The Most Desired Releases of 2019

What causes a physical release to be highly sought after? What makes it valuable? Is it the music contained on the disc? Or is it something else?

We have been thinking about this quite a bit recently at Discogs HQ. Similar to how we discovered that the most collected doesn’t necessarily represent the best music, we have a sense that sorting by most wanted isn’t the most accurate way to determine highly-desired releases. So, we’ve been working on new ways to query the data available to find releases that are exceptionally desirable.

My method might be a rather rudimentary way of uncovering desirable releases, but it’s a first step beyond just using total Wantlist numbers, so bear with me a bit. By using a ratio of (Wants ÷ Haves), we can establish an index of “desirability,” referred to below as the Want/Have Index. My theory is: the higher this number is, the more desirable a record will be. I had to refine this a bit to cull releases that might just be in a very small share of collections, which were mostly loosely verified test-pressings. With that in mind, this list contains releases that are in at least 25 collections. So you can maybe see how this needs some work and if you are a wise data nerd with any ideas, please feel free to leave them in the comments or DM me using my Discogs profile link at the bottom of this post. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Using this method to uncover some of the most desired releases in 2019 has yielded interesting results. Unlike sorting by the most wanted releases of 2019, we get a much more nuanced view of some exceptionally rare releases from the last 12 months. Almost all of these are limited vinyl pressings, many of which are so rare they have never been sold on Discogs. The notes and comments often allude to why these releases are so highly-desired, whether it be low pressing numbers, one-day promotions or other truly bizarre causes (looking at you variant of Billie Eilish ‎– Live at Third Man Records that features a blue paint-splattered sleeve that Billie “painted” and that may also have her footprints/handprints tracked on them.)

There are some genuinely astounding music releases in here that are exceptionally rare. The type of stuff that might make it into a Top 30 Most Expensive list in a few years. Dive in, explore some of the rarest and most sought after music of 2019 and don’t forget to listen with the YouTube videos on the release pages – there is a lot of truly exceptional music in this list that is worth enjoying even if you are unlikely to come across a physical copy.

2019’s Most Highly Desired Releases

1. 

   Charonne – Moonstruck Zine

   Want/Have Index: 11.3846

   • Format: 12″
   • Label: Rakya Records
2. 

   Fisher – Losing It

   Want/Have Index: 10.25

   • Format: 12″, Ltd, Num
   • Label: Astralwerks
3. 

   Eversines, Anderson, Adam Pits, Nella – Wex Special: Part 2

   Want/Have Index: 9.5926

   • Format: 12″, Ltd, W/Lbl
   • Label: Wex
4. 

   Billie Eilish – Live at Third Man Records

   Want/Have Index: 7.6207

   • Format: LP, Album, Ltd, Blu
   • Label: Third Man Records
5. 

   Lou Karsh – Phantom Structures

   Want/Have Index: 7.3077

   • Format: 2×12″, Album, W/Lbl
   • Label: Furthur Electronix
6. 

   Coil – The Gay Man’s Guide To Safer Sex + 2

   Want/Have Index: 7.2813

   • Format: LP, Album, TP
   • Label: Musique Pour La Danse
7. 

   Mystic Harmony – Night Over Egypt / Independant Lady

   Want/Have Index: 6.4615

   • Format: 7″, Single, Ltd, RE
   • Label: Backatcha Records
8. 

   David Bowie – The Next Day

   Want/Have Index: 6.0952

   • Format: LP, Album, Ltd, Num, RE, Blu
   • Label: ISO Records, Columbia
9. 

   The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Axis:Bold As Love

   Want/Have Index: 5.9524

   • Format: LP, Album, Ltd, Num, RE, Blu
   • Label: Legacy
10. 

    Meitei / Meitei – Komachi

    Want/Have Index: 5.7714

    • Format: LP, Album, Boo
    • Label: Métron Records
11. 

