The vinyl word on music sales

Old-style vinyl records are firmly back in fashion.

The UK spent almost £7.9 million on records last year - making it the world's third biggest vinyl market after Japan and the US, a report says today.

Vinyl's resurgence has been linked to the enthusiasm for retro furniture, film and fashion. "We think it's here to stay," said Matt Phillips of The British Phonographic Institute. "People are not going to stop loving it, and there is an element of the retro cool in that.

"Fans of guitar-based bands such as Franz Ferdinand and Kaiser Chiefs - which are so big at the moment - prefer to buy this music on vinyl."

Music shops are responding to the trend by devoting more floor space to vinyl. Gennaro Castaldo of HMV said: "People have an emotional attachment to vinyl which they just don't have with other formats."

The report, by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, also found:

Britons spend £1.8 billion on recorded music.
DVD music video sales in the UK rose by 37 per cent in the last year.
Worldwide, the best selling album of 2004 was Usher's Confessions.
Robbie Williams was the top-selling UK artist, at number six. Maroon 5, Keane, Rod Stewart and George Michael also made the top 50, while Joss Stone featured twice with The Soul Sessions and Mind, Body & Soul.

How much are they worth?

Take Good Care Of Her, Elvis Presley (RCA 1974): £110

I Only Want To Be With You, Dusty Springfield (Phillips 1963): £4

My Heart, Gene Vincent (Capitol 1960): £14

What's Love Got To Do With It, Tina Turner (Capitol, 1984): £3.50

Hey Jude, The Beatles (Apple 1968): £5

Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Diana Ross (Tamla Motown 1970): £5

Pinball Wizard, The Who (Track 1969): £4