Contributions from heavyweight rock acts such as Radiohead and Foo Fighters contributed to this year’s Record Store Day enjoying its highest level of sales since being initiated in 2007.
Boosted by Foo Fighters’ ‘Medium Rare‘, an exclusive collection of covers from the band, physical album sales rose by 20% on 2010, with Gorillaz‘ ‘The Fall‘ also proving to be a popular choice amongst record buyers.
Single sales were also up on 2010, thanks to previously un-released Radiohead tracks ‘Supercollider‘ and ‘The Butcher‘, and a reissue of Queen‘s 1973 debut single ‘Keep Yourself Alive‘.
Speaking to NME, Record Store Day co-ordinator Spencer Hickman declared proceedings an ‘overwhelming success’. “Record Store Day has been an overwhelming success,” he enthused. “It seems to have struck a chord with artists, labels and music fans alike. It is now one of the most significant music events of the year.”
Around 180 shops across the UK took part this year, with more 250 exclusive releases made available.