???Vinyl is back.
???Those large black discs that many of our parents have rotting away in their closets are making a comeback. Nielsen Soundscan reported early this year that vinyl sales have risen by 89 percent from 2007 to 2008 while CD sales continued their march downward by 14 percent, making many question this odd occurrence of an analog resurrection.
???The trend seems to be occurring mostly in the indie music scene, with bands like Radiohead, Fleet Foxes, Portishead and Neutral Milk Hotel all among the top 10 vinyl sellers of 2008, according to Nielsen. We aren't seeing a resurgence of cassette tapes and VHS tapes in the entertainment industry, so why records?
???The first obvious reason for people buying records again is simply because it's cool. We see records used in movies and TV shows all the time, and many of us have grown up listening to The Beatles or The Beach Boys revolving on turntables. There's an automatic draw to anything that reminds us of growing up and being a child, and the doubling of vinyl may be another indication that our generation wants it back.
???We've been downloading music for most of our lives by now, and many of us feel unsatisfied with our digital copies of music. The act of making a few clicks and getting your music - hopefully - leaves much to be desired even if the quality happens to be decent.
???For fans, there's something almost magical about going to a store and buying a physical copy of the music we love so much, and at this point CDs are simply out of style. Peeling off the shrink wrap, opening up the gatefold, putting the album on the turntable, and listening to a new album is an experience in itself.
???The benefits for buying records can often outweigh the cost, especially if you're already a small-time collector. Records can cost around the price of a CD - sometimes less - and often come with a free download key to get a legitimate high-quality MP3 version for your iPod.
???This phenomenon can give lessons to the music industry and the movie industry regarding enforcement of illegal file sharing. The record executives should learn that the only true way to compete with a free product is to make a better, more-desired product that people would rather sacrifice a few dollars for. The peace of mind regarding quality that comes with buying a legitimate product is often enough reason to spend money. The flux of record sales should suggest that the companies invest in the image and marketing of vinyl, since it already has a firm and growing cult base.
???The reason DVD sales continue to be so strong is because it still is a better product than downloading the movie. A typical DVD includes extras, is often better quality, and can be bought at a store faster than most broadband connections can download one. The music industry has their chance to resurface as a legitimate industry that isn't laughed at and later downloaded.
???Listening to records in your apartment is a good way to liven the atmosphere, relax with your music, enjoy the artists' artwork and support your struggling musicians.
