The Return Of Vinyl Records

As subscription streaming services continue to command a growing share of the global music market the comeback of another medium is putting a new spin on how people listen to music.

The return of vinyl records.

It was in the 80 s when in the music industry the vinyl record began to be displaced by the emergence of a new format. It might be comparable to the books vs kindle debate. Vinyl sales have increased by more than 50 in 2017 but the most exciting thing is that half of record buyers are young adults under 25. The analogue format made of polyvinyl chloride had been the main vehicle for the commercial distribution of pop music from the 1950s until the 1980s and 1990s when they were largely replaced by the compact disc.

Vinyl records may not be as visible as they were some four decades ago but there is a global revival of interest and a local group of collectors who still swear by their quality. The vinyl revival is the renewed interest and increased sales of vinyl records or gramophone records that has been taking place in the western world since about 2007. Since the turn of the millennium cds have been partially replaced by digital downloads and streaming services. Cds out vinyl sees revival shake it records a vintage record shop is enjoying the vinyl revival at the same time stores like best buy are dropping music cds best buy says it will no longer sell.

More convenient and a cleaner sound with the advantages that this new support had to offer it seemed a given that vinyls were facing their final goodbye. Lying on the floor next to one another not speaking or moving and in this anticipatory silence with a pop and a crackle listening to an old record begin to play. Community audiophiles are returning to the once abandoned format of vinyl records. That nostalgia might be why vinyl records are making a comeback.

The return of vinyl. A new generation has discovered vinyl. Record store customers now include 15 25 years old shoppers as well as the traditional 35 55 years old shoppers. In georgetown and the wider d c.

There s something very tangible and real about having holding on to a great record.