I’m always looking at vinyl prices online, and in doing so I pretty frequently stumble across some phenomenal deals! Today, I’m going to share with you five records that are currently under $20 on Amazon that you should snap up today! This list includes a few classics as well as cult indie favorites.
To start out, I did not buy these albums on Amazon. Why? I already have them in my collection! But, if you don’t — you might want to act fast before they go out of stock, or the prices go up!
If any of these catch your fancy, I’ve including links so you can get them below — and yes, I do earn from qualified Amazon purchases.
1 | Scary Monsters Super Creeps by David Bowie
My copy of Scary Monsters Super Creeps by David Bowie is from 1980, meaning it’s from the album’s original release year. I love this record — plus, it includes some Bowie favorites, including “Ashes to Ashes.”
You can get a fairly beat up copy on Discogs for $15-20 plus shipping, or you can hop over to Amazon and get a remastered 2017 pressing on 180 gram vinyl!
And yes, I did double-check pricing on Discogs — if you have Prime and get free shipping, Amazon is still the better deal.
2 | Loaded by The Velvet Underground
Originally released in 1970, my copy of Loaded by The Velvet Underground is from the year 2000. I paid $18 for it around 2015 or so, and this particular pressing is currently going for no less than $25 plus shipping and tax. Well, on Amazon, you can snap up a new copy for less than $20!
Loaded found The Velvet Underground entering more accessible territory with songs like “Who Loves the Sun” and “Sweet Jane,” the opening two tracks. One of my favorites is. the closer “Oh! Sweet Nuthin’.” It’s not as out there as The Velvet Underground & Nico — which is a phenomenal record — but it is still a true classic.
3 | In The Aeroplane Over The Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel
I’m continually shocked that In The Aeroplane Over the Sea this one is still as inexpensive as it is. It’s been a hair under $15 USD for a few months now.
I recently saw an article talking about the upcoming Elephant 6 documentary, covering that underground indie label’s psychedelic pop beginnings. Both Neutral Milk Hotel and Elephant 6 — which birthed bands like Neutral Milk Hotel, Apples in Stereo, Of Montreal, and many, many more — have true cult followings.
I love this album, and it’s an essential for fans of indie rock.
Here’s the clip I mentioned above that discusses the Elephant 6 Documentary:
And here’s “The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. 1” as well:
4 | Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga by Spoon
Released in 2007, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga by Spoon is a comfortable mid-career release by the under-appreciated indie rock band out of Austin, TX. My original pressing fetches at least $30 on Discogs these days, but a brand new 2019 or 2020 reissue — as of right now — is about $17.00 USD.
This album is truly great! You’ve got “Don’t Make Me a Target,” “The Ghost of You Lingers,” “You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb” — three powerhouse tracks to kick off the album. And as it continues, the greatness continues as well!
“Don’t You Evah,” “Rhthm & Soul,” “The Underdog.” So many great songs on this album, and an essential for fans of Spoon.
5 | Oh, Inverted World by The Shins
The Shins‘ debut LP, Oh, Inverted World has become somewhat of a cult classic thanks to “New Slang” and “Caring is Creepy.” My favorite will always be “Girl on the Wing,” though. It has a great punchy rhythm and some great guitar and vocal hooks!
My copy here is from 2002, but in the past few years it was remastered and given inverted cover art — white with blue text and graphics. You can snag that on Amazon for less than $20 as well.
I recently covered the early work by The Shins after the band’s original bassist Neal Langford passed away last month. Dig into that post and video and hear why The Shins wouldn’t exist were it not for Neal Langford in this video next.
Additionally, if you want a few more sub-$20 recommendations and load up your cart with a few extra goodies, the following might intrigue you while prices last:
