Honestly, holding a copy of the Conan Gray Superache vinyl feels a bit like holding a diary that’s been set on fire and then somehow preserved in plastic. It’s heavy. It’s dramatic. It’s exactly what you’d expect from an artist who basically turned "yearning" into a high-art form.
When the album dropped back in June 2022, it wasn't just another pop release. It was a visual experience. If you’re a collector, you know that the physical packaging of Superache is arguably some of the best work Republic Records has put out in years. We aren't just talking about a disc in a sleeve. We’re talking about an entire "breakup kit" hidden inside the cardboard.
The Three Main Variants: Which One is Actually "The Best"?
There’s a lot of confusion about how many versions actually exist. You've probably seen a dozen different listings, but it really boils down to three primary North American pressings.
The Standard Ruby Red is the one you’ll find at most local record shops or Barnes & Noble. It’s a solid, translucent red that matches the "blood and roses" aesthetic of the era perfectly. Then you have the Target Exclusive Translucent Emerald Green. This one is a fan favorite because the green creates such a sharp, jarring contrast against the red roses on the cover. Plus, it usually comes with alternative artwork.
Finally, there’s the Urban Outfitters Exclusive. This one is often described as a red and black marble (or "smoke") effect. It is, by far, the hardest one to find for a reasonable price in 2026. Urban Outfitters only pressed about 3,000 of these initially, so if you see one in the wild, grab it.
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What’s actually inside the gatefold?
Most modern vinyl releases are pretty stingy with the extras. Conan went the opposite direction. Regardless of which version you buy, you’re usually getting a massive haul of "goodies" that make the $35–$45 price tag feel a lot more justified.
- Polaroids: Every copy comes with a set of three (or sometimes four) "Polaroid" style photos of Conan.
- Lyric Sheets: You get four individual lyric sheets. They aren't just printed on flimsy paper; they feel substantial.
- The Poster: A fold-out poster that usually features the album's floral motif.
- The Signature Factor: A limited run of the Ruby Red variant included a signed insert. Be careful on eBay—many sellers claim the sleeve is signed, but it’s almost always a separate 12x12 card tucked inside.
Sound Quality: Does it Actually Play Well?
Let’s be real. Sometimes "colored vinyl" sounds like someone is frying bacon in the background. It’s the curse of the medium.
However, the pressing quality for the Conan Gray Superache vinyl is surprisingly clean. It was mastered by Randy Merrill and produced by Dan Nigro (the same duo behind Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR), so the production is inherently built for high-fidelity systems. On a decent setup, tracks like "Family Line" sound haunting. The low-end bass in "Disaster" doesn't muddy the vocals, which is a common issue with 140g pressings.
It’s a single LP, which some people find annoying because the tracks are packed tightly. But it keeps the flow of the album consistent. You don't have to flip the record every nine minutes.
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Why the Resale Value is Skyrocketing
If you didn’t buy this in 2022 or 2023, you’ve probably noticed the prices creeping up. Especially for the Emerald Green and the Urban Outfitters marble.
Why? Because Conan’s fanbase is loyal. They don't "flip" their records often. When a fan gets a copy of Superache, it usually stays on their shelf forever. This has created a scarcity in the second-hand market. In 2026, finding a sealed Emerald Green variant for under $80 is considered a "steal."
How to Spot a Counterfeit or Scams
With the rise in value, some shady listings have popped up. Always check the UPC (602445720538) for the Ruby Red version. If you are looking for the Target Green, the UPC should be 602445720590.
Look at the weight. The official record weighs roughly 0.52 lbs (around 140-150 grams). If it feels suspiciously light or the "Polaroids" look like they were printed on a home inkjet printer, stay away. The real Polaroids have a specific glossy finish that’s hard to replicate.
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Practical Steps for Collectors
If you're looking to add the Conan Gray Superache vinyl to your collection today, start by checking Discogs rather than eBay. You'll get a better sense of the "Median Price" so you don't overpay.
If you just want the music and don't care about the color, the Standard Ruby Red is still periodically restocked on the official Conan Gray webstore and Republic Records' site. It’s the exact same tracklist, including hits like "Memories" and "People Watching," just without the "exclusive" color tax.
Check your local independent record stores first. Many shops still have the Ruby Red sitting in the "Pop" section because they don't list everything online. You might save yourself $15 in shipping fees and get a pristine copy without the "seam splits" that often happen during mail delivery.
Actionable Insights for Your Collection:
- Verify the Inserts: Before buying used, ask the seller for a photo of all 4 lyric sheets and the 3 polaroids. Many "used" copies are missing these.
- Store it Properly: Use an anti-static inner sleeve. The original paper sleeves that come with Superache are notorious for leaving "paper scuffs" on the red vinyl.
- Check the Target Restocks: Occasionally, Target does a small warehouse find of the Emerald Green. Set a "back in stock" alert on their app.