For the 18th week in a row year-to-date album volume is greater than the prior year. Year-to-date album and track sales are up 3% and 11%, respectively, compared with last year, according to Nielson Soundscan figures shared by NARM.

“Legendary singer Tony Bennett made history this week when he became the oldest living musician to debut at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200, and his accomplishment has fueled another week of solid growth for music sales,” said Jim Donio, President of NARM, the music business association. “

Some strong releases helped. So did the accelerating shift from physical goods to digital.  But 18 weeks is long enough to feel like a trend.

What do you think? Are fans bying music again?