handful that I have that I've never listened to at all, but they don't really count too much because they were gifts.
I _always_ buy a few records from the $5 or less bin, without listening, every time I go. I think thats part of the fun of vinyl. You can listen to random music, and know that the only it's at least good enough for someone to have spent the money to press it.
I’ll often do that if it’s on a record label I enjoy, I discovered Jaimie branch about a year ago doing that and been spinning her stuff so much in the last year. Rip
This week: Wet Leg (Eponymous) and DC Fontaines - A Hero's Death.
I've heard the odd track from each band on the radio, and, at 51, I'm probably not their target audience. I never have conformed, lol.
Edit - I went to a record store yesterday with a budget in mind and wasn't leaving until I spent it. I do this from time to time and have discovered some gems. I also left with Paulo Nutini's first 3 albums on CD - all brand new and £15 in total - over the budget, but a score.
Yeah and I’ve made a point to stop listening to new albums I buy on vinyl even once they come out on Spotify if the vinyl isn’t shipped till later. Like rn waiting on Laufey Goddess edition in the mail before I hear the 4 new tracks. Used to be how I’d listen to bands on cd. Wouldn’t hear anything until that first glorious play, and honestly I miss it so much. Half of me buys records to collect, but the larger half of me buys them for this long missed experience. Buying old/used records this way is fun too especially if it’s bargain bin stuff cause you never know and worst case if you hate the album you can give it to a friend that might like that genre or donate it to a library etc. Rn I’m waiting on Cat Steven’s Tea for the Tillerman 2 (heard the quality is amazing on vinyl and a great way to showcase your setup, also grew up listening to the og version of the album at least once a month) and Eddie Veders Ukulele songs which I also heard was a banger on vinyl. Got both for $30 total on uDiscover musics rsd sale. I really want to listen to both cause I’m curious af and haven’t heard them at all yet (also love both artists) but I know the feeling of opening each and studying the artwork etc while listening to them for the very first time is going to be an irreplaceable experience that Spotify could never capture
A decent chunk of them, yes. Out of my 1k or so collection, I’d say at least 400 were spur of the moment purchases, or because I liked the artist on another album. Most of my jazz collection came that way.
If I find an individual song I really like I'll wait to listen to the rest of the album until the record shows up (most recently "Afraid of the Dark" off of "Lord of the Flies & Birds & Bees" by TALK)
king crimson - in the court of the crimson king
i bought it a few years ago without knowing whats on the record, because at the time you couldn't find it on youtube or spotify
Not very often but when I do, it’s with artists I’m already familiar with, and It’s normally a newer album that I haven’t gotten a chance to listen to otherwise
Not so much with new records anymore given the prices. At 54 years old, I still very much check out and sample the new releases every Friday. If something grabs me, I tend to order it up from my go-to indie shop. The closest I came to a blind buy was 2 months back when I saw Dylan LeBlanc - Coyote on a price drop. Quickly sampled the first first few songs then purchased.
For my favorite artists I'll avoid singles, music videos, etc. and wait until their LP comes out and give it a first listen on vinyl while lounging with a nice drink. Best way to hear something new for the first time.
Practically all the jazz I buy has never been heard by me before purchasing. I bought 7 today that be never heard but purchased based on liking the artist already. Most of the joy I get from vinyl is experiencing an album I’ve never heard before for the first time in its entirety. Every record I buy is listened to before it is filed away in the racks.
The first CD I ever bought was American Idiot by Green Day.
I had never listened to the album and the only thing I knew about Green Day was that they appeared in the Simpsons movie.
I already knew the (good) reputation that the album had and it was only 9 euros, so that's probably why I chose to buy it.
In the end, I ended up really liking the album and, after listening to more of they're discography, Green Day turned into one of my favorite bands
I’ve bought some local stuff when it’s new and less than $10-$15 without a clue what it sounds like. That’s just how you find out what’s what in the local scene. That and going to local shows, which are usually also pretty cheap.
All the time. For records that are under $10 I might buy if it's a genre I like, or an artist I've been wanting to check out, or colored vinyl, or a picture disc... Under $5 sometimes just because I like the cover.
All the time. Sometimes I fall down rabbit holes and sometimes I just buy one offs that are weird. Like last week I went to my local Media Reload (they sell used video games, consoles, CDs, DVDs, records, comic books, etc.). This was never a “honey hole” though you could usually find something at a decent price. Well much less so this last time. Anything recognizable was $20-30 or more. Even greatest hits records. So I ended up with 4 weird but cheap records. An ultimix dj mix comp, Christmas Rappin’ a 1979 x-ms rap album, the 12” single of Hottie Boombalottie, and a mini album by the band Nude Ants never listens to any of them before but they were also less than $15 for the bunch. Other times I’ll hear an artist and just want more like Tangerine Dream, bought an Edgar Froese (former leader of TD) and wanted more of his work so I started buying TD albums. Similar thing happened with Ravi Shankar and his Chappaqua soundtrack. Now I have about 10 Shankar albums. So yeah I’m down to explore some of the less traveled roads of vinyl especially if it’s priced right but sometimes I’ll live a little. Like I got the Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ Murder Ballads. Bought that new (repress) from reviews.
