The Vinyl Revival and the Resurrection of Sound
It is all over the news-of the characteristics of a number of periodicals (including review in the Wall Street Journal), online articles and even the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. It is the revival of vinyl records and more importantly, the resurrection analog sound.
Yes, vinyl records, left for dead with the advent of the "digital age" is being sold again. In fact, according Association of Recording Industry of America (RIAA), sales of vinyl records jumped to 1.3 million last year, representing an increase of 36.6% from 2006, a figure that some industry experts feel do not accurately represent the true sales figures. Experts consider it too low because independent shops record sales, vinyl does best, are generally not included in these figures. Moreover, according to Billboard magazine, sales of vinyl records jumped 77% in the first half of 2008 (compared with the first half of 2007), selling over 803 000 units.
This is not a fad or cycle; music lovers and small are attracted to this historic audio format. On the other hand, seems to be a worldwide event, preorders and sales of vinyl records is increasingly in many countries around the world. In the UK, sales of seven-inch singles (45's) have risen 87.3% over the same quarterly period of the year past.
Vinyl is cool again. The teenagers, who may once have mocked their grandparents and parents collections of record, now wait in line to get the latest versions. More and more mainstream artists are releasing new material via the format and Capitol Records (along with many other companies labels) are reissuing classic albums on vinyl. And now, with the "baby boomers", a new generation is discovering the charm with vinyl records – limited editions, colored vinyl, picture discs, audiophile records (180-220 grams), the cover and the sound – all elements tail of this revival.
This resurgence is fueled by many other factors. Let's explore some interesting aspects of vinyl.
Sound
Yes, the hissing, aftershocks, the crackle of a record are soothing music lovers around the world. Vinyl records use the recording analog methods, is a clear and well defined sound. The music is not compressed and digitized into the ones and zeros that comes with the CD or MP3, or what I call as "sound binary. "There is a warmth, an ambience that vinyl brings to music and since the human ear hears in analog-digital-not vinyl records naturally sound better. So this is the secret that the DJ's, record collectors and audiophiles knew all the time!
The availability factor and vinyl collection
Most artists are also fans of the music of other artists, but own vast and eclectic record collections. Vinyl sometimes find rare and collectible created artists who have influenced his own music and they love can be as satisfying as creating and recording her own music. They also delight in finding rare vinyl of their own music. In fact, John Lennon was an avid record collector and amassed a large collection of bootlegs of the Beatles.
Buying and selling records is big business. In addition to garage sales, flea markets and garage sales, auction sites like eBay online selling millions of records. It has been reported that eBay users buy and sell six vinyl records every minute (or an average of one every ten seconds) for a total of more than three million records each year. Some records decades still maintain its value after its initial release and has sold thousands of dollars. We have been informed that the album that is bought and sold most amount in the vinyl format is "from the Beatles White Album." Other acts such as Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Madonna, Led Zeppelin, among others many, are highly sought after and still command top dollar for specific releases. Soul and jazz music along with classic rock, always in demand. Additionally, online giant Amazon is committed to expanding its "vinyl" offerings to include thousands of music artists.
There are also plenty of vinyl support in these musical genres like hip-hop, punk and heavy metal. "Indie" Music is being pressed on vinyl color, new releases and limited edition image. These are future collectibles and sometimes sell for higher prices than average. The online community has responded well with literally thousands of websites dedicated to the vinyl format. Many music artists are sure that they give their fans a selection of music formats, with vinyl appears to be at the helm.
Vinyl Experience
In our age of iPods and MP3 music, play a disc is an experience almost ritual. There is interaction physics between the person playing the album, the music itself and the machine. Playing a record can be a communal event where music is shared with friends and family. But it's not just the music that intrigues the masses. Add unique and compelling album cover art and luxury packaging, and a whole new generation of vinyl lovers can participate in this phenomenon.
Going hand in hand with increased sales of vinyl records is increasing and the availability of food. Nationally, turntable sales over 500,000 killed last year compared with 275,000 in 2006. Manufacturers of turntables have given consumers a plethora of options to choose from, affordable unit to some that cost thousands of dollars. Students from universities across the U.S. and worldwide, are beginning to consider a plate in his bedroom of their needs.
Bonuses
Many artists are not only releasing their new material via vinyl but in digital format for those who choose that medium. Many records come with a certificate for a free Internet download, which can sometimes be a cut of the premium can not included in the file. It also allows music to be portable, and consumers can choose between formats. As the demand for vinyl continues its rise, so the will the affordability of the records. Many of the mainstream press through the vinyl format are competitively priced, allowing more units for sale. Add to this the already flourishing used vinyl record market, where a music lover can pick up an LP for under five dollars, and we have a new vinyl model that flourish in the coming decades.
vinyl records retrieved from its dominant position in the music industry once held? One only you can imagine, but with CD sales continuing to plummet and more and more music lovers discovering the value of vinyl, this historic audio means will not vanish soon.
Vinyl Record Music Sale Covention & Auction April 18th, 2010
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