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Huge sales of albums by the likes of Daft Punk, Arctic Monkeys and David Bowie have helped vinyl sales reach their highest in 12 years, a new report reveals.
Today, the BPI reports that sales of vinyl LPs have crossed the half a million mark this year, for the first time since 2003 - and have increased by 100% on last year, with 550,000 LPs being sold.
The BPI add that releases from Daft Punk, Arctic Monkeys and David Bowie have 'helped push the popularity of the format to renewed heights this year'.
“The LP is back in the groove," said BPI and BRIT Awards Chief Executive Geoff Taylor. "We’re witnessing a renaissance for records – they’re no longer retromania and are becoming the format of choice for more and more music fans.
"This year has been a treat for vinyl aficionados with releases from Daft Punk, David Bowie, Arctic Monkeys and Black Sabbath."
He continued: “Whilst sales only account for a small percentage of the overall market, vinyl sales are growing fast as a new generation discovers the magic of 12 inch artwork, liner notes and the unique sound of analogue records, often accompanied by a download code for mp3s. “As we look forward to new LPs from Arcade Fire, Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, and Jake Bugg in the run up to Christmas, the vinyl revival looks set to continue."
A poll by the BPI also showed that while 35 to 44 year-olds are the largest consumer group for vinyl with 28.5%, over a third (35.3%) of buyers are aged under 35.
Daft Punk top the chart of the biggest-selling LP of 2013 with Random Access Memories, while Oasis hold the title for the top two best-selling LPs since Official Charts records began with (What’s the Story) Morning Glory and Definitely Maybe.
Below: 11 albums of 2013 that need to be heard on vinyl
