CREDIT: GEORGE VARKEY
Vinyl is back in demand after years of paying second fiddle to CD's.

Blame it on our fancy for everything retro — the vinyl discs that once ruled households with their sleek rotating shape and dark colour are on their way to making a big comeback. And if experts in the field are to be believed, it is not going to be a passing fancy. This time round, vinyl discs are here to stay, since a majority of the demand is by youngsters, particularly college students.

"After experimenting with the digital music, which on its onset promised 100 per cent crisp, clear sound waves, experts have realized that no musical gadget so far discovered by human race beats the sound quality provided by the humble record players," said Alex Clark, an employee at Grooves Record Store (353 Clarence St.), which since 2004 has been in the business of selling vinyl discs, both old and new. "The sound rendition brought forth by a vinyl is almost 90 per cent accurate and provides the feeling that some here within our house feel a live performance is going on."

Clark mentioned that the sale of audio CDs has drastically come down, while vinyl disc sales have seen a steady increase over the last five years. While the store he works in does sell old but mintquality vinyl disc titles, as well as new and old turntables, according to him many other shops in London's downtown sell vinyl, citing the growing market. According to Clark, most of the customers are college students who consider owning a turntable 'cool.'

But while new titles might cost you above $50 and old classics $20 to $30 in downtown shops, many are unaware that in London you can find classic vinyl disc titles in good condition for as low as $2. Thrift stores in the London area host a huge collection of vinyl discs and many of the customers are youngsters.

"I love the fact that these discs come in title covers, which are so colourful and vibrant," said Siddharth Belvalkar, a first-year student at Fanshawe College. "It is large and evokes nostalgia. Recently I got hold of an ABBA title, The Visitors, in mint condition at a thrift store and I bought it as a gift for my parents who were big fans of the band. I am also investing in it because some titles, like that of The Beatles and Pink Floyd are so rare to find that among collectors there is huge demand for such titles and could later bring me good profits."

Stephanie (who asked that we not use her last name), an employee at the Salvation Army Thrift Store (1960 Dundas St.) said that special attention is given to ensure that the vinyl discs on display are all in good condition to play. "Formerly, it was mostly 50-plus citizens who used to buy the discs, but recently we have noticed more youngsters checking them out and buying them. First I thought it was just a passing fancy, but then return of familiar faces again and again made me realize that it is a growing trend," she said. This thrift store, which always has at least 75 titles on display, prices vinyl at $1.99 apiece.

To cash in on the demand, many companies are also coming out with turntables, which could cost up to $1,000. So, Falcons, check out if your attic contains a discarded record player used by your parents or grandparents. Not only can you restore it back to its former glory, thanks to the availability of accessories in the market, but you could also look forward to make some quick bucks, as collectors are on the lookout for some rare turntables. Or you could just put a smile on your folks' faces as they listen to some tunes from their bygone days.

Rare titles to look for:

- The Greatest Jazz Recordings of All Time by The Franklin Mint Record Society

- Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

- Please Please Me by The Beatles

- Rolling Stones by The Rolling Stones

- The Wall by Pink Floyd