As people, it’s a proven fact that we’re never quite content with what we’ve got. Take music. Back in the day, people would have to queue for hours to get their hands on the latest albums from their favourites – Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, Pink Floyd so on and so forth. Nowadays, music might be more democratic, with everyone with an internet connection able to stream a new song or album the second it drops, but we’re still not happy with that and we’ve gone back to buying records.

Sales of vinyl records are now the highest they have been since the early Nineties, with 4.8 million LPs bought in the UK in 2020. Always one to lead the pack, EMP’s vinyl shop is stocked full of collector’s items, limited edition vinyl collections and special releases of popular albums from rock’s titans.

From special editions of all-time great albums from the likes of Metallica and Pink Floyd’s The Wall to something more current, like Billie Eilish or Royal Blood rocking out from the rich sound of a record player instead of your earphones, our online vinyl shop offers the best of old and new, classic and contemporary.

Why buy vinyl?

Many argue that you can hear the difference in sound, and that vinyl has a better sound quality than digital audio. This is because audio files get compressed to make them small enough to be stored on your phone or streamed online. Vinyl is as close to the original sound as you’re going to get. It’s like having Motley Crue in your house with you – without the inevitable clean up and damage that the Crue would accrue.

Collectibles

Another reason to buy vinyl is that many vinyl records are collectibles. Vinyl records have more chance of becoming rare, valuable items over time and, today, original vinyl records can bring in hundreds of thousands of pounds at auctions. One of the most expensive vinyl records ever sold was The Beatles’ White Album, which sold for $790,000 (approx. £620,000) in December 2015.

EMP is the home for music lovers. Real music lovers. People who live, breathe and worship their musical heroes. If you want to experience your favourite band or artist in their full glory, check out the vinyl shop today. Disclaimer: listening to Spotify on your commute won’t ever measure up again.