creative vinyl record releases of 2016

From David Bowie to The 1975, these vinyl record releases will have you wanting to start a collection!

2016 saw vinyl sales overtake MP3 downloads for the first time ever. That’s probably the most important thing that happened in vinyl in years. 2016 also produced some of the most lust-worthy vinyl of recent years. Here they are.

David Bowie – Blackstar

The graphic designer for the album Jonathan Barnbrook has recently revealed that there are more secrets yet to be discovered from the album artwork. The album was released in January, but fans only began to discover that there are neat tricks hidden in the artwork in May. Other people then soon discovered new and interesting things on their own along the way.

A friend discovered that if you expose the Blackstar gatefold to sunlight a starfield appears. What a beautiful secret.

Aliens’ Original Soundtrack reissue

This ‘Xenomorph Blood’ vinyl doesn’t look quite as cool or dramatic when it’s playing – the fluid just sort of pools around the sides – but how often do you see a vinyl encasing alien blood?

Black SabbathThe Ultimate Collection

This four-disc LP contains 31 classics from Black Sabbath and, perhaps more importantly, it also folds out in the shape of a crucifix. It’s being billed as the Crucifold, which is an utterly perfect title.

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RadioheadA Moon Shaped Pool

Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood recently described vinyl as ‘clothing’ for music. By that reasoning, this double LP would make any Radiohead fan feel underdressed. The beautiful photo album-style case – full of lyrics, embossed paper and Stanley Donwood’s artwork – comes wrapped with a unique clipping of master tape from previous Radiohead sessions.

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Star Wars: the Force Awakens” Original Soundtrack

John Williams is brilliant obviously, but also: look at it! This set of holographic vinyl displays a 3D TIE Fighter and a Millennium Falcon hovering above the disc when you shine a flashlight on it. Magical!

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Gremlins” Original Soundtrack

Break the rules and get the interior of this vinyl set wet – because doing so reveals some cool extra Gremlin drawings. Cool, right?


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The 1975 – ‘I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It

Translucent vinyl and an impeccably designed gatefold make The 1975’s second album a possession to cherish.

Stranger Things” Original Soundtrack Vol. 1 & 2

The best thing about the Stranger Things soundtrack – by the guys from S U R V I V E – is that there are loads of vinyl editions, all of them cool. Check a few of them out below:



Bastille – ‘Wild World

Cool lenticular effect

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