By Clare Brown
Since the sale of vinyl records plummeted to its nadir in 2007 with sales of just 205,292, records have seen what some may see as a major comeback in the decade since.
The sale of vinyl records plummeted to its lowest in 2007, with sales of just 205,292, yet records have seen a miraculous comeback in the decade since. 2016 saw sales of 3.2 million which rose to 4.1 million in 2017 matching the predictions of the BPS (British Phonographic Industry) that sales would exceed the 4 million mark. This marks the highest sales since recording started in 1990. So should we all be getting back into vinyl?
There is much debate among music fans as to whether analogue or digital is better (analogue being records and digital being CDs and downloads). Records wear down over time developing crackles and pops, but digital music is compressed, often meaning the extremities of the frequencies are chopped off in the process. These differences invariably cause debate about which medium provides a better sound quality and this is only exacerbated by the most obvious difference. Prices!
The average CD in the UK (correct as of 2013) costs £8. This is the result of the ease of the process of producing CD’s, let's face it, how many have burned their own CD at one point or another (okay, so the last one I can think of was by my Dad in 2007, but it’s still valid). This just shows though that it is quick, simple, and easy to do, so there isn’t a need to charge too much. However, records are a different story. Buying a brand new record in the shops today would set you back about £20, despite it containing all of the same tracks as a CD or download. There are good reasons for this though.
It has been 35 years since the new-fangled ‘Compact Disc’ was introduced to the world, which also seemingly marked the beginning of the end for the much loved vinyl record. As a result, a single small pressing plant (the complicated older sibling of burning for the CD) in the Czech Republic has become the biggest producer of records in Europe and stands as both a relic of the Soviet Union and the pride and joy for its owner of 22 years. Pressing a record involves manual labour and rare machines which, alongside a six month waiting list, all adds to the cost.
David Bowie’s Blackstar and Amy Winehouse’ Back to Black are two of the most popular records bought since the resurgence began. Closely followed by the likes of Oasis (and the Gallaghers' solo efforts), Ed Sheeran, and Rag’n’Bone Man.
Don’t let any of this put you off getting into records though. In all likelihood, the prices will drop as the gap between the demand and supply narrows. If you can’t afford it now it means you’ve got more time to spend thinking about what your first record will be.
Check out these online stores for players and records:
HMV: http://www.hmv.com/music/hmv-loves-vinyl (FYI, double points on your PureHMV card when you buy vinyl)
Recordstore: https://www.recordstore.co.uk/
musicMagpie: http://store.musicmagpie.co.uk/music/vinyl
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