Off the Record

Singled Out

According to data released by British Phonograph Industry, the sale of vinyl 7-inches are up 13% for the first half of 2007 in the UK, due largely to the White Stripes' "Icky Thump," the bestselling single in 20 years, and End of an Ear in South Austin confirms a recent increase in vinyl sales. Locally, most 7-inches appear in the form of limited-edition bait tacked on to new full-lengths, like the recent singles by Tia Carrera and Spoon, whose surprise show at the Mohawk on Friday went off without a hitch. Notable exceptions include the self-titled 7-inch by Party Garbage, who hit Randa's Funhouse (2810 Cesar Chavez) with New York punks Down in the Dumps on Tuesday; the "Committed to Wind" single by Aliens, who abduct Ego's on Monday; and White Denim's debut EP, Let's Talk About It. Also out on wax is the new 12-inch My Education/Dalek split, each taking turns elucidating Arvo Pärt's aural hall of mirrors "Spiegel im Speigel."

There's never been more incentive to buy vinyl than there is now. Since Merge introduced the concept with the release of the Clientele's Strange Geometry in the fall of 2005, most of the larger independent labels, including Sub Pop, Matador, and Dead Oceans, now offer free downloads with the purchase of an LP. Matador has also introduced the Buy Early Get Now program "to encourage people to buy records instead of simply burning 'em," says Austin-based manager Gerard Cosloy. The arrangement rewards customers for preordering an upcoming album, like the New Pornographers' Challengers, with instant access to a full album stream, as well as exclusive extras like posters, merchandise, and MP3s.