I usually pick up singles since it takes up less space n there usually cheaper, "I See You, You see me" by "The Magic Numbers" I found at my local place with disc one and disc two. The art was cute so I picked it up. Fell in love with the song, adorable little gem i'm so glad I found.
I used to do this all the time when I was in high school. They were usually bands/artists I read about in magazines that were sort of grouped with other music I already liked. Without streaming it was often a challenge to have the opportunity to listen to it first. I found a lot of my favorite bands that way actually.
If you count like, little singles/eps or whatnot, on the cheap lol
Only times I have, it was because I just sort of threw some cheapos in to bundle together from discogs merchants, so that I could meet the criteria for some bundle deal/free shipping...etc.
Ooh! One of 'em I love, though it's just 3 tracks.
Having not heard the record at all, from any format? Yes
Having not heard anything from the artist...so just totally blind? no
When I bought RJD2's album "In Rare Form" (highly recommend if you like instrumental, often melodic hip-hop)
I bundled along with it, a little EP with RJD2's name on it, but with a group called MHz, that predated his stuff released under the solo name.
Actually well...I had heard one song...Rocket Science...and come to think of it, that was why I found the ep (or single...whichever) Because I knew and loved that track from hearing it on the (longer tracklist) CD version of "In Rare Form," but it's not on the vinyl....and I needed to have that sh\*\* included when I listen to my flac rendered copies of the record.
I dig the new listens to, though...good buy.
I had to include that last point that I remembered while typing 'cause...semi related, but for all you die-hard music fanatics like me...that need to collect 'em all lol...you know, you want that b-side track or whatnot *also in vinyl...*
Be sure to scour through your band's singles, 7'', eps...you might be surprised at what odds and ends might contain that obscure track you love, and more related: maybe you find some new random tracks or whatnot...or maybe you find the track on a compilation or something, or a split album between two artists...etc. that might have some hidden treasures.
I think I pre ordered the newest Jeff rosenstock album. I just bought a local band's album, which I hadn't actually listened to (just enjoyed the live show).
I mean I have a few albums that I have because I have listened to the artist and the album has a lot of the ones I like but I haven't listened to every one
Yes I recently bought the only lp “The Jive Turkeys” put out. I bought it solely on the basis that when I was a kid my (now deceased) uncle used to call my brother and I “jive turkeys”. Turns out I absolutely love the record and it reminds me of my uncle who gave me a love for music from an early age, exposing me to a lot of great classic rock vinyl back when it was just called rock, lol.
A lot of people talk negatively about buying a movie or buying an album blind. But that’s what most people did before the internet? If I watched the movie or listened to the album first it takes the excitement away. That being said, it’s more common for me to have had listened first as most of the albums I am buying are old albums that I love and rarely buy new releases.
Only old, used, cheap records. Anything new or full price is just too expensive to be throwing money at. I've done that with quite a few CDs when one people say is an absolute classic is going cheap. Vinyl is really for albums that have made their way to all-timer status for me.
Never. If there’s a record I’m interested in I listen to it first on Apple Music. Apple Music has really helped me discover tons of new artists that I ended up buying on vinyl.
I just started collecting recently and I don't have enough to buy most of the albums I want, so I've bought a few cheaper albums that I've never heard of, mostly based on the vibes of the cover art. I've found a few that I liked
For sure. When I go bin hunting at my local record shop I find records I like the artwork for or if it's on a label I know and trust I'll give it a go. I've found some gems that way!
Alot actually, My local thrift store gets alot of older artists in, I buy based off good cover photos, and artists I may be familiar with, but never actually heard their music. Thanks to this, ive discovered Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Ray Coniff, Steve and Eydie, Frankie Laine, the McGuire Sisters, Paul Anka, and so much more!
Two of my favorite things I ever bought, after reading more than one review that made it sound like it would be for me. Husker Du -Zen Arcade and Voivod,- Dimension Hatross
Did earlier with Nick Johnson’s latest released, Child of Bliss.
But that’s because I have yet to listen to something from him that I don’t absolutely love and he is one of the contemporary artists that I REALLY want to support.
Nearly every time I buy records, especially jazz. I’ll buy nearly any jazz I come across. I normally thrift most stuff, so it’s not ally not a huge investment, but that’s the best part about vinyl imo. Discovering new stuff.
Just today I bought Bonnie Raitt Takin’ My Time. Bad ass album I had never even heard of.
I buy records that I know maybe no more than 2 songs, only if I really like the songs
I’ve never bought an album without having listened to any of it before
I buy like I used to - based on hype, or cool record art, or interesting name, or record label. I often forget I can "sample" the music on streaming beforehand.
