Released in 1976, “Hotel California” is the fifth studio album by the Eagles and is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. The album features hits such as the title track “Hotel California,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Life in the Fast Lane,” and is known for its iconic guitar solos and harmonies.
The version we’ll be discussing today is the original US pressing, released on the Asylum Records label with catalog number 7E-1084. This pressing features a gatefold sleeve with a cover design that depicts the Hotel California in a desert landscape. It also has the “CSM” matrix etching on the runout grooves, indicating that it was pressed at the Columbia Records Pressing Plant in Santa Maria, California.
What makes this particular copy special is that it is still sealed, meaning it has never been opened or played. Sealed copies of vintage vinyl albums are highly sought after by collectors, as they are often in pristine condition and have never been exposed to the wear and tear that comes with being played on a turntable.
One of the benefits of owning a sealed copy of “Hotel California” is that you can be sure of its authenticity. Unfortunately, there are many counterfeit copies of popular vinyl albums floating around, and it can be difficult to know if a used copy you’re buying is the real thing. With a sealed copy, you can be confident that you’re getting a genuine, original pressing.
Of course, the downside to owning a sealed copy is that you can’t actually listen to the music! Many collectors choose to keep their sealed albums unopened as a display piece or investment, but others prefer to open them up and enjoy the music. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual collector to decide what to do with their sealed copy.
If you’re interested in buying a sealed copy of “Hotel California,” be prepared to pay a premium price. As with any collectible item, rarity and condition are the two biggest factors that determine value, and a sealed copy of this iconic album in its original US pressing with the “CSM” matrix etching is sure to fetch a high price. However, for serious Eagles fans and vinyl collectors, owning a piece of music history like this is well worth the investment.
The sealed vinyl Eagles album “Hotel California” is a highly sought-after collector’s item that represents a significant piece of music history. Whether you choose to keep it sealed as a display piece or open it up and enjoy the music, owning a copy of this iconic album in its original US pressing with the “CSM” matrix etching is a must-have for any serious Eagles fan or vinyl collector.