Graham Jones, Phil Selway & Adrian Utley
Wienerworld, 2019, DVD
Instrument: Mixed Vocals
Issue: 26.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Pop+Jazz
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 79
O’s Notes: The Vinyl Revival is a 43-minute movie that describes the resurgence of vinyl. It’s a global renaissance but this epic is centered in the UK. Vinyl sales were dying in the 1990s when CDs became the format of choice. But streaming overtook all physical formats and eventually we reached the point of almost extinction. Record Store Day was initiated in 2007 on August 12 to rejuvenate vinyl and independent music stores. The bottom was reached in 2012 and we’ve seen steady growth through 2019. During the 1st half of 2019, vinyl revenue was $224.1 million (8.6 million albums) vs. $247.9 million (on 18.6 million units) for CDs. Vinyl revenue will overtake CDs! This is NOT just a fad! The movie says, “The record player is like an alter! People want to get out of the digital space and smell the vinyl!” The most interesting point is that younger people are driving this trend as they seek the connectedness, the love affair with physical products and even the hunt for new music in the stores. While the growth is impressive, they stopped short of suggesting vinyl would regain it’s 1970s allure. Let’s check back in 5 years.
Publicist: Music Video Distributors