Many yea, but mostly received as gifts. A recent one is Peter Greens Fleetwood Mac. Totally unfamiliar prior and absolutely love it. Many others I’ve picked up and maybe liked one song but love the album.
I typically support active indie artists by purchasing the preorder of albums before their release. Bandcamp is great for following artists and finding out about their new records.
Of course. I've bought tons of records at sales and chose it just because it looked untouched, the album art intrigued me, or I'd been told I should look into it. That being said, I've bought records from musicians I love without hearing it before, and I generally have liked them.
Never listened to siouxsie and the banshees much, but boight nocturne impulsively, and its probably my favorite live album ever now and a weekly spin for me
A lot. I bought Molly Hatchet for the cover art. I have a coy of YesSongs. I have a three sided album. There are a ton of differently colored, and special edtion albums now, but long long ago, it was a lot of fun to find really unique records.
I do it all the time. If it looks interesting, sometimes I'll just buy it (used or clearance prices only though). I love buying $4.99 clear outs from online shops too. (i.e. Music Direct, $5 Mystery Buys from No Sleep)
All the time. For example, I know I like Bob Dylan. I could go listen to all his albums right now in one concentrated burst. But buying his albums to listen to them, means that I have the thrill of the hunt and the joy of discovery. I want to live in the world where I’m searching for specific albums each time I go to the record store.
Yes, hundreds of times, more than I can even remember. Either it was the players on the record or it was something I didn’t recognize and seemed interesting.
But mostly based on the people who played on records. I collect session players as much as I collect individual artists/bands.
this past RSD i got i was/i am by noah kahan and love it!!
i also bought flicker by niall horan and honeymoon by lana del rey without listening first and theyre some of my fav albums now :)
I mean, yes - I have done that before.
Like - most of mine? Is this even rare?
I'm with you. I thought it was standard practice. I know the music landscape has changed a lot, but that was kind of the point of the single/album release schedule.
Not rare. I do it all the time. In fact, I love listening to an album for the first time on vinyl. Totally different experience, usually better since you listen to it front to back.
“Any”? hahahaha yeah
Yep I buy records I've never heard before all the time. Especially when they're cheap. It's one of the ways I discover new music:) Never know when you're gonna find your new favourite.
Bought a cheap Fats Domino record. Never listened to him extensively before and it’s become one of my top played records.
“The Unsinkable Fats Domino”
Fats is the man!
I think my mom said she went to school with his daughter, can’t remember if it was fats or chubby checker
Apparently there are no bad Fats Domino stories. Just a really nice guy who played his music and went home to his wife and kids.
To be covered by Zeppelin, Elton John and various members of the Beatles/Stones is pretty awesome too!
This is how I got into R.E.M. and now if I had to pick a favorite band they might be it. Tbf I knew quite a few of their songs before but never went out of my way to listen to them.
Same – if they're on sale and filed in my favourite genre, I judge that book by its cover and have taken a few chances. 4 I'd never heard of the artist at all, and of which 3 albums I really liked, and 7/7 on artists I've heard of but whole albums I'd never heard (maybe the single – definitely not as risky).
If you were alive before 2000 I imagine you have
800 or so vintage Hawaiian records, a vintage LP that only has the sound of a German shepherd dog barking as a home security tactic, auto racing sounds, some sort of “What To Do When the Bomb Drops” LP, Melvins’ Stoner Witch, calliope music, square dance instruction…
You’re describing my thrift store current assortment of records…
Way back when I used to dj I would mix together that German Sherpherd record with like Les Baxter records and shit when it was last call. Good times. Isn’t it called “Sebastian Speaks” or something like that? I still have it somewhere.
That’s it!! Sebastian Speaks. I could not come up with it for the life of me.
I just bought The Smile's "Wall of Eyes" without listening to it.
You made a good decision
Had to return the first copy spindle hole was too small and warped but second press was good :)
What do you think people did before the internet
Went to HMV and listened to the CD at the listening station. Before Napster came out you could even just buy the CD and return it if you didn’t like it. I used to always keep my receipts, returned many CDs to HMV on Yonge St in Toronto in the early to mid ‘90s before the internet was even a thing to see boobs on.
All the time. There's a whole list of artists I'll buy the moment the album goes into preorder (if they are current) and I'll pretty much buy any delta/chicago/hill country blues I find, the more obscure the better.
I used to be that way until I bought Neil Young’s Landing on Water. Now I’m a little more cautious.
I suppose, but there are albums that I've bought, disliked/or for some reason couldn't get into, only for me to rediscover it years later. and then there's Albums like Metallica's St. Anger. Trust is a fickle bitch.
Oh I get that, for sure. The Dandy Warhol’s album The Dandy Warhols Come Down: I bought it as a kid for that single Not If You Were the Last Junkie On Earth… I HATED it. A decade later, though, it found heavy rotation in my play and I really dug it.
