#1 · 1981
Debut album featuring iconic synth-pop tracks and operatic vocals, foundational for Nomi's cult status.
10 tracksRCA labelStereo mixMultiple vinyl pressings
Artist page · 06/07/2026
Klaus Nomi
Klaus Nomi, born Klaus Sperber in 1944 in Immenstadt, Germany, was a countertenor and avant-garde performer rising to prominence in the early 1980s New York new wave scene. Known for merging opera, synth-pop, and cabaret styles, his career was brief but influential.
5Albums on Vinyles.com
191Discogs releases
156kLast.fm listeners
About
Klaus Nomi, German countertenor blending opera and new wave synth sounds.
Over 190 releases; debut 1981 LP and 1982 Simple Man LP sought after by collectors.
Klaus Nomi cultivated a unique blend of art pop, new wave, and experimental synth-pop with a dramatic, theatrical stage presence often referencing opera. His 1981 self-titled debut album showcased his wide vocal range and unconventional take on pop music. Nomi's work features intricate arrangements and operatic influences, including notable tracks like "The Cold Song" and "Samson and Delilah". He released several studio albums and live recordings, including "Simple Man" (1982) and posthumous remix compilations that reveal his lasting impact.
His integration of both classical and electronic elements positioned him as a distinctive figure of early 80s avant-garde music, with a catalog that remains actively traded among collectors and audiophiles worldwide.
Discography
Klaus Nomi — Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Legacy · 2023Remixes (Volume 2)
Studio
Legacy · 2023Remixes
Studio
Heliocentric · 2008Za Bakdaz
Studio
RCA · 1986In Concert
Live
RCA · 1982Simple Man
Studio
RCA · 1981Klaus Nomi
Studio
Studio album
Live / EP
Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Klaus Nomi's career.
01
Valentine's Day
Za Bakdaz · 2008
02
Lightning Strikes
Klaus Nomi · 1981
03
Total Eclipse
Klaus Nomi · 1981
04
The Cold Song
Klaus Nomi · 1981
05
Keys of Life
Klaus Nomi · 1981
06
You Don't Own Me
Klaus Nomi · 1981
07
Nomi Song
Klaus Nomi · 1981
08
Wasting My Time
Klaus Nomi · 1981
The essentials
The 3 Klaus Nomi albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
#2 · 1982
Sophomore LP blending pop rock and synth-pop styles, with 12 tracks including the title song and "Death."
12 tracksRCA VictorStereoMultiple vinyl versions
#3 · 2023
Collection of remix tracks revitalizing Nomi's catalog with electronic interpretations of classics.
8 tracksLegacy labelLimited edition vinylIncludes "The Cold Song"
Go further
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Artists who share part of Klaus Nomi's musical DNA.
Collectors
For vinyl die-hards
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
Market values (source: Discogs)
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Remixes
Market position
i
Min price 9 €Max price 9 €
Average price
9,28 €
Only 26 copies for sale on Discogs
25 collectors want it (Discogs wantlist)
Remixes (Volume 2)
Market position
i
Min price 20 €Max price 22 €
Average price
20,87 €
Only 17 copies for sale on Discogs
17 collectors want it (Discogs wantlist)
Simple Man
Market position
i
Min price 3 €Max price 25 €
Average price
7,00 €
Only 91 copies for sale on Discogs
304 collectors want it (Discogs wantlist)
Klaus Nomi
Market position
i
Min price 6 €Max price 26 €
Average price
15,00 €
Only 57 copies for sale on Discogs
913 collectors want it (Discogs wantlist)
Za Bakdaz
Market position
i
Min price 21 €Max price 40 €
Average price
30,34 €
Only 5 copies for sale on Discogs
142 collectors want it (Discogs wantlist)
In Concert
Market position
i
Min price 12 €Max price 19 €
Average price
14,00 €
Only 23 copies for sale on Discogs
279 collectors want it (Discogs wantlist)
Notable pressings & editions
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of Klaus Nomi
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
Discovered by David Bowie, Nomi's vocal range and extraterrestrial style stunned audiences.— Biographical account
01Debut Album
1981 Klaus Nomi LP release
The self-titled debut album was released in 1981 on RCA, featuring synth-pop with operatic vocals spanning a unique range from bass-baritone to falsetto.
02Live Album
1986 In Concert live recording
The live album "In Concert" was released posthumously in 1986, capturing performances including "Keys Of Life" and "Samson And Delilah: Aria."
03Remix Revival
2023 Remixes LP
Legacy Recordings issued a limited edition "Remixes" LP in 2023, featuring reinterpretations of tracks like "Simple Man" and "The Cold Song."
04Early Career
First public operatic performance in Berne
Nomi performed Mozart's opera "Bastien, Bastienne" in Berne as his first public operatic appearance, marking the start of his performance career.
Records by Klaus Nomi
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FAQ
FAQ: Klaus Nomi on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Who was Klaus Nomi?
Klaus Nomi was a German countertenor and avant-garde artist known for his operatic voice and New Wave performances during the early 1980s.
What are Klaus Nomi's most popular vinyl albums?
Some of the most sought-after vinyls include his 1981 self-titled LP, "Simple Man" (1982), and the 2023 "Remixes" limited edition LP.
What style of music did Klaus Nomi perform?
He combined avant-garde, opera, synth-pop, and new wave influences, creating a unique theatrical sound.
Are there special vinyl editions of Klaus Nomi albums?
Yes, several albums have limited edition vinyl pressings, such as the 2023 "Remixes" LP and multiple versions of "Simple Man."
Was Klaus Nomi associated with any particular scene or city?
Klaus Nomi was closely linked to the New York City avant-garde and new wave scene of the early 1980s.
What vinyl pressing of Klaus Nomi is most valuable?
The Spanish 1981 LP pressing of "Klaus Nomi" and the Spanish promotional pressing of "Simple Man" from 1982 command high collector interest.
Where can I find Klaus Nomi vinyl records for sale in France?
French pressing editions like the 1982 "Simple Man" LP are often available, and collectors track prices actively on vinyl platforms.
Did Klaus Nomi study music formally?
Yes, he studied at the Berliner Opera and performed operatic roles early in his career.
Transparency
Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 06/07/2026