Cork Today

Do you use vinyl 

Retro Records Rock to Top Spot!"

In a surprising twist, vinyl records have spun their way back into the limelight, outpacing CD sales for the first time. Neil Goodman, owner of Volume Records in Dun Laoghaire, reveals how the younger generation is reviving the once-obsolete format, snapping up records and even cassettes in a bid to reconnect with the tangible and nostalgic.

Goodman's record shop, which he opened 18 months ago, caters to music lovers from all walks of life, with customers ranging from youngsters to octogenarians. The shop, shared with a board game cafe, has become a haven for vinyl enthusiasts seeking to relive the magic of a bygone era.

The draw of vinyl, according to Goodman, lies in the physicality of the format. The act of purchasing, holding, and even smelling a record is part of a ritual that digital music platforms simply cannot replicate. Despite the higher cost of vinyl, the younger generation is showing keen interest, often snapping photos of the records and themselves in the shop.

Secondhand vinyl and CDs are also popular, with Goodman noting that Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" is a consistent bestseller. The shop owner also revealed that vinyl from the 90s is particularly valuable due to the limited pressings during the time when CDs were taking over.

Interestingly, Goodman has noticed a resurgence in cassettes, another retro format that's being snapped up by younger customers. This revival is part of a broader trend in the music industry, with artists increasingly releasing their music in vinyl and even cassette format.

Goodman also shared that sales of record players have skyrocketed in recent years, adding to the vinyl revival. The appeal of sitting down and listening to a good album on a sound system is an experience that's drawing many back to this vintage format.

In an age of digital downloads and streaming services, the tangible allure of vinyl is proving irresistible for many. The retro resurgence is spinning at full speed, with no sign of slowing down. So, whether you're a music aficionado or a casual listener, it might be time to dust off that old turntable and drop the needle on a record. As Goodman puts it, "the physical is back".