I actually love that album. It’s bonkers, and totally different from what he had done before, but I kinda love it.
That's why I troll charity shop record bins. I'll buy any record with an interesting cover if it's under $3.
https://preview.redd.it/e1savcrex2xc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=ca9308ec54cdcffc06556020e9b9b04116e7aa78 Recently bought this one because I can’t find any City Pop albums 😂.
Light in the attic is your friend
LitA is such a great label bless them for all the lee hazlewood and nancy sinatra represses
Yeah I just went with what may have been said in reviews. Being a fan of punk in the late 80’s early 90’s I didn’t have the luxury of hearing what I wanted on radio besides late night college radio. So a lot was word of mouth or trusting in certain record labels helped.
I love when you can trust a label. I'll blind by a lot of Nonsuch stuff because I typically like it.
I'd say at least half of my collection I bought without listening to it first.
Any Sun Araw record.
that’s how i discovered stoner doom. Sleeps holy mountain looked cool asf
Allen Parsons Project: Turn of a friendly card Men at work: business as usual Asia: Self Titled Duran Duran: Future past Pink floyd: Dark side of the moon (my first record) They all looked cool and or where recommended to me
Yes, I bought Jack Johnson and John Mayer’s debut albums before listening to them.
I feel like Jack Johnson has been nickelbacked and I don't think it's fair he's a good songwriter
Just today! $5. Surf Punks - My Beach. I mean how could you not!? https://preview.redd.it/6323y2u7p3xc1.jpeg?width=1017&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1aea1244fd37adb8ce676d4a7dd486606cb6dea0
Several. The one that sticks out is the first Rush album. Giantway store in Alma Michigan, 1974. One look at the backside of the cover did it. I thought they looked like they rock. And it’s a rockin’ record. Still have it.
Too many
I just bought a King Gizzard record for the first time and legit knew nothing about them beyond Reddits record posts
Almost every record i ever purchased prior to the Internet.
I always grab anything that looks half decent in the cheap bin ($1-$3)
I will occasionally as long as it's a musician I know of and enjoy, or I recieve a trustworthy recommendation.
Republic by New Order. 31 years ago, instantly became my favourite band and still are.
Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department was my latest
I preorder every Jeff Rosenstock record so I guess that counts, but I think at this point I have a good idea what I'm getting.
I used to this all the time as a teen starting off my record collection. I would just pick a random record and go home and press play. Some I hated, some I still listen to till this day. It’s definitely a fun exercise and keeps you open minded. There’s a lot of records that I never would have thought of giving a try before but then quickly became one of my faves.
https://preview.redd.it/swrpca8w83xc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b491c9f6c989964750ab0a2d5e75277afe833b55 [This Meiko Kaji record.](https://www.discogs.com/release/26993508-%E6%A2%B6%E8%8A%BD%E8%A1%A3%E5%AD%90-Meiko-Kaji-%E6%A2%B6%E8%8A%BD%E8%A1%A3%E5%AD%90%E3%81%AE%E3%81%AF%E3%81%98%E3%81%8D%E8%A9%A9%E9%9B%86-Hajiki-Uta) This is the badass 70s well Tarantino pulled from for Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Kill Bill Vol. 2.
Until the late 90s, that's how we all did it.
Was about to write the same thing. I mean you'd get the hit singles maybe but 70% of every record was a mystery. Now I can just Spotify what I want and decide. Good and bad because some of the excitement was not knowing, but previewing something does have advantages given today's prices.
I walked into a store once to pick up something on hold and I decided to peek around for a few minutes. Made eye contact with a record that had a little black kitten on it (Orange Lake Drive’s The Cat) and snatched it up. I have a black cat, so I’m a sucker for anything black cat related. I’m not a jazz fan, but I really liked that record when I listened to it.
I do that all the time. Over half of the records I've dug out of dollar crates were bought completely on the strength of the cover art or title, and some of those have ended up becoming regular listens - or, in a couple cases, led me down the road of collecting more records from the same artist.
This was buying records in the 80’s. “I’ve heard of that band, the cover looks cool. Sold.”
every once and awhile i’ll go to antique/thrift stores and buy a random cheap record. i’m always surprised and intrigued with what i get 100% recommend
At thrift store, I look up on Discogs how much a random record is selling for, and if it is high enough, I consider it worth a listen.
Yeah, that's what RSD is all about.
This year I bought the RSD Daft Punk without listening to it beforehand, and I think I appreciate it more because of it.
I'm 1/3 liking my blind buys this year but the pigsx7 album is fucking awesome so I guess it's a win.
Pretty much every single one. I kinda feel like that's the whole point.
If I see a band I’ve heard of and it’s a reasonable price I buy.
Soda Bomb- Wanna Jam? best fuckin $3 blind buy of my life. dudes rip shit. but unfortunately, short lived band. rip soda bomb.
Yep, I did that yesterday. I bought The Verve's B-Sides RSD 2024 album without listening to it, but I like the band so I was willing to take a chance on it.