    King Crimson – In The Court Of The Crimson King

    Want/Have Index: 5.5625

    • Format: LP, Album, Ltd, Num, RE, Blu
    • Label: Discipline Global Mobile
12. 

    Skyf Connection – Ten To Ten

    Want/Have Index: 5.4783

    • Format: LP, MiniAlbum, RM
    • Label: La Casa Tropical
13. 

    Kamasi Washington, Gregory Porter – Kai Alcé Interpretations

    Want/Have Index: 5.4474

    • Format: 12″, S/Edition, W/Lbl
    • Label: Not On Label
14. 

    Sly & Robbie Vs. The Roots Radics – The Final Battle

    Want/Have Index: 5.1667

    • Format: LP, Album, Ltd
    • Label: Serious Reggae, Afro Records
15. 

    Wendell Harrison And Tribe – Farewell To The Welfare

    Want/Have Index: 4.8627

    • Format: 7″, Num, RE, RM
    • Label: Clap City Records, Tribe (3)
16. 

    Slowdive – Golden Hair (Live)

    Want/Have Index: 4.8444

    • Format: 7″, Ltd, Gol
    • Label: Sonic Cathedral Recordings
17. 

    Bladymore Galaxy – The Impermanent Sensations

    Want/Have Index: 4.7576

    • Format: 12″, EP, TP
    • Label: Elma rivaga
18. 

    Billy Woods, Kenny Segal – Hiding Places

    Want/Have Index: 4.6389

    • Format: LP, Album, Ltd, Num
    • Label: Backwoodz Studioz
19. 

    Still Woozy – Woozy Discography

    Want/Have Index: 4.4483

    • Format: LP, Ltd, Ora
    • Label: Vinyl Me, Please. Rising
20. 

    Karen Young – Hot Shot (Remixed With Love By Joey Negro)

    Want/Have Index: 4.4286

    • Format: 12″, Ltd, Pin
    • Label: High Fashion Music
21. 

    Meute – You & Me / Hey Hey

    Want/Have Index: 4.4167

    • Format: 10″, EP, Ltd
    • Label: Tumult (2)
22. 

    Soul Supreme – The Message / Umi Says

    Want/Have Index: 4.4138

    • Format: 7″
    • Label: Tugboat Editions
23. 

    Mike Ash – Buggin’ With The Bleeps

    Want/Have Index: 4.36

    • Format: 12″, EP, Ltd, Num, Red
    • Label: Super Rhythm Trax
24. 

    Madonna + Maluma – Medellín

    Want/Have Index: 4.3214

    • Format: CDr, Single, Promo
    • Label: Polydor
25. 

    Батюшка – Панихида

    Want/Have Index: 4.25

    • Format: CDr, Unofficial
    • Label: PRT RECORDS (2)
26. 

    Phish – Kasvot Växt: í rokk

    Want/Have Index: 4.2083

    • Format: 2xLP, Album, Unofficial, Whi
    • Label: Elektrisk Tung
27. 

    Durand Jones & The Indications – Don’t You Know

    Want/Have Index: 4.1667

    • Format: 7″, Single, Ltd, Wax
    • Label: Colemine Records
28. 

    Nemo Vachez – Terraformation EP

    Want/Have Index: 4.1557

    • Format: 12″
    • Label: Forest ill Records
29. 

    DJ Dstrukt And Rcade – Brazilla

    Want/Have Index: 4.125

    • Format: 7″, Single, Gre
    • Label: Raisin Heads
30. 

    Saâda Bonaire – Saâda Bonaire

    Want/Have Index: 4.1188

    • Format: 2xLP, Comp, RP
    • Label: Captured Tracks
31. 

    Jai Paul – Do You Love Her Now / He

    Want/Have Index: 4.0682

    • Format: 12″, Single, Num, W/Lbl, Sig
    • Label: XL Recordings
32. 

    Shigeo Sekito = Shigeo Sekito – ザ・ワードII = The Word II

    Want/Have Index: 4.0455

    • Format: 7″, Single, RE
    • Label: JET SET (3), Columbia
33. 

