Old vinyl records become new trend

LAKELAND - If you use the word "record" when you're talking about music, you may be dating yourself. Now those discs with the imprinted tunes are referred to as "vinyl," and boy, they are selling.

Vinyl is making a come back. Last year, stores sold almost half a billion copies.

"We like the sound, because it doesn't sound as sterile as a CD does," said Robert Tucker, the owner of Evolution Records in downtown Lakeland, told FOX 13.

The stores sells almost all vinyl.

Tucker says even though the pre-owned vinyl may have cracks and pops when you listen, aficionados don't care. As a matter of fact, many think the noises are charming, and part of the experience.

Along with the old releases, many new artists are producing their work on vinyl as well. Lady Gaga just released her newest tune, "Born This Way" on both.

Evolution records says it attracts a mixed crowd. Baby boomers come in looking for a blast from the past.

"We get older folks in all the time that open the door, and they just burst open with joy and say, 'Oh my God, there's a vinyl record store again,'" Tucker said.

Many younger people buy vinyl because it is a hot, new "retro" trend.

You can buy older albums for as little as a few bucks. New releases could run you around $30.