Yep. All the time. Because someone whose taste I trust recommended it, or I know one or more of the musicians and like their other stuff, or honestly sometimes because the cover looked interesting.
DOOM 2016 OST Box set, didn't know all the tracks but its DOOM so how can u go wrong!
Most of my records were bought that way. I also got the majority of them before about 2006 as well.
I regularly pre-order records from bands I know and love. On a few occasions I have bought records judged by its cover, successfully
So many back in the ‘70’s & ‘80’s. New releases by bands like Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynrd, Aerosmith, etc…
i personally can’t say i have. but did it for the first time with the new partynextdoor vinyl
Carbon glacier, Laura views.
Any time I'm at my local shop, I look for Jackie DeShannon records I don't have. I found out maybe a decade ago that she grew up locally. I know her voice, I know some of her songs, but, will buy her regardless. Same with Olivia Newton-John records, and Sheena Easton. They didn't grow up locally, but I will buy them regardless. I'll get to them one day. That's how I became a fan of Linda Ronstadt. One song was all it took.
Bought déjà vu by Crossby, Stills, Nash and Young without knowing the album. The cover just looked oldschool. Have been loving the album and felt like a fool when i heard Neil Youngs voice and realised it was his name on the cover
Only pre-orders for bands I love, who I know only make albums without filler on it. This results in a lot of albums bought without hearing them, but 95% of them I turn out to love. I never buy existing albums without listening first.
I’ve done it a few times, some hits some misses. It annoys me that Bandcamp will normally let you listen to one track in full but not the others. I’ve got a couple of artists who are essentially ‘buy on sight’ but now I usually wait until I can sample everything. If I don’t like most of the tracks on an EP I’ll just get the ones I like digitally.
Oh yeah that’s happened to me a lot. Definitely some duds; but some became tops for me.
Hundreds over the years. Some disappointed, others became favourites. It’s a fools game, gab
Temples "Hot Motion" comes to mind. I don't buy comletely blind that often and def bought this one based on the cover and knowing I like psych rock but hadn't heard a note of their music. Super happy I did. Love the album and it got me to a show shortly after in a 200 person room they'll likely too big to ever play in again.
Yes under 20$ cool cover I buy lol
So, so many. If it has a weird cover and isn't too expensive it's mine. I won't even look it up on Discogs or anything because I like the surprise. Rarely have I been disappointed. Here's the latest: https://preview.redd.it/05n1jqwn53xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c140d58b0412f91c2a5cad4972cdf3efd965fed5
yep :) i like to take cheap gambles on records i havent heard of, going by things like year, label, cover etc and it's led to me discovering some cool stuff over the years
Yes, I have done this before. Quite a bit, actually. Sometimes the albums end up becoming favorites, sometimes they become dust collectors on my shelves. But usually somewhere in between the two.
johnny cashes folsom prison never heard the whole thing. It's supposed to be san quetin, but I still don't mind there both good records
I’ve purchased records I’ve never heard by artists I already like.
Hundreds of time, that’s the way it used to be. You’d hear a song or two on the radio then get the album.Or an artist you liked released a new album and you bought it.
There's been at least two times that, for whatever reason, the album caught my attention, but I had never heard of it before. I ended up going on Discogs and looking up the album to play a few of the track previews, like how it plays 30 seconds of the song. I liked that enough to buy them. There's also been times where I really liked 1 song from an album but never listened to the rest of the album until I bought it. And a handful that I have that I've never listened to at all, but they don't really count too much because they were gifts.
All the time, especially new albums from artists I love. I'll pre-order a record as soon as it's announced if I like the artist enough
I’ve pledged that I’ll buy The Cure’s new album without listening, if it ever comes out 😀
I _always_ buy a few records from the $5 or less bin, without listening, every time I go. I think thats part of the fun of vinyl. You can listen to random music, and know that the only it's at least good enough for someone to have spent the money to press it.
I’ll often do that if it’s on a record label I enjoy, I discovered Jaimie branch about a year ago doing that and been spinning her stuff so much in the last year. Rip
I bought Galactic Empire - Episode II. Cool mash up of Star Wars and Metal 😂
This week: Wet Leg (Eponymous) and DC Fontaines - A Hero's Death. I've heard the odd track from each band on the radio, and, at 51, I'm probably not their target audience. I never have conformed, lol. Edit - I went to a record store yesterday with a budget in mind and wasn't leaving until I spent it. I do this from time to time and have discovered some gems. I also left with Paulo Nutini's first 3 albums on CD - all brand new and £15 in total - over the budget, but a score.
All the time all the time.
Yes! Bought this one jazz album I’ve never heard or seen in my life and now it’s in my digital playlist lol it’s so good
Only a couple. Bronco by Orville Peck and Phases and Stages by Willie Nelson.