    Steve Marie, Rukka, Arlanoa, HiLo – Itération EP

    Want/Have Index: 3.9773

    • Format: 12″, EP
    • Label: Cymatique Records
34. 

    Various – New Path EP

    Want/Have Index: 3.965

    • Format: 12″, EP
    • Label: Forest ill Records
35. 

    James Shinra – Orbit EP

    Want/Have Index: 3.9355

    • Format: 12″, EP, Promo, TP
    • Label: Furthur Electronix
36. 

    Kellon – The Datum

    Want/Have Index: 3.9048

    • Format: 12″, EP
    • Label: Spillway
37. 

    Frank Ocean – Channel Orange

    Want/Have Index: 3.88

    • Format: LP, Album, Dlx, Ltd, Promo, Unofficial, Cle
    • Label: Frank Ocean Promotions
38. 

    Reedale Rise – The Reasoning

    Want/Have Index: 3.8644

    • Format: 12″, EP, TP
    • Label: Propersound
39. 

    Blood Incantation – Hidden History Of The Human Race

    Want/Have Index: 3.8519

    • Format: LP, Album, Ltd, Sta
    • Label: Dark Descent Records
40. 

    Spice Girls – Spice

    Want/Have Index: 3.8333

    • Format: LP, Album, Ltd, Num, RE, RM, Blu
    • Label: Virgin, Virgin
41. 

    Ulla Straus – Big Room

    Want/Have Index: 3.8182

    • Format: 2xCass, Album, Ltd
    • Label: Quiet Time Tapes
42. 

    Blue Gas – Shadows From Nowhere

    Want/Have Index: 3.7813

    • Format: 12″, Ltd, RE
    • Label: S.P.Q.R., Best Record Italy
43. 

    Coil – Swanyard

    Want/Have Index: 3.7419

    • Format: 3xLP, Album, Ltd, Num, S/Edition + Box
    • Label: Infinite Fog Productions
44. 

    Nine Circles – The Early Days

    Want/Have Index: 3.7391

    • Format: 2xLP, Album, Comp, RE
    • Label: OnderStroom Records
45. 

    Co-op – Documentary Now! Presents: Original Cast Album: Co-op

    Want/Have Index: 3.7308

    • Format: LP
    • Label: IFC (2), Broadway Video
46. 

    Brannten Schnüre – Durch Unser Zugedecktes Tal

    Want/Have Index: 3.6667

    • Format: LP, Ltd, Num
    • Label: Youdonthavetocallitmusic
47. 

    Various – OVNIE 001

    Want/Have Index: 3.6471

    • Format: 12″, EP
    • Label: Ovnie
48. 

    Bob Dylan – 50th Anniversary Collection 1969

    Want/Have Index: 3.64

    • Format: 2xCD, Ltd
    • Label: Columbia, Sony Music, Legacy
49. 

    F.U.S.E. – Dimensions

    Want/Have Index: 3.6098

    • Format: 3×12″, Album, RE, RM, Whi + 2×12″, EP, RE, RM, Whi
    • Label: Plus 8 Records, The Vinyl Factory
50. 

    Adesse Versions – Marijuana

    Want/Have Index: 3.6087

    • Format: Lathe, 10″, Spr
    • Label: Dubplated
51. 

    Main Source – Atom

    Want/Have Index: 3.5714

    • Format: 7″, Ltd
    • Label: Actual Records
52. 

    Sueño Sueño – Tapas!

    Want/Have Index: 3.5652

    • Format: LP, Album, RE
    • Label: Mind Records (6), Spooky (2)
53. 

    Rub800 – Dynamo Star EP

    Want/Have Index: 3.5385

    • Format: 12″
    • Label: Meld
54. 

    Avril Lavigne – Head Above Water

    Want/Have Index: 3.5349

    • Format: LP, Album, Ltd, Tra
    • Label: BMG Rights Management
55. 

