Computerworld reported today that vinyl record sales doubled in 2008 , setting a record for records that hasn’t been broken since the turn of the century. In contrast, CD sales are down. Way down. According to the article, the primary reasons for this are two-fold: vinyl records have better sound and the album art is in great demand.
This article went on for three pages quoting “industry observers” about how music enthusiasts are rediscovering vinyl records as a source of warmer sounds and cover art that “you can hold in your hands”. They tout how a new generation is discovering vinyl for the first time for the same reasons.
Sure, there is some validity to the two reasons given. The music does sound warmer, fuller, and richer, an argument many purists have given to justify their resistance to the more sterile sound of a digital recording on CD. This is also why a few recording studios still use older equipment to capture the sound.
No doubt album cover art is just that – art. I will admit I purchased an album or two in my day more for the cover than the music enclosed within.
However, nowhere in this article does anyone mention the most obvious reason for the uptick in sales of analog recordings.
Oh, come on now, seriously. I think everyone knows the REAL reason vinyl is making a comeback. It’s DRM free.
You can say what you will about the reasons CD sales are down and the big labels can believe what they want, but the primary reason CD music sales are dying is because of DRM. People pay through the nose for music these days and for all the money they pay they want to feel as though they really own them, not like they are standing at a Jukebox every time they want to hear their favorite tunes.
Which MP3 tunes sell better, those with DRM or those without? Apple knows this. Independent artists know this. The RIAA still doesn’t get it. They think everyone is a criminal. In reality it is the recording industry cartel who are the criminals, because they are trying to squeeze every penny they can from music fans in the name of the copyright and in so doing are choking themselves.
Until the recording industry figures out a way to lock down music on vinyl records sales will continue to rise.
If that does happen, don’t be surprised if the 8-track makes a comeback.
