It was a great day for recorded music as sales surged during America's third annual Record Store Day on April 17th. Compared to the prior week, overall U.S. album sales in the independent sector increased 12% including a whopping 119% vinyl sales jump for the weekend and 529% growth in vinyl single sales, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Acts from the Black Keys to Soundgarden to Bruce Springsteen released exclusive vinyl singles, part of the nearly 175 limited vinyl and CD releases offered in the U.S. for Record Store Day. Overall album sales were up 3% on a year-over-year basis, while chain music stores saw a 7% Record Store sales gain this year. 1,400 stores worldwide including 800 in U.S. participated.
