The new RIAA sales report is out, and it shows vinyl on a pretty good upswing, and CD sales continuing to shrink.

What’s particularly interesting about the two curves is that they will likely cross later this year, with vinyl set to outsell CDs for the first time since 1986.

Personally, I continue to be surprised by vinyl’s rise. What is it about vinyl that continues to appeal, to spread? Is it the gear? The sound?

Is it the romance of the culture, something about sliding the vinyl out of its cover, then gently out of its protective sleeve, cautiously placing it onto a turntable, and oh so carefully lowering that tone-arm in place, no Siri in the loop, just you and the music?