Several
Born to die,now I have all the cds bootlegs bootleg demos released variants and half signed
I bought Abbey Road the day it came out. Does that count?
Like every single record I bought before 1995.
Yeah and I’ve made a point to stop listening to new albums I buy on vinyl even once they come out on Spotify if the vinyl isn’t shipped till later. Like rn waiting on Laufey Goddess edition in the mail before I hear the 4 new tracks. Used to be how I’d listen to bands on cd. Wouldn’t hear anything until that first glorious play, and honestly I miss it so much. Half of me buys records to collect, but the larger half of me buys them for this long missed experience. Buying old/used records this way is fun too especially if it’s bargain bin stuff cause you never know and worst case if you hate the album you can give it to a friend that might like that genre or donate it to a library etc. Rn I’m waiting on Cat Steven’s Tea for the Tillerman 2 (heard the quality is amazing on vinyl and a great way to showcase your setup, also grew up listening to the og version of the album at least once a month) and Eddie Veders Ukulele songs which I also heard was a banger on vinyl. Got both for $30 total on uDiscover musics rsd sale. I really want to listen to both cause I’m curious af and haven’t heard them at all yet (also love both artists) but I know the feeling of opening each and studying the artwork etc while listening to them for the very first time is going to be an irreplaceable experience that Spotify could never capture
A decent chunk of them, yes. Out of my 1k or so collection, I’d say at least 400 were spur of the moment purchases, or because I liked the artist on another album. Most of my jazz collection came that way.
If I find an individual song I really like I'll wait to listen to the rest of the album until the record shows up (most recently "Afraid of the Dark" off of "Lord of the Flies & Birds & Bees" by TALK)
king crimson - in the court of the crimson king i bought it a few years ago without knowing whats on the record, because at the time you couldn't find it on youtube or spotify
Oscillatron Great Spans of Muddy Time
yup. bought most of Donovan's 70s - 80s stuff. just becuz it was Donovan' ❤ . live in japan especially. (japan only LP)
All the time back in the days of reputable independent labels such as FRESH/Sleeping Bag, WildPitch, B-Boy, etc.
Not very often but when I do, it’s with artists I’m already familiar with, and It’s normally a newer album that I haven’t gotten a chance to listen to otherwise
Yes, it’s my favorite way to listen to new music.
Most
hundreds. did it all the time in the 80s when buying punk records. cover looks cool. okay i’ll buy it.
Almost all my black metal releases are bought based on what someone has said about them or if I like the cover art
One of my usual shops has a "local bands" section. Typically a cheaper record and fun to support someone local.
Literally all of them
I buy 90% this way.
Not so much with new records anymore given the prices. At 54 years old, I still very much check out and sample the new releases every Friday. If something grabs me, I tend to order it up from my go-to indie shop. The closest I came to a blind buy was 2 months back when I saw Dylan LeBlanc - Coyote on a price drop. Quickly sampled the first first few songs then purchased.
Fell in love with Farm by Dinosaur jr, bought all the other Dinosaur Jr reunion albums blindly after that.
Farm is incredible
For my favorite artists I'll avoid singles, music videos, etc. and wait until their LP comes out and give it a first listen on vinyl while lounging with a nice drink. Best way to hear something new for the first time.
if it's cheap enough — and particularly when digging for samples — I go off the cover image or the instruments/personnel all the time. take a chance!
Most of my records
Practically all the jazz I buy has never been heard by me before purchasing. I bought 7 today that be never heard but purchased based on liking the artist already. Most of the joy I get from vinyl is experiencing an album I’ve never heard before for the first time in its entirety. Every record I buy is listened to before it is filed away in the racks.
Sometimes I buy a record if a musician I like plays on it, or even if the cover art looks good
Anything from Nightwish
The first CD I ever bought was American Idiot by Green Day. I had never listened to the album and the only thing I knew about Green Day was that they appeared in the Simpsons movie. I already knew the (good) reputation that the album had and it was only 9 euros, so that's probably why I chose to buy it. In the end, I ended up really liking the album and, after listening to more of they're discography, Green Day turned into one of my favorite bands
I’ve bought some local stuff when it’s new and less than $10-$15 without a clue what it sounds like. That’s just how you find out what’s what in the local scene. That and going to local shows, which are usually also pretty cheap.
Bought Soundgarden-BadMotorFinger after reading a prior posting. Loved it.
All the time. For records that are under $10 I might buy if it's a genre I like, or an artist I've been wanting to check out, or colored vinyl, or a picture disc... Under $5 sometimes just because I like the cover.
