Despite overall album sales falling once again during 2012, the popularity of vinyl continues to grow in the UK in the wake of another year of campaigns to boost interest in the traditional format.
For the fifth year in succession, vinyl sales have reported an increase – this time up 15% on 2011’s total. The xx‘s second album ‘Coexist‘ proved to be the biggest seller of the year, followed by the deluxe reissue of David Bowie‘s classic ‘The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars‘. Jack White‘s ‘Blunderbuss‘ – the US’ most popular vinyl of last year – is third.
In addition, the Official Charts Company has revealed Travis‘ 2001 LP ‘The Invisible Band‘ remains the biggest vinyl seller of the 21st century to-date, with Radiohead‘s ‘King Of Limbs‘ one place behind.
“With more than 60 years of loyal service, the vinyl LP is by some margin the most enduring album format of all time,” BPI Chief Executive Geoff Taylor has commented.
“Although sales overall are small compared to CD and digital albums, vinyl’s collectability and appeal to audiophiles is drawing in new fans, in particular through initiatives like the popular annual Record Store Day. Increasingly LPs also include codes that can be redeemed online for digital albums – giving fans the best of both worlds.”
Top 10 Selling 2012 Vinyl Albums (UK):
1/ The xx – ‘Coexist’
2/ David Bowie – ‘The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars’
3/ Jack White – ‘Blunderbuss’
4/ Adele – ’21’
5/ Tame Impala – ‘Lonerism’
6/ Bob Dylan – ‘Tempest’
7/ Beach House – ‘Bloom’
8/ Alt-J – ‘An Awesome Wave’
9/ Drive-By Truckers – ‘Go Go Boots’
10/ Pink Floyd – ‘The Wall’