So as I hadn't seen this posted yet and it isn't in the official rulesheet, I spent some time with the glass off to figure out the 1-2-3 album combos. Each unique pattern is a different album. The shorthand I've used for indicating these (I don't know if this is "pinball standard" abbreviation) is:
LO = Left Orbit
IL = Inner Loop
DE = Dead End (or VUK)
SP = Spinner
RR = Right Ramp
RO = Right Orbit
So, the patterns in album release order are:
LO-IL-LR = RUSH
LO-LR-DE = Fly By Night
RR-RO = Hemispheres (I'm thinking this is a bug and there should be a third shot)
SP-IL-LR = Permanent Waves
RR-SP-IL = Moving Pictures
RR-SP-LR = Signals
SP-IL-IL = Power Windows
DE-LO-LR = Vapor Trails
DE-LO-IL = Snakes and Arrows
SP-LR-DE = Clockwork Angels
I also found that the 1-2-3 inserts will flash at a speed to indicate if you still have an album to collect there. A rapid flash means there is still something to collect, a slow flash/fade means you've already collected that pattern. I *think* completing the same album pattern again will still increase the award when albums are collected via the time machine, but didn't pay close enough attention to that. A good strategy might be to target collecting Moving Pictures early as it will give you The Weapon or add a ball for three modes (Limelight, Red Barchetta, Tom Sawyer) and Permanent Waves next as it will give you two (Spirit of Radio, Freewill).
This was all tested on a pro model with 0.93. Use this information for good, not evil!