London - Vinyl records are back in fashion.
In Britain they have recorded their best sales for a decade as devotees and new fans relish what they say is a livelier sound than digital formats.
The Soho district of London is peppered with small shops where music fans are once again enjoying the feel of dust on their fingertips as they flick through the racks of albums. “They love the sound, they love the packaging, they feel they are buying something a bit more special,” said Neal Birnie, of the Sounds of the Universe shop.
Nearly 550 000 vinyl discs have been sold in Britain in 2013. While that represents less than 0.8 percent of all music formats sold, it is clear that having almost suffered a death at the hands of digital music, vinyl records have more than survived.
It is not just old re-releases either – the highest-selling vinyl record in 2013 was Random Access Memories by French duo Daft Punk, featuring their global hit single Get Lucky. David Bowie released a vinyl edition of his latest offering The Next Day, as have British pop-rockers Arctic Monkeys, US indie legends The Pixies, Pearl Jam and even Paul McCartney.
“We’re witnessing a renaissance for records – they’re no longer retromania and are becoming the format of choice for more music fans,” BPI Chief Executive Geoff Taylor said.
Sapa-AFP