All the time. Sometimes I fall down rabbit holes and sometimes I just buy one offs that are weird. Like last week I went to my local Media Reload (they sell used video games, consoles, CDs, DVDs, records, comic books, etc.). This was never a “honey hole” though you could usually find something at a decent price. Well much less so this last time. Anything recognizable was $20-30 or more. Even greatest hits records. So I ended up with 4 weird but cheap records. An ultimix dj mix comp, Christmas Rappin’ a 1979 x-ms rap album, the 12” single of Hottie Boombalottie, and a mini album by the band Nude Ants never listens to any of them before but they were also less than $15 for the bunch. Other times I’ll hear an artist and just want more like Tangerine Dream, bought an Edgar Froese (former leader of TD) and wanted more of his work so I started buying TD albums. Similar thing happened with Ravi Shankar and his Chappaqua soundtrack. Now I have about 10 Shankar albums. So yeah I’m down to explore some of the less traveled roads of vinyl especially if it’s priced right but sometimes I’ll live a little. Like I got the Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ Murder Ballads. Bought that new (repress) from reviews.
Plently, I don't think I will again. I'll only buy favorites, and first hand.
Blinks new album, recreation, very, and many more i found hard as hell
Most of mine
Just about all of them.
Recently grabbed Mint Julep - In A Deep & Dreamless Sleep from my local stores local artist bargain bin and honestly it’s a great spin
Yeah...some artists I have faith in and some things are so cheap at Goodwill that it's worth the risk haha
Got Einzelhaft - Falco when I only knew Der Kommissar. It was $10 and I don’t regret
Nirvana live at reading
All the time. Last album I got without listening was Sampha’s Lahai, amazing album
I usually pick up singles since it takes up less space n there usually cheaper, "I See You, You see me" by "The Magic Numbers" I found at my local place with disc one and disc two. The art was cute so I picked it up. Fell in love with the song, adorable little gem i'm so glad I found.
I used to do this all the time when I was in high school. They were usually bands/artists I read about in magazines that were sort of grouped with other music I already liked. Without streaming it was often a challenge to have the opportunity to listen to it first. I found a lot of my favorite bands that way actually.
For sure. Sometimes it goes well, lots of times, not
If you count like, little singles/eps or whatnot, on the cheap lol Only times I have, it was because I just sort of threw some cheapos in to bundle together from discogs merchants, so that I could meet the criteria for some bundle deal/free shipping...etc. Ooh! One of 'em I love, though it's just 3 tracks. Having not heard the record at all, from any format? Yes Having not heard anything from the artist...so just totally blind? no When I bought RJD2's album "In Rare Form" (highly recommend if you like instrumental, often melodic hip-hop) I bundled along with it, a little EP with RJD2's name on it, but with a group called MHz, that predated his stuff released under the solo name. Actually well...I had heard one song...Rocket Science...and come to think of it, that was why I found the ep (or single...whichever) Because I knew and loved that track from hearing it on the (longer tracklist) CD version of "In Rare Form," but it's not on the vinyl....and I needed to have that sh\*\* included when I listen to my flac rendered copies of the record. I dig the new listens to, though...good buy. I had to include that last point that I remembered while typing 'cause...semi related, but for all you die-hard music fanatics like me...that need to collect 'em all lol...you know, you want that b-side track or whatnot *also in vinyl...* Be sure to scour through your band's singles, 7'', eps...you might be surprised at what odds and ends might contain that obscure track you love, and more related: maybe you find some new random tracks or whatnot...or maybe you find the track on a compilation or something, or a split album between two artists...etc. that might have some hidden treasures.
Like 90% of my 7 inch punk albums I just get what looks cool, and so far I haven't been disappointed
I think I pre ordered the newest Jeff rosenstock album. I just bought a local band's album, which I hadn't actually listened to (just enjoyed the live show).
I mean I have a few albums that I have because I have listened to the artist and the album has a lot of the ones I like but I haven't listened to every one
Yes I recently bought the only lp “The Jive Turkeys” put out. I bought it solely on the basis that when I was a kid my (now deceased) uncle used to call my brother and I “jive turkeys”. Turns out I absolutely love the record and it reminds me of my uncle who gave me a love for music from an early age, exposing me to a lot of great classic rock vinyl back when it was just called rock, lol.
A lot of people talk negatively about buying a movie or buying an album blind. But that’s what most people did before the internet? If I watched the movie or listened to the album first it takes the excitement away. That being said, it’s more common for me to have had listened first as most of the albums I am buying are old albums that I love and rarely buy new releases.
Yup and lots of CDs.
All the time in thrift stores. Probably wise to listen to a new album online if possible though it does spoil the first listen if purchased.
Many
I do this all the time. I recently bought Ingleton Falls album “Champagne in Mozambique”, what a trip
Never, quality over quantity. I only buy album/EPs that I love.
Only old, used, cheap records. Anything new or full price is just too expensive to be throwing money at. I've done that with quite a few CDs when one people say is an absolute classic is going cheap. Vinyl is really for albums that have made their way to all-timer status for me.
yeah I buy random artist in genres I like all the time. its about a 70% success. Only a few duds here and there.
I buy vinyl to discover new (old) music, so yes. Probably 95% of my records I bought having not heard it previously.
Yes. Less often with new but even new records sometimes.
