Do I 'Hafta' clean a brand new audiophile LP?

'gotta'

Read my tale of woe about the filthy new records I just got from Speakers Corner on a nearby thread. Just do it.

No, ya don't HAFTA, but if ya don't, ya SHOULDA
Use the Record Reseach Deep Cleaner, best I've seen to remove that crap.

They only last longer if there "LAST"-ed after their cleaned.

Yes. Even new 180g needs cleaning.

Yes, Please clean, and I mean wash, all your records both old and new. The manufacturing process leaves pressing die release compounds on and in the the vinyl grooves. You can not see it with your naked eye, but under a microscope you would be horrifed!!
Regards,