    Riccardo – Focus on Your Mind

    Want/Have Index: 3.5217

    • Format: 12″
    • Label: Time Passages
56. 

    Jared Wilson – Roland Acid Again

    Want/Have Index: 3.5

    • Format: 12″, EP
    • Label: Undersound Recordings
57. 

    Len Lewis – Liquid Acid / Edge Of Life

    Want/Have Index: 3.4583

    • Format: 12″, EP, RE, RM
    • Label: Physical Education
58. 

    Bejenec – Ruslan Tislenko EP

    Want/Have Index: 3.4444

    • Format: 12″, EP
    • Label: System 108
59. 

    Alessandro Alessandroni, Giovanni Tommaso – Open Air Parade

    Want/Have Index: 3.3793

    • Format: LP, Ltd, RE, RM, 180
    • Label: SR Records (6), Sonor Music Editions
60. 

    Black Curse – Endless Wound

    Want/Have Index: 3.3077

    • Format: Cass, Advance
    • Label: Sepulchral Voice Records
61. 

    Midibasics – Cyber Queen

    Want/Have Index: 3.2963

    • Format: 12″
    • Label: Midibasics
62. 

    Paul Paul – Good Times

    Want/Have Index: 3.2917

    • Format: 12″, RE
    • Label: Giorgio Records
63. 

    Stopouts / Klon Dump – Ahead Of Us / Do The Dump

    Want/Have Index: 3.2778

    • Format: 12″
    • Label: A Colourful Storm
64. 

    Marilyn Manson – Antichrist Superstar

    Want/Have Index: 3.2759

    • Format: 2xLP, Album, Unofficial, Bla
    • Label: Nothing Records (4)
65. 

    Rosa Anschütz – RR4

    Want/Have Index: 3.2609

    • Format: 10″, EP, S/Edition, Pho
    • Label: R – Label Group
66. 

    François N’Gwa – Ogooué

    Want/Have Index: 3.25

    • Format: LP, Comp, RM
    • Label: Into The Deep Treasury
67. 

    Reedale Rise – The Searching

    Want/Have Index: 3.2478

    • Format: 12″, EP, Ltd, W/Lbl
    • Label: Propersound
68. 

    Perm – Quewupp

    Want/Have Index: 3.2414

    • Format: 12″
    • Label: Kann Records
69. 

    U2 – The Joshua Tree

    Want/Have Index: 3.2308

    • Format: 2xLP, Album, Ltd, RE, Red
    • Label: Island Records
70. 

    Phineus II – Meridian Response

    Want/Have Index: 3.2273

    • Format: 3×12″, Album, TP, W/Lbl
    • Label: Green Bay Wax
71. 

    Various – Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

    Want/Have Index: 3.2071

    • Format: 2xLP, Comp, Ltd
    • Label: Columbia
72. 

    A Gethsemani – Âme Triste

    Want/Have Index: 3.2

    • Format: LP, Album, Ltd, RE, RM
    • Label: Tunnel Vision Records (2)
73. 

    DJ Krush & Muro – Diggin’ On Blue – Mixed By DJ Krush & Muro

    Want/Have Index: 3.1905

    • Format: 2xCD, Mixed
    • Label: Blue Note
74. 

    Various – Komenco

    Want/Have Index: 3.1818

    • Format: 12″, EP
    • Label: nifo records
75. 

    Idris Bena – Pantei Rah EP

    Want/Have Index: 3.1333

    • Format: 12″, EP
    • Label: Forest ill Records
76. 

    The Raconteurs – HEY GYP (Dig the Slowness)

    Want/Have Index: 3.1333

    • Format: 7″, S/Sided, Etch, Ltd, TP
    • Label: Third Man Records
77. 

    Green Lung – Woodland Rites

    Want/Have Index: 3.12

    • Format: LP, Album, Ltd
    • Label: Kozmik Artifactz
78. 

    Lamp of Murmuur – Melancholy Howls In Ceremonial Penitence

    Want/Have Index: 3.12

    • Format: Cass, Album, Ltd, Num, Red
    • Label: Death Kvlt Productions
79. 

