It would be awesome if new records (and opportunist reprints) were only $15. Trouble is they're typically twice that. I'm lucky if I can get a new import dance single from a hot-shit label for only $15 at some shops, and that's for no more than four tracks. The "vinyl resurgence" is pushing me towards digital. And if you talk to people who get to see the numbers, vinyl only makes up less than a %1 of all reported music sales in the US.
Huh. Where are you buying your records from? There's a couple of good stores in the city where my college is where I can buy almost all of the new stuff for $20 or less. Usually between $15-$20. Used is a crapshoot depending on what exactly it is. Same goes for buying online, with standard shipping I can usually get at least one record for around $20. But when I buy online I usually just buy things that are on sale which makes it even better. Meanwhile 7-inch and 10-inch records are even cheaper, around $5-$10 unless there's something special about them, super-limited pressing, etc. Last night, for instance, I bought an LP for $11 w/ $3 shipping and handling. That 1% figure could also be because of the used records market (which I would guess doesn't report) which is a very big part of the market.
hiss, Like ButterflyEffect, I usually see them at record stores somewhere between $12 and $20. Also, you could probably buy them online for about the same. But to the original point, at this point I expect that I will get the MP3 along with the vinyl when I buy a new record. If it's a rerelease then all bets are off. But especially up and coming artists, they always give the MP3 away with the vinyl. This is great because often I will already own the MP3 and will just give the passcode to a friend that hasn't heard the band yet. It's a fantastic way to spread your music via those that already want to evangelize on your behalf. I agree with cgod though that digital is the format I would choose if I only had to pick one for the rest of my life. It's extremely practical. Luckily, we don't have to pick just one. Also, this was my favorite comment from the NJ.com crew: Not sure if it has been mentioned yet, but Edison's recording of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" was recorded on a foil cylinder, and not a vinyl record. asshat. -Well said Kevin Jones