Vinyl Revival

The numbers don’t lie. Between 2024 and 2025, UK vinyl sales rose by 10%. More so, that was the 17th consecutive year in which black plastic grew in popularity. There are a number of reasons behind this trend — collector culture has exploded to the point rumours suggest many 12” purchases are actually for home display rather than play. There’s also been a resurgence in major pop stars putting their albums out on wax.

However you explain it, though, the Vinyl Revival crew will tell you the most romantic music format in the world has always been popular with their customers — people who appreciate warm sound quality. 

Vinyl Revival is one of the oldest record stores still trading in Manchester, first opening its doors in 1997 with a focus on heritage, archival and back catalogue bits as much as contemporary cuts. In the years between then and now, the team have established an impeccable reputation for their stock, which celebrates the obscure, the overlooked and near-forgotten. Although they’re also stocking the very best from the world’s brightest and most respected indies. Shelves lined with Sub Pop, early Def Jam, golden era I.R.S., 2 Tone, Oke, Warp, and 4AD.

In addition to what’s bought in, Vinyl Revival puts out its own quality tones, and lays claim to some notable releases. 2024’s ‘Cottonopolis Compilation’ was a fantastic example of this, curated with an expert’s ear and an eye for spotlighting unknown northern treasures. Acts including Asia Fields, The Delaplains, Omertà, Proud Mary, Death to the Strange and The Broadcast all featured on a limited pressing now highly sought after. Just 300 copies were put out on wax coloured in the shade of chimney smoke — a nod to the mills that once dominated our skyline. How’s that for attention to detail?