US albums sales hit all time low

The United States has seen its biggest drop in album sales since records began this week.

Nielson SoundScan, which tracks sales data, reported that only 3.97million albums were bought in the US in the last week. The lowest weekly sales it has recorded since they began tracking in 1991 and the first time it has fallen below the 4 million mark.

Overall, the American music market has seen a worrying trend in total album sales in the last year, already being down by 14.6% when compared to last year and dropping by 100,000s every quarter.

A number of record executives have attributed the trend to the growth of streaming services such as Spotify and Last.FM, but with recent number one records going to those who shift less than 100,000 copies, how long does this format have?

[Via NME]

More News

Röyksopp to release final album 'The Inevitable End'

After releasing a collaborative EP with Swedish popstar Robyn earlier this year, Norwegian electronic duo Röyksopp have announced they will be... 10 years 2 months ago

James Vincent McMorrow unveils new track 'You Know'

With an extensive UK and European tour about to kick off soon, Irish singer/songwriter James Vincent McMorrow has now unveiled a new track not... 10 years 2 months ago

Thom Yorke releases new album via BitTorrent

Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has dropped a surprise album via the online torrent site BitTorrent. To explain his reasons for this, producer Nigel... 10 years 2 months ago

Neil Young announces new orchestral album

After recording his most lo-fi album ever 'A Letter Home' earlier this year, veteran singer/songwriter Neil Young is now looking to explore a far... 10 years 2 months ago

Jon Hopkins announces new EP 'Asleep Versions'

Mercury Prize nominated producer Jon Hopkins is following up his incredible 2013 album 'Immunity' with a new EP later this year. The new release '... 10 years 2 months ago

Jamie T shares new track 'Turn On The Light'

Prior to the release of his first studio album in five years next week, Jamie T has delivered another cut from his latest full-length. The new... 10 years 2 months ago

Kendrick Lamar unveils new track 'i'

After recently collaborating with producer Flying Lotus for his latest album, Kendrick Lamar has now unveiled the first track from his forthcoming... 10 years 2 months ago

Damien Rice unveils new single 'I Don't Want To Change You'

Since we heard earlier this month that Irish singer/songwriter Damien Rice would be releasing a new studio album later this year, we now get to hear... 10 years 2 months ago

Guided By Voices split up, again

US indie-rock outfit Guided By Voices have called it a day for a second time after nearly 30 years of playing together. The band originally broke... 10 years 2 months ago