Sir

It’s good to know that records have broken free from the collectors’ shelf and all the nostalgia associated with these crackling musical discs, and  vinyl record sales — probably, for the first time ever in history — have outstripped that of digital downloads.

While the resurgence was recorded globally in the run-up to the year-end festive season, the UK witnessed a prominent spike in demand for vinyl albums in 2016.

The hit releases on vinyl included Metallica’s ‘Hardwired to Self-Destruct’, Pink Floyd’s ‘Animals’, the Beatles’ ‘Live at the Hollywood Bowl’, Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back to Black’ and Nirvana’s ‘Never Mind’. Hailed as a tipping point for the record industry, it is considered a resounding comeback of this medium, particularly after almost losing the battle to new-age formats around 2006.

However in  music market in India, their sales still remain average. This is because India has very few record manufacturing plants in existence. Most records available nowadays are imports, and that’s why they are really expensive. A gramophone record [LP] may cost you between Rs 800 to 5,000!

The vinyl records industry in India has seen a remarkable growth in its demand over the past four years. Thanks to the availability of advanced record players, music lovers are now rekindling their love for the age-old gems.

Compared to the US and the UK, the number of stores selling vinyl albums are still very few. The handful of companies manufacturing records struggle to keep up with the demand. And because, most of the chart-topping albums need to be imported from other countries, the price levels are generally high all the year round.

Although Indian cinema’s love affair with gramophone records and LPs dates back to its initial years, vinyl music releases have had its share of highs and lows. Here’re a few Bollywood films in recent times that have opted for this format:

Hamari Adhuri Kahaani (2015) / Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012)/Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) /Raanjhanaa (2013)/Jodhaa Akbar (2008) /3 Idiots (2009)/Rang De Basanti (2006)

Where to get records? You can always shop for oldies or ‘pre-owned’ stuff around Free School Street in Calcutta.

Here are some more places:

Seethaphone Company, Bangalore/ Mahatobar Distribution, Bangalore

New Gramophone House, Delhi/Shah Music Centre, Delhi

The Revolver Club, Mumbai/ Microgroove India, Mumbai/ Haji Ebrahim Record Store, Mumbai

You can also shop on Amazon or E-Bay.

Yours Truly,

Bru Lova, Saket, Delhi

  Music, vinyl news