The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word VINYL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
V
I
N
Y
L
More clues leading to the result VINYL
- Six left keeping New York’s old records
- Very trendy young lady’s first record
- Roma’s 6-0 reported — this makes some kind of record
- Recording material introducing video into New York libraries
- Mostly nasty about US city recordings
- Livy translation incorporates last of Roman records
- Records can be horrible mostly around New Year
- Records of victory in year fifty
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "recordings" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case recordings = vinyl.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does VINYL mean?
VINYL noun- The univalent radical CH2=CH−, derived from ethylene.
- Any of various compounds and substances containing the vinyl radical, especially various tough, flexible, shiny plastics.
- Phonograph records as a medium.
- A phonograph record.
- Containing the vinyl radical.
- Made of polyvinyl chloride.
- Pertaining to a phonograph record.