10 Music Journalists Share Their Most Cherished Vinyl Records

10 Music Journalists Share Their Most Treasured Vinyl Records

At What Hi-Fi?, music isn’t just a passion—it’s a way of life. Our mission has always been to uncover the best audio equipment to bring music to life, but behind the gear are true music lovers with stories to tell. This Vinyl Week, in the run-up to Record Store Day, we asked ten top music journalists which record they treasure most from their personal collections.

The answers revealed deep emotional ties, rare finds, and unforgettable musical journeys—proof that a vinyl record is far more than just sound on wax.

Jerry Ewing (Editor, Prog)

Dave Greenslade & Patrick Woodroffe – The Pentateuch Of The Cosmogony (1979)

A fantastical concept album wrapped in a lavish hardback book with vibrant illustrations, this release is peak prog. Jerry describes it as “a wonderful folly of a release” that seemed to vanish upon arrival during the punk-dominated era. He unearthed a copy in a second-hand shop years ago and hasn’t looked back. He admits it’s been gathering dust—until now. Time for a spin, especially since it features Phil Collins on drums.

Rich Hobson (News Editor, Metal Hammer)

Motörhead – No Sleep ’til Hammersmith (40th Anniversary Edition)

Rich swears by vinyl for capturing the raw power of Motörhead live. He already owned a worn copy, but when he spotted the pristine boxset edition a day before its release, he couldn’t resist. Walking out of the record shop with it felt like a triumph. For Rich, it’s the best £80 he’s ever spent—apart from on Motörhead tickets.

Eleanor Goodman (Editor, Metal Hammer)

Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory (20th Anniversary Edition)

Eleanor keeps her vinyl collection modest, but this massive box set breaks the rule. Complete with extras like CDs, DVDs, and a cassette, it holds a deep personal meaning. As a teenager, Hybrid Theory shaped her love for music. The loss of Chester Bennington still hits hard, but this release ensures his voice and legacy live on.

Polly Glass (Deputy Editor, Classic Rock)

The Sheepdogs – Changing Colours

Lockdown Fridays turned into cocktail-and-vinyl nights, and this vibrant double LP became a staple. Polly praises its joyful sequencing, striking gatefold art, and irresistible energy. Each listen takes her back to that strange, reflective time, making it a pandemic-era comfort album she returns to often.

Siân Llewellyn (Editor, Classic Rock)

Mother Love Bone – Apple

Choosing one record was nearly impossible, but Siân landed on her original 1990 pressing of Apple. Purchased the day it was released, this album sparked her obsession with the Pacific Northwest music scene—eventually shaping her career. Though worn from love and repeated plays, it remains irreplaceable.

Paul Brannigan (Contributing Editor, Loudersound.com)

Metallica – Master Of Puppets (1987 DMM, 45rpm)

Paul’s first-ever album purchase was also a game-changer. Though his prized 1987 direct metal mastered pressing mysteriously vanished from his parents’ home, a generous book deal helped him reclaim it via eBay. For Paul, it’s worth the hefty price for “Orion” alone. That photo of the band outside 3132 Carlson Blvd? It sealed his fate as a lifelong fan.

George Garner (Editor-in-Chief, Music Week)

Soundgarden – King Animal (Signed Copy)

Sometimes the most special records come as gifts. While vacationing, George’s friend picked this one up for him at a New York show. It’s not just a rare pressing—it’s signed by all four members of Soundgarden. Following Chris Cornell’s tragic passing, the album became a deeply personal memento, and George still finds comfort in simply holding it.

Rob Redman (Writer, MusicRadar)

The Doors – L.A. Woman

Rob was torn between newer inspirations and timeless classics but ultimately chose L.A. Woman for its emotional resonance. From youthful moments to creative breakthroughs, this album has been his constant companion. “Riders on the Storm” remains a track for all moods and moments in his life.

Merlin Alderslade (Executive Editor, Loudersound.com)

Deadmau5 – Random Album Title

Unavailable on vinyl for over a decade, this EDM essential finally resurfaced in stunning red wax. Merlin didn’t hesitate to order it, even with steep international shipping. For him, tracks like “I Remember” and “Arguru” remain essential listening—warm, energizing, and now preserved in his desert island-ready vinyl collection.

Stuart Williams (Managing Director, Music, Future Publishing)

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – The Live Anthology

For Stuart, this 7-LP box set is nothing short of sacred. By stripping away dated production, these live recordings reveal the raw brilliance of Tom Petty’s songwriting. With standout moments like “It’s Good To Be King,” this anthology doesn’t just capture great music—it tells a life story. “When the time comes,” he says, “I very much hope they bury me with this set.”

From legendary live recordings to pandemic-era discoveries, these vinyl treasures aren’t just records—they’re chapters of life. Whether it’s for the art, the sound, or the memories they hold, these albums reflect why vinyl remains so cherished among music lovers.