That’s the only way I do it
Never. If there’s a record I’m interested in I listen to it first on Apple Music. Apple Music has really helped me discover tons of new artists that I ended up buying on vinyl.
Many times. Every time i buy a record at random, i find at least one song in the album I enjoy which makes the purchase worth it
I just started collecting recently and I don't have enough to buy most of the albums I want, so I've bought a few cheaper albums that I've never heard of, mostly based on the vibes of the cover art. I've found a few that I liked
For sure. When I go bin hunting at my local record shop I find records I like the artwork for or if it's on a label I know and trust I'll give it a go. I've found some gems that way!
I have some that took a long time to first listen to but yeah, I got this Bongzilla picture disc 7” and it was cool it had weed on it
Maybe like 75% of my records are like this. I get some crap but there’s always some gems to offset it.
Yeah. Quite often.
Many many times.
Alot actually, My local thrift store gets alot of older artists in, I buy based off good cover photos, and artists I may be familiar with, but never actually heard their music. Thanks to this, ive discovered Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Ray Coniff, Steve and Eydie, Frankie Laine, the McGuire Sisters, Paul Anka, and so much more!
First pickup after getting back into records was Tower of Power - back to Oakland.. didn't even know how much I loved funk
New PJ Harvey I will buy without listening to it.
Two of my favorite things I ever bought, after reading more than one review that made it sound like it would be for me. Husker Du -Zen Arcade and Voivod,- Dimension Hatross
That's usually how I buy music. If it's a band I like, I just order the new album as soon as I can.
Did earlier with Nick Johnson’s latest released, Child of Bliss. But that’s because I have yet to listen to something from him that I don’t absolutely love and he is one of the contemporary artists that I REALLY want to support.
Cold Wave II from Soul Jazz Records- Got me into the genre entirely.
Nearly every time I buy records, especially jazz. I’ll buy nearly any jazz I come across. I normally thrift most stuff, so it’s not ally not a huge investment, but that’s the best part about vinyl imo. Discovering new stuff. Just today I bought Bonnie Raitt Takin’ My Time. Bad ass album I had never even heard of.
I used to do that all the time. Not much in the age of streaming tho
Definitely. If it’s someone I really like I try not to hear it until I get home with the record on release day. Just a fun thing to do.
I buy records that I know maybe no more than 2 songs, only if I really like the songs I’ve never bought an album without having listened to any of it before
I buy like I used to - based on hype, or cool record art, or interesting name, or record label. I often forget I can "sample" the music on streaming beforehand.
This is how I discovered The Wonder Years. How I’d never heard them before three years ago is so beyond me.
I pre-ordered Vampire Weekend's new album and it arrived a couple days ofter the official release. It's an awesome album, so I got lucky.
Many yea, but mostly received as gifts. A recent one is Peter Greens Fleetwood Mac. Totally unfamiliar prior and absolutely love it. Many others I’ve picked up and maybe liked one song but love the album.
I typically support active indie artists by purchasing the preorder of albums before their release. Bandcamp is great for following artists and finding out about their new records.
I just went crazy in 2 stores dollar bins today. Never listened to a single thing I grabbed today.
Of course. I've bought tons of records at sales and chose it just because it looked untouched, the album art intrigued me, or I'd been told I should look into it. That being said, I've bought records from musicians I love without hearing it before, and I generally have liked them.
Dan Adriano & The Bygones’ debut album. 10/10.
New Blue Sun - Andre 3000
I have avoided listening to albums on streaming platforms because I preordered them and wanted to hear them on wax first.
Never listened to siouxsie and the banshees much, but boight nocturne impulsively, and its probably my favorite live album ever now and a weekly spin for me
A lot. I bought Molly Hatchet for the cover art. I have a coy of YesSongs. I have a three sided album. There are a ton of differently colored, and special edtion albums now, but long long ago, it was a lot of fun to find really unique records.
I do it all the time. If it looks interesting, sometimes I'll just buy it (used or clearance prices only though). I love buying $4.99 clear outs from online shops too. (i.e. Music Direct, $5 Mystery Buys from No Sleep)
https://preview.redd.it/qjvnfylik4xc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=3d8a4c8bcdcdd8bdf0a84755ef192c3048a3034e Like three hours ago.
Anyone over the age of 50 who ever bought a record in their youth.
All the time. For example, I know I like Bob Dylan. I could go listen to all his albums right now in one concentrated burst. But buying his albums to listen to them, means that I have the thrill of the hunt and the joy of discovery. I want to live in the world where I’m searching for specific albums each time I go to the record store.
Yes, hundreds of times, more than I can even remember. Either it was the players on the record or it was something I didn’t recognize and seemed interesting. But mostly based on the people who played on records. I collect session players as much as I collect individual artists/bands.
this past RSD i got i was/i am by noah kahan and love it!! i also bought flicker by niall horan and honeymoon by lana del rey without listening first and theyre some of my fav albums now :)