Nielsen has released their half-year report on music sales, which was republished in part by Digital Music News. With quarterly glimpses included, the list compares 2010 album sales at mid-year versus 2009.

Key points note that overall, music sales are down 11% between the two years. However, looking specifically at formats, CD sales are down nearly 18%, while digital album sales have climbed just under 14%. The oldest of the three reported formats, vinyl, is up just below 10% as compared to last year.

The report noted that last month’s Eminem album, Recovery, having sold over 740,000 first week units, was the first to do so since AC/DC’s 2008 album Black Ice.

2010 Rap albums to reach gold include Recovery, Drake’s Thank Me Later and Lil Wayne’s Rebirth.

Visit Digital Music News for the full report.