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Remember how those humble Walkmans filled our pockets? While many now gather dust, a select few have become unexpected treasures.
Proving once again that rarity, influence, and a good story can make plastic and magnetic tape worth a fortune, what was once considered a ‘dead format’ has found a new lease of life, popularised by some of the biggest chart-topping names in recent years, through to up-and-coming acts dubbing tapes on their parents’ stereo. At least, we used to do that... there’s probably an app for that now, correct?
We’ve searched the annals of Discogs once again this month to find 15 more releases on cassette tape that fetched a huge sum in recent years, basing our findings on the highest sold price in the online marketplace’s history. That means that though it did sell for that price originally, it’s still worth undertaking your due diligence to check back in and see if there is still a demand for your items.
That is, sadly, the nature of collecting.
So, what did we find this month that commanded a huge figure to own on the humble old magnetic format?
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7. A Certain Ratio – The Graveyard And The Ballroom (1980) – £160.00
This debut album by post-punk innovators A Certain Ratio is a significant Factory Records release (Fact 16). Issued on cassette in an incredibly early period for the format, it notably came in unique packaging, including a red pouch and two buttons. Factory's reputation for distinct aesthetics and limited, artful editions makes this original, complete package a prime target for collectors. | Getty Images/Discogs
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8. Ata Kak – Obaa Sima (1994) – £172.42
The legendary "lost" album that became a viral sensation, Ata Kak's Obaa Sima cassette, was originally self-released in Ghana and Canada, with only an estimated 50 copies ever made. A captivating blend of highlife, rap, and DIY electronics, its extreme rarity and eventual global rediscovery via the Awesome Tapes From Africa blog turned this once-obscure tape into a highly prized piece of global music history. | Provided/Discogs
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9. Daniel Johnston – Hi, How Are You: The Unfinished Album (1983) – £187.50
An iconic and deeply personal work from the revered outsider artist Daniel Johnston. This self-released cassette was originally distributed directly by Johnston himself, often with hand-drawn artwork, making authentic copies exceedingly rare. Its raw vulnerability and profound influence on countless musicians (including Kurt Cobain) elevate it to a highly valuable artefact for collectors of lo-fi and indie music. | Getty Images/Discogs
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10. Solid Space – Space Museum (1982) – £199.00
This obscure gem from the early 80s UK electronic scene has become a cult classic for fans of minimal wave and lo-fi synth-pop. Released on the small independent label In Phaze Records, original cassettes were produced in limited quantities. Its rediscovery by a new generation of electronic music enthusiasts has solidified its status as a highly sought-after piece of DIY electronic history. | Discogs
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11. Phish – Junta (1989) – £487.50
Phish's inaugural official album began as a self-released cassette compilation of their earliest demo recordings. These tapes were duplicated and sold directly by the band, making original copies exceptionally rare. For the band's massive and devoted "Phishheads" fanbase, this tape represents the foundational blueprint of their unique sound, making it a pivotal and highly coveted collector's item. | Getty Images/Discogs
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12. Eminem – Infinite (1996) – £525.00
Eminem's debut album, Infinite, was an independent release from 1996, selling very few copies before his superstardom. This cassette captures the raw, original sound of Slim Shady before he became a global phenomenon. Its extreme rarity, combined with its historical significance as the groundwork for one of the best-selling artists of all time, makes it a grail for hip-hop collectors. | Getty Images/Discogs