The music industry yester-day hailed signs of a turnround following years of rampant piracy and intense price competition as the latest figures showed album sales reaching a record high last year.

Strong demand for artists including Scissor Sisters, Keane and Maroon 5 helped to lift the number of albums sold by 2.6 per cent to 163.4m last year, according to the British Phonographic Industry, representing leading labels and distributors.