    Pharoah Sanders / John Hicks / Curtis Lundy / Idris Muhammad – Africa

    Want/Have Index: 3.1071

    • Format: 2xLP, Album, Ltd, RE, Ora
    • Label: Tidal Waves Music
80. 

    XV – XV

    Want/Have Index: 3.0952

    • Format: 12″, Red
    • Label: Life Like
81. 

    Unknown Artist – PABLO 001

    Want/Have Index: 3.0952

    • Format: 12″, EP
    • Label: Who Is Pablo?
82. 

    The Raconteurs – HEY GYP (Dig the Slowness)

    Want/Have Index: 3.0909

    • Format: 7″, S/Sided, Etch, Ltd, TP
    • Label: Third Man Records
83. 

    half•alive – *7

    Want/Have Index: 3.0882

    • Format: 12″, EP, Ltd, Cre
    • Label: RCA
84. 

    Eliane Radigue – Chry-ptus

    Want/Have Index: 3.08

    • Format: 2xLP, Ltd, RE, Cle
    • Label: Important Records (2)
85. 

    ASAP Mob – Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy

    Want/Have Index: 3.0755

    • Format: 2xLP
    • Label: Nasty World Records
86. 

    DJ W.E.B, Steve Marie, Vid Vai, Evano – Global Worms EP

    Want/Have Index: 3.075

    • Format: 12″, EP
    • Label: PHI φ
87. 

    Keety Roots – Soldier March

    Want/Have Index: 3.0588

    • Format: 10″, Single, Ltd, S/Edition, dub
    • Label: Not On Label
88. 

    Reader – Engrams

    Want/Have Index: 3.0571

    • Format: LP, Album, Pic, Ani
    • Label: Spartan Records (3)
89. 

    slowthai – Nothing Great About Britain

    Want/Have Index: 3.0476

    • Format: LP, Album, Ltd, Tra
    • Label: Method Records (4)
90. 

    Aphex Twin – London 14.09.2019

    Want/Have Index: 3.0435

    • Format: 12″, EP, Ltd
    • Label: Warp Records
91. 

    The Raconteurs – HEY GYP (Dig the Slowness)

    Want/Have Index: 3.0385

    • Format: 7″, S/Sided, Etch, Ltd, TP
    • Label: Third Man Records
92. 

    Sam Barker – Utility

    Want/Have Index: 3.0278

    • Format: 2xLP, Album, Ltd, Num
    • Label: Ostgut Ton
93. 

    Solär Sound System – Ōsumi

    Want/Have Index: 3.008

    • Format: 12″, EP, Ltd, W/Lbl, Sta
    • Label: Shin’uchū
94. 

    Duke Lake – Do You

    Want/Have Index: 3

    • Format: 12″, Maxi, Ltd, Bla
    • Label: Around My Dream Records
95. 

    Fronzena Harris – Lovetime Guarantee

    Want/Have Index: 3

    • Format: 12″, Unofficial, Cle
    • Label: Baltimore-Washington International Records
96. 

    Fronzena Harris – Lovetime Guarantee

    Want/Have Index: 3

    • Format: 12″, Unofficial
    • Label: Baltimore-Washington International Records
97. 

    Sweely – Private Navigation EP

    Want/Have Index: 3

    • Format: 12″, EP
    • Label: Butter Side Up
98. 

    Bossa Electrica, Karyn Smith – Sunshine / Pillow Talk

    Want/Have Index: 2.9833

    • Format: 7″, Club
    • Label: Ximeno Records
99. 

    Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Skeleton Tree

    Want/Have Index: 2.9744

    • Format: LP, Album, Ltd, Num, RE, Blu
    • Label: Bad Seed Ltd., Bad Seed Ltd.
100. 

     Overmono – Whities 019

     Want/Have Index: 2.9726

     • Format: 12″, EP, RP
     • Label: Whities

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