What’s old is new again – a slogan often used in the fashion industry. That adage can also be applied to the record industry. According to Billboard, over the past decade, vinyl records have made a major comeback with sales of $1.2 billion in the U.S. alone.
Cow Records owner Greg Hildebrand knows what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to collectible albums.
“I have a rare record by Christian Marclay, that’s one of 300,” said Hildebrand. “Now this is an album you would want to sell at auction for between $8,000 to $1,200.”
More than 41 billion albums sold last year, creating a sellers market for all of those oldies that have been hiding in garages and attics collecting dust. But not all albums are going to turn into cash, as Hildebrand explains.
“Once a country DJ came in with a boxful of promotional records, I offered him a dollar, and he just gave them to me,” said Hildebrand. “I pass on more things than I buy.
“I determine what’s collectible by past sales. I research the value of what the record was bought and sold for, and not so much on what I like or dislike. You never know when something of value will come through the door. I got a box that had four recordings by the band, Nervous Breakdown, worth $50 and $100.”
Hildebrand suggests that when you are searching through that stack of old albums, to be on the lookout for folk music, he says that is trending again. Albums by Peter Paul and Mary, The New Christy Minstrels, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Woody Guthrie, and Harry Belafonte are collectible depending on their condition.
“I look for albums that we don’t see very often, like a collection of folk music, or old reggae and blues records made before the ’70s,” said Hildebrand. “We sell the ‘Eagles Greatest Hits,’ the Beatles, and Elvis; they are always popular. We see a lot of reissues from the ’70s, but the originals have the most value.”
One of Hildebrand’s favorite albums is his piece of wax. It may not fetch big bucks as a collectible, but as far as Hildebrand’s concerned, it’s priceless.
“I had a band back in high school; I played guitar for the CHIMPOS, and wrote songs as well. A few of the guys I played with have gone on to have very nice music careers. For me, it’s especially nice to have my old songs being played again thanks to the resurgence of vinyl and nostalgia.”
Hildebrand likes to promote the CHIMPOS by playing cuts from their album: “Hillbilly Rocker,” and “Apache Surf,” are two of his favorites. If you would like to hear a song from his album, stop in, Hildebrand will be more than happy to play a song for you.
COW RECORDS
Where: 5040 Newport Ave.
Contact: 619-523-0236.
