Vinyl’s Back: Record Sales Surpass CDs for the First Time in 35 Years
We all know Pierre Robert loves the sweet smell of vinyl, and he’s not alone. The Record Industry Association of America released their year-end report last week, and in 2022, vinyl albums actually outsold CDs.
This is the first time that’s happened since 1987. Vinyl sales have been on the rise for the past 16 years, but it wasn’t until last year that they outshined the compact disc, moving 41 million units vs. 33 million.
So, what contributed to the resurgence? During the pandemic, which forced all of us to slow down, younger generations seemed to develop a taste for record collecting and showed interest in physical products to supplement streaming their favorite artists. It also helps that major artists like Adele are pressing their albums to vinyl, though that level of demand has caused supply chain issues, which vinyl manufacturers like Jack White have pointed out.
The RIAA’s report is encouraging across the board: it states that “total revenues grew 6% to a record high $15.9 billion” and also notes that “streaming continued to be the biggest driver of growth.”
This reminds us: Record Store Day is next month. Start your shopping list now and then find a store near you. If you’ve not heard the glorious snap, crackle, pop of vinyl on a turntable, you don’t know what you’re missing! Hear it live on air every weekday with Pierre’s Vinyl Cut just after 2pm.
Listen to Preston & Steve and Pierre Robert talk vinyl in today’s crossover:
MMR's Philly Record Store Guide
1) Repo Records
Repo Records, a Pennsylvania institution since it’s opening in 1986, specializes in punk rock and indie LP’s, CD’s, and cassettes; both new and used! Owner Dan Matherson opened Repo Records first in Wayne, PA. Since the day the store opened it’s doors, Repo has seen three separate locations, including it’s present location on 506 South Street here in Philadelphia. Repo’s selection includes everything ranging from metal to jazz, punk rock to hip hop, soul, R&B, indie, and classic rock. Check out Repo Record’s website and social media to see their latest inventory.
2) Princeton Record Exchange
Located in historic downtown Princeton, NJ; Princeton Record Exchange opened in 1980 and is dedicated to providing an alternative to the mall, “Big-box”, and online stores that have come to dominate the music and movie retailing world. International press outlets such as Rolling Stone, CNN, Time Magazine, USA Today, Buzzfeed, and others have ranked Princeton Music Exchange as one of the best record shops in the country. See what everyone’s been talking about, and come visit Princeton Music Exchange when the store opens at 10am on Record Store Day 2022!
3) MaTones Music
MaTones Music is an independent record store in Collegeville, PA selling new and used vinyl and compact discs. This beloved local store specializes in a selection of classics and modern favorites. Aside from just LP and CD sales, MaTones also has Reel-To-Reel’s and refurbished stereo equipment available! Keep up to date with their weekly rotating stock by liking their Facebook page.
4) Main Street Music
Crowned by our favorite good citizen Pierre Robert as the best spot in town to dig through the stacks, Main Street Music is a must for any music lover. Located in Manayunk, Main Street Music has a wide selection of new and used CDs, vinyl, DVDs, and even hosts musical performances by local acts! Find out what’s new and upcoming at Main Street Music here.
5) Vinyl Altar
If you’re a heavy metal fan, Vinyl Altar in the heart of Queen Village is the record store for you. Since Vinyl Altar opened it’s doors in 2014, the shop has specialized in the rarest copies of metal classics. From thrash metal to Norwegian black metal; Vinyl Altar has it all. Aside from the shop’s extensive collection of both new and used vinyl, Vinyl Altar also features new and used cassettes, vintage magazines, musician autobiographies, signed memorabilia, and more. Put on your black leather and check Vinyl Altar’s rotating stock here.
6) Milkcrate Cafe
Upon first glance, you’d think that the Milkcrate Cafe was simply your local neighborhood breakfast spot… but, it’s also your local record store! Located in the heart of Fishtown, you can sip your latte while you peruse the shop’s array of hand-picked new and rare vintage rock, soul and jazz vinyl records, as well as new and used turntables, speakers, and receivers. Does it get any better than that? Caffeine and music lovers unite! Stop in, or browse Milkcrate Cafe’s inventory here.
7) Philadelphia Record Exchange
Since opening it’s doors in 1985, Philadelphia Record Exchange has become a mainstay on Frankford Avenue in Fishtown. The store has selections for every music fan; including classic rock, hard rock, jazz, soundtracks, and more. Stay up to date with Philadelphia Record Exchange on their Instagram page to see the newest additions to their inventory.
8) Long In The Tooth
Recently named by The Philadelphia Inquirer as one of the best record shops in Philadelphia, Long In The Tooth without a doubt lives up to the title. It’s quite possible to spend hours in this store, because there’s that much. Whether you’re looking for that rare LP still on your list, or a vintage copy of Hit Parader from ’85; Long In The Tooth has it all. Keep up to date with all Long In The Tooth has to offer over on their Facebook page.
9) Siren Records
Siren Records, nestled in Doylestown, is far from your regular mainstream music shop. Opened in 1990 by Blair Elliot, Siren Records has become a staple on the East Coast; attracting music fans from near and far to shop their eclectic inventory. Think Championship Vinyl from ‘High Fidelity’ – times one hundred. The PA shop has championed the days of CDs, and now, the return of our beloved vinyl. If you’re not able to make a visit in-store, you can view their extensive stock here.
10) Hideaway Music
Hideaway Music on Germantown Avenue has it all. From new releases to classics – rock, jazz, blues – used and new – you name it, they’ve got it! As far as vinyl goes – Hideaway Music has one of the best selections of new and vintage vinyl in the area. Hideaway Music also carries a great selection of vintage audio equipment. Look for Hideaway Hi-Fi turntables, receivers, amps and speakers by Marantz, Pioneer, Bose and lots more. Make a day of it in Chestnut Hill, one of the city’s best destinations for shopping and great places to eat. Find more information, including store hours, here!
11) Creep Records
Creep Records, tucked away in The Piazza in Northern Liberties, has become one of the cities most popular music destinations since it’s debut over a decade ago. The shop, specializing in mostly rock, alternative, and indie artists also features audio equipment, rad merchandise, and even features an attached smoke shop. Aside from their wide inventory, Creep Records is also known for hosting local Philly talent of many genres to perform in-store or outside in The Piazza courtyard. Shop Creep Records’ latest stock, and keep up with their upcoming events on their website and social media.
13) Vinyl Revival Records
This Lansdowne shop’s website describes itself best: “Vinyl Revival is a destination for people who want a unique entertainment and shopping experience. Not your ordinary record store, Vinyl Revival offers not only new and vintage vinyl records, but hosts live music events, screens independent films, and sells handmade and up-cycled artful home and fashion accessories.” Join Vinyl Revival Records for their Record Store Day 2022 event happening 10am to 5:30pm on April 23rd.
