UK vinyl album sales top 1 million in 2014

Sales of vinyl albums have topped 1 million in the UK this year, according to figures released by the BPI.

It marks the biggest year for vinyl albums in the country since 1996, mirroring similar trends in the US. To put the figures into perspective, Pink Floyd’s new album ‘The Endless River’ [pictured] has been the fastest-selling vinyl album since 1997, shifting around 6,000 copies in its first week. Arctic Monkey’s ‘A.M.’ has been the year’s biggest overall seller.

The data was compiled by the Official Charts Company – which in turn gets its data from record stores that are part of the Entertainment Retailers Association, which includes various independent shops across the country. They say the figures represent £20 million of sales, accounting for around 2% of the UK’s recorded music industry.

However, it seems this doesn’t include many dance retailers and obviously doesn’t reflect single sales – although major players like Phonica say that their own sales have been steadily climbing over the last few years also. Whichever way you look at it, the format continues to enjoy a huge resurgence in both mainstream and underground music circles.

Click here to read more at The Independent.