Mine is Gus Cannon's Walk Right In on Stax. It is only LP I am missing from the initial Stax/Volt era (62-68). I've read many times there were only 500 copies printed of this one. I haven't been able to verify this pressing information, but unfortunately, I've never seen a physical copy of it either.
My "holy grail" album would have to be a sealed Livingston Capitol first state Stereo Y&T Beatles butcher album. But as a HUGE: Beatles / Dylan / King Crimson collector there are numerous HG type discs... Now I'm in to TP's and Acetates by these three... and that is an ongoing hunt for original pieces. I truly believe and absolutely call these rarities holy grail items.
LOL, just saw the Bert and Ernie one in a thrift store. I own this one - the cover of this just makes you go "hmmmmmmm".
Fortunately, Joni's original LPs are usually in good shape (except Court and Spark, typically...and Miles of Aisles...in my experiences)...I have a NM For the Roses, and a NM Don Juan's Reckless Daughter. When I got them (and to this day), they looked like they'd never been played, without even the slightest crinkle or fray on the jacket, and no ring-wear whatsoever. Flawlessly stored since the 1970s, both of them.
Too many holy grails I'd like to have. Here are some examples. - The Beatles Please Please Me UK 1st pressing (black/gold label) in mono - A promo pressing of one of Pink Floyd's early singles (e.g. 'Apples And Oranges') - Coldplay's demo/promo tape Ode To Deodorant/Brothers & Sisters - Depeche Mode's early demo tapes (1980)
May you never find your holy grail. I was always looking for a copy of the GTO's "Permanent Damage" with booklet. Heard "Circular Circulation" on the Zapped compilation and thought it fun. I found a lot of interesting stuff while looking. Passed on a third state butcher cover at the old Rhino on Westwood for $60. Thought it was overpriced. Actually still do. Eventually bought a copy of the GTO album on Ebay, listened to it once and got bored with collecting.
Throbbing Gristle, Second Annual Report with sticker. I bought one when it came out, stuck the sticker on a door, played it a few times, sold it. Now I dream about getting it back. Also the first Temple ov Psychic Youth album with the free record. Same story, bought it, played it, sold it on. I want them because they remind me of my youth...yet I know it cannot possibly live up to my memory. It's best I never get either of these records.....
I guess that records are easier to listen to before buying these days because of Youtube, etc. I chased a lot of vintage albums back in the 90's, only to be disappointed with some of them after finally getting a copy. It turned me off to paying collectors prices for things. In fact, I switched to collecting 45s rather than albums because I thought it was a lot more fun.
Some "Grails" for me. Although, most are a matter of not wanting to pay the ridiculous prices these things are commanding.. Beatles Yesterday and Today- "Buther" cover John Lennon-Wedding Album Paul McCartney- Flaming Pie. Chaos and Creation, Memory Almost Full Tom Petty- Wildflowers and The Last DJ Dennis Wilson-Pacific Ocean Blue Elvis Presley Original Sun 45 or 78s Elvis Presley FTD Lps
I'd probably say a pristine Pink Island ITCOTCK and a pristine US WLP of Close to the Edge. I've seen those promos floating around discogs and ebay, but they're in so poor condition I don't see any point in getting them, especially since they command around $80 at least in only G+ condition or so.