On the Record: Hilltop Hoods – Left Foot Right Foot Vinyl: Rarity, Pressings & Collector Value

On the Record: Hilltop Hoods – Left Foot Right Foot Vinyl: Rarity, Pressings & Collector Value

Left Foot Right Foot is one of the earliest releases from Hilltop Hoods—and one of the hardest to find on vinyl.

Pressed in extremely limited quantities during the early days of Australian hip hop, this release has become a true local collector’s piece, often flying under the radar compared to US hip hop rarities.

👉 So how rare is it—and how do you know if you’ve found a real copy?

🎤 The Story Behind the Release

Released in the early 2000s through Obese Records, Left Foot Right Foot came out at a time when:

  • Australian hip hop was still underground
  • Vinyl runs were small and often locally distributed
  • Many releases were pressed primarily for DJs

👉 This combination is exactly what creates modern rarity

💰 Pressing & Value

Original 12" Vinyl (Obese Records)

  • Format: 12" single
  • Estimated Value: $150–$400+ AUD
  • Availability: Very limited

👉 This is the only known official vinyl pressing

🔍 Pressing Identifiers (Collector Details)

This is where most people get caught out—because early Australian hip hop pressings are not always clean or consistent.

📀 Original Pressing – Key Identifiers

Label

  • Obese Records branding
  • Simple, functional label design
  • Often minimal artwork compared to major label releases

👉 If it looks overly polished—it’s likely not original

Runout / Matrix (VERY IMPORTANT)

  • Typically:
    • Hand-etched runout markings
  • May include:
    • Short catalogue-style codes
    • Initials or cutting marks

👉 Expect:

  • Slight inconsistency
  • Imperfect etching

This is normal for small-run Australian pressings

Vinyl

  • Standard black vinyl
  • No coloured variants known for original pressing

👉 Any coloured version is highly suspect

Sleeve & Packaging

  • Plain or lightly printed sleeve
  • Some copies distributed in:
    • Generic sleeves
    • Stickered sleeves

👉 Packaging can vary—this is normal for indie releases

⚠️ Known Variations

Unlike major releases, this pressing may show:

  • Minor label layout differences
  • Slight runout variations
  • Sleeve inconsistencies

👉 These are still considered authentic originals

⚠️ Common Buyer Mistakes

  • ❌ Expecting perfect packaging
  • ❌ Assuming rough finish = fake
  • ❌ Ignoring runout details
  • ❌ Confusing later Hilltop Hoods releases with early material

👉 Early Aussie hip hop pressings are raw by nature

⚠️ Are There Bootlegs?

👉 Bootlegs are not widely documented, but:

  • The rarity of the release means:
    • Misidentified copies can appear
    • Later pressings or unrelated releases may be confused

🚫 Red Flags

  • ❌ Coloured vinyl
  • ❌ Modern glossy sleeve
  • ❌ Clean, machine-stamped matrix with no variation
  • ❌ Non-Obese Records branding

🎧 Sound Quality

  • Raw, early 2000s hip hop production
  • Pressing quality:
    • Variable
    • Typical of small-run indie vinyl

👉 This is about history and rarity, not audiophile quality

💡 Is Left Foot Right Foot Vinyl Worth Buying?

👍 Yes, if:

  • You collect Australian hip hop
  • You find a verified original
  • You appreciate early indie pressings

👎 Be cautious if:

  • You’re unsure of authenticity
  • You’re paying premium without verification

🛒 Where to Buy Hilltop Hoods Vinyl

Because of the rarity of early releases, buying from a trusted store is key—especially for Australian hip hop collectors.

You can explore Hilltop Hoods vinyl and other Australian releases at Heathen Records, your independent Australian online record store specialising in new and collectible vinyl.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How rare is Left Foot Right Foot on vinyl?

Very rare—pressed in limited quantities during the early 2000s Australian hip hop scene.

How much is it worth?

Typically $150–$400+ AUD, depending on condition.

How do I identify an original?

Check:

  • Obese Records label
  • Hand-etched runout
  • Black vinyl

Are there reissues?

No widely known official reissues exist.

🏁 Final Word

Left Foot Right Foot is more than just an early Hilltop Hoods release—it’s a snapshot of Australian hip hop at a time when vinyl was still a niche format.

That combination of low production, local distribution, and cultural significance makes it one of the more interesting Australian vinyl collectibles today.

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