2008 was a boom year for vinyl records. Sales totaled 1,880,00 units -- nearly double the 2007 numbers, and more than in any year since Nielsen SoundScan started compiling data in 1991. Rock dominated the Top 10 vinyl albums sold, led by classics from The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Metallica. In keeping with the classic rock culture, nearly 7 out of 10 vinyl LPs were purchased in independent record stores.
Here is the Nielsen SoundScan list of the Top 10 Vinyl Albums in 2008.
1. 'In Rainbows' - Radiohead
ATO Records
Units sold: 25,800
The biggest selling LP was also one of Radiohead's newest, originally released in 2007. It was initially distributed as a digital download, then on CD, then on vinyl, in January 2008.
The biggest selling LP was also one of Radiohead's newest, originally released in 2007. It was initially distributed as a digital download, then on CD, then on vinyl, in January 2008.
2. 'Abbey Road' - The Beatles
Capitol Records
Units sold: 16,500
Originally released in 1969, it was the last album recorded by The Beatles, although not the last one released. The famous cover of Abbey Road was shot outside the studio where the album was recorded. It was one of The Beatles' most successful albums, spending 17 weeks at #1 in the U.K. and 11 weeks in the top spot in the U.S.
Originally released in 1969, it was the last album recorded by The Beatles, although not the last one released. The famous cover of Abbey Road was shot outside the studio where the album was recorded. It was one of The Beatles' most successful albums, spending 17 weeks at #1 in the U.K. and 11 weeks in the top spot in the U.S.
3. 'Chinese Democracy' - Guns N' Roses
Geffen Records
Units sold: 13,600
Released in 2008, work on the album actually started in 1994, and by 2005, production costs totaled $13-million, according to an article in New York Times. The double album LP release also included an MP3 download of the album. It was GNR's sixth studio album.
Released in 2008, work on the album actually started in 1994, and by 2005, production costs totaled $13-million, according to an article in New York Times. The double album LP release also included an MP3 download of the album. It was GNR's sixth studio album.
4. 'Funplex' - B-52's
Astralwerks
Unit sold: 12,800
In 2008, B-52's ended a self-imposed 16 year exile from recording with this release. The album, whose cover featured band members in "retro futuristic" garb, peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200.
In 2008, B-52's ended a self-imposed 16 year exile from recording with this release. The album, whose cover featured band members in "retro futuristic" garb, peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200.
5. 'Third' - Portishead
Mercury Records
Units sold: 12,300
Portishead's electronic music lends itself to the superior sound reproduction qualities of the LP. The Brit group's 2008 release peaked at #2 in the U.K. and #7 in the U.S.
Portishead's electronic music lends itself to the superior sound reproduction qualities of the LP. The Brit group's 2008 release peaked at #2 in the U.K. and #7 in the U.S.
6. 'In The Aeroplane Over The Sea' - Neutral Milk Hotel
Merge Records
Units sold: 10,200
Originally released in 1998, this album is considered something of an alt rock classic, more a critical than a commercial success. It was only the band's second album, but was its last, adding to its appeal to collectors.
Originally released in 1998, this album is considered something of an alt rock classic, more a critical than a commercial success. It was only the band's second album, but was its last, adding to its appeal to collectors.
7. 'Dark Side Of The Moon' - Pink Floyd
Capitol Records
Units sold: 10,200
In the first 25 years after its release, Pink Floyd's 1973 concept album sold more than 15,000,000 copies (it was certified 15x Platinum in 1998) and became the band's defining work. The 180-gram vinyl re-release in 2003 continues to sell steadily.
In the first 25 years after its release, Pink Floyd's 1973 concept album sold more than 15,000,000 copies (it was certified 15x Platinum in 1998) and became the band's defining work. The 180-gram vinyl re-release in 2003 continues to sell steadily.
8. 'Fleet Foxes' - Fleet Foxes
Sub Pop
Units sold: 9,600
Seattle-based folk rockers Fleet Foxes released this, their debut album, in 2008, making them the newest act on the LP list. Rolling Stone characterized their sound as reminiscent of Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Beach Boys.
Seattle-based folk rockers Fleet Foxes released this, their debut album, in 2008, making them the newest act on the LP list. Rolling Stone characterized their sound as reminiscent of Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Beach Boys.
9. 'Death Magnetic' - Metallica
Warner Bros.
Units sold: 9,400
This record set a record, as Metallica became the first band to have five consecutive albums debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Another "new" entry on the list, it was released (LP, CD, MP3) in 2008.
This record set a record, as Metallica became the first band to have five consecutive albums debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Another "new" entry on the list, it was released (LP, CD, MP3) in 2008.
10. 'OK Computer' - Radiohead
Capitol Records
Units sold: 9,300
Radiohead was the only band to place two albums on the Top 10 LP list. This one was originally released in 1997, the group's third. It has been certified 2x Platinum in the U.S. and 3x Platinum in the U.K. even though the band's U.S. label was skeptical about its sales potential prior to releasing it.
Radiohead was the only band to place two albums on the Top 10 LP list. This one was originally released in 1997, the group's third. It has been certified 2x Platinum in the U.S. and 3x Platinum in the U.K. even though the band's U.S. label was skeptical about its sales potential prior to releasing it.
