Vinyl seven-inch singles back

A resurgence in rock has had a spin-off effect by reviving the fortunes of the old fashioned seven-inch single.

While the format once faced the vinyl curtain, sales in Britain for the past quarter year have more than doubled compared with the same period two years ago, according to latest industry figures.

Although the sales represent only a small proportion of the music industry, they are bucking the trend for a huge decline in singles sales.

Bands such as The Darkness, The White Stripes and Iron Maiden are among acts who have released tracks on seven-inch recently.

The biggest seller so far this year has been I Believe In a Thing Called Love by The Darkness.

Releases by The Strokes and Iron Maiden are next, while The White Stripes are in fourth and fifth position with Seven Nation Army and I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself.