Albums to Watch For in August 2019

The new month of August begins this week, which means a whole new batch of albums will be hitting shelves just in time to add to your late summer playlist. With highly anticipated releases from Taylor Swift, Tool, Slipknot and more, August is gearing up to be a great month for new releases.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our picks for the albums to watch for in August 2019. Here are six (and a few more) we think will be worth checking out.

1.       Volbeat, ‘Rewind, Replay, Rebound’: Volbeat get eclectic with their upcoming album ‘Rewind, Replay, Rebound,’ out Friday. From the pop-punky “Leviathan” and the classic rock-leaning “Last Day Under The Sun” to the rockabilly “Pelvis on Fire” and hard rocking “Cheapside Sloggers,” there seem to be a lot of different elements being dealt out with this album. However different though, all of these singles are memorable and rock hard, which bodes well for the album. (8/2)

2.       Slipknot, ‘We Are Not Your Kind’: Slipknot will be releasing their sixth studio album, ‘We Are Not Your Kind,’ in August.  Frontman Corey Taylor said to NME in 2018 about the tone of the album, “It’s complicated, it’s dark, it’s heavy, it’s heavy, it’s melodic, it’s fierce, it’s angry, it’s raw as hell.” That seems to check out, as singles “Unsainted” and “Solway Firth” are intense, aggressive pieces of metal. (8/9)

3.       Sleater-Kinney, ‘The Center Won’t Hold’: Sleater-Kinney continues their reunion this year with their upcoming ninth studio album, ‘The Center Won’t Hold.’ Produced by St. Vincent, the album features some of the band’s most biting lyricism and cultural commentary to date. Unfortunately, it will be the band’s last album with drummer Janet Weiss, who announced that she was leaving the band in July. (8/16)

4.       Frank Turner, ‘No Man’s Land’: Whereas much of Frank Turner’s repertoire is self-deprecating rock-tinged folk about himself, ‘No Man’s Land’ gets back to the storyteller nature of true folk. The songs, each about a famous woman in history, range from upbeat, jaunty tunes about tavern owner / “witch” Jinny Bingham and early rocker Sister Rosetta Thorpe to low, brooding tracks about dancer Mata Hari. (8/16)

5.       Taylor Swift, ‘Lover’: One of the most highly anticipated albums of the year, ‘Lover’ finds Taylor Swift engaging the happy, bubbly Taylor she drowned in darkness on her last album, 2017’s ‘Reputation.’ The aesthetic associated with the new album cycle is colorful, as evidenced by the imagery in the videos for “Me!” and “You Need to Calm Down.” Both of those singles landed at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, while the album has reportedly set pre-order records on Apple Music, so it’s not a stretch to say that this will be a hot release.  (8/23)

6.       Tool, ‘Fear Inoculum’: After years of lawsuits and slow progress, Tool’s first album of new music in 13 years, ‘Fear Inoculum’ is finally making its way to shelves this August. The wait alone makes this another one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year, and the slow trickle of information on it only adds fuel to that fire. (8/30)

Further Listening:

·         Skillet, ‘Victorious’ (8/2)

·         Half Alive, ‘Now, Not Yet’ (8/9)

·         Killswitch Engage, ‘Atonement’ (8/16)

·         The Hold Steady, ‘Thrashing Thru The Passion’ (8/16)

·         Sheer Mag, ‘A Distant Call’ (8/23)

·         Jesse Malin, ‘Sunset Kids’ (8/30)

From pop darlings changing up their image to industrial titans returning after more than a decade away and more, there are a lot of highly anticipated albums to look forward to August. Check out some of our picks above and let us know what new albums you’re excited to hear in the comments below.

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres to suit the tastes of most music fans. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for something new to you or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week In Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (July 21-27, 2019)

Another week has come and gone, bringing a plethora of new music releases with it. This week saw some great new pop and rock songs and music videos released online, including tracks from the likes of Tegan & Sara, Liam Gallagher, Blink-182, Icona Pop and more.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again scoured the internet for the hottest new songs and music videos of the week. Here are seven (and a few more) that we think are worth checking out.

1.       Call Me Karizma, “I’m Okay”: There is something intriguing about how minimalist Call Me Karizma’s latest single “I’m Okay” really is. With just his pop-punk-leaning vocal intonation and a piano to back it up, there really isn’t much to it. However, the emotion that he does evoke makes the song captivating. (video)

2.       Volbeat, “Pelvis On Fire”: A mix of hardcore and rockabilly, Volbeat’s “Pelvis On Fire” sounds like an Elvis Presley song on speed. Frontman Michael Poulsen has the vocal tones of the King down pat, but with a deeper voice that balances out the heavier sound. (video)

3.       Tegan & Sara, “I’ll Be Back Someday”: “I’ll Be Back Someday” is upbeat and forceful, coming at you full force with fast drums and a catchy melody. Written when the twin duo were still teenagers and revisited as adults, the song’s sound is much more rock-fueled than their recent releases, but still has that memorable quality to it that will keep even their newest listeners entranced. (video)

4.       Liam Gallagher, “Once”: Light and nearly acoustic, “Once” is a wistful ballad about how fast life passes you by. The melody is slow and thoughtful, underscored by a string and choral section that brings in more depth. (video)

5.       Twenty One Pilots, “The Hype”: Twenty One Pilots dropped a video for single “The Hype” this week and it’s pretty good. The video follows the band on their assent to fame, playing larger and larger stages (in this case living rooms to garages to rooftops) only to find that when they hit the top, everything crumbles and takes them back to square one. It’s a great metaphor for what can happen to an artist in the industry, and a good warning to stay humble. (video)

6.       Blink-182, “Darkside”: The more I listen to “Darkside,” the more I actually kind of like it. You can still hear elements of Blink-182’s classic pop-punk sound in the melody (though its Travis Barker’s inimitable drumming style that makes it unmistakable), but with a darker, more electronic twist. It’s especially noticeable at the beginning when Matt Skiba is singing, as by the time it gets to the pre-chorus, the peppiness picks up a bit. The song kind of sounds like Mark Hoppus’ Simple Creatures project overflowed into the new Blink album and I don’t really hate it. (video)

7.       Icona Pop, “Next Mistake”: If you’re feeling nostalgic for early-mid 1990s dance music, than you definitely need to hear “Next Mistake.” The beat is reminiscent of songs like Deee Lite’s “Groove Is In The Heart,” providing a groove that makes you want to get up and dance. (video)

Further Listening:

·         The Highwomen, “Crowded Table”: (video)

·         Sheer Mag, “Hardly To Blame”: (video)

·         Alessia Cara, “Ready”: (video)

·         The Early November, “Hit By A Car (In Euphoria)”: (video)

·         Ariel View, “Friday Nights”: (video)

·         Skillet, “You Ain’t Ready”: (video)

With a lot of hot new songs and music videos in the pop and rock sphere hitting the internet, this was a great week for new music. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new tunes you’ve been digging this week in the comments below.

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a wide variety of genres to choose from. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for something new to you or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Five Trends in Music Reflected in the 2019 MTV VMA Nominations

MTV Logo. Found on Wikimedia Commons.

Nominations for the 2019 MTV VMAs were announced on Tuesday (7/23), celebrating the music videos and artists that dominated over the last year. Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, Halsey and Cardi B are the year’s most decorated nominees, earning upwards of six nods a piece. The ceremony is slated to take place August 26 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

This year’s VMAs provide an interesting look into what is going on in music culture right now. From the female dominated nominees list to the heightened inclusion of Latin and K-Pop artists and more, diversity and progression are definitely being highlighted this year.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at some of the highlights from this year’s VMA nominations. Here are five noteworthy trends reflected on the list.

1.       Girl Power: Female artists have hit a new renaissance over the last couple of years and that really shows in the 2019 nominees list. Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift have the most nominations of any artist this year with 10 a piece, followed by Billie Eilish with 9. Out of six nominees for Best New Artist, five are women. Four out of Six R&B nominees are female as well. The only category that doesn’t feature any female nominees is Best Rock.

2.       K-Pop: New this year is a Best K-Pop category, making the VMA’s the first award show to create an entire category for the genre. While shows like the People’s Choice Awards and the Grammys were starting to take notice of artists like BTS last year, the genre has been growing in the United States exponentially. BTS, Blackpink, Monsta X, Tomorrow X Together, NCT 127 and Exo are all up for the award in its inaugural year. BTS is also up for two categories outside of their genre, including Best Collaboration, Best Art Direction and Best Choreography for the Halsey-featuring “Boy With Luv.”

3.       Latin: Latin music is at its most active in the US since the late 1990s when Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias were big. After not having the Best Latin category in 2017 when Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” was tearing things up, MTV brought it back last year and again for 2019. Daddy Yankee, J Balvin and Maluma return to the Best Latin category this year with newcomers like Anuel AA, Karol G, Bad Bunny, Benny Blanco and Rosalia joining in on the mix. Rosalia continues her domination outside of the category with a Best New Artist nod, as well as Best Choreography for her J Balvin collaboration, “Con Altura.”  

4.       Lil Nas X: As the VMAs come before any of the other music award shows, they are the first to be able to give Lil Nas X due credit for his breakout song “Old Town Road.” The song’s remix with Billy Ray Cyrus has racked up 16 weeks at number one, tying the record for most weeks at number one with Mariah Carey & Boys II Men’s “One Sweet Day” and Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito,” and is possibly set to break it next week. The rap-country crossover got Lil Nas X eight nominations, the fourth highest behind Grande, Swift and Eilish, including Video of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist. Even his recent coming out hasn’t stopped his growing popularity like it has other artists in the past, which is pretty progressive. (Because of Lil’ Nas X’s remix, country mainstay Billy Ray Cyrus has also earned his first VMA nominations.)

5.       Videos “Doing Good”: Though MTV has done similar categories in years past, the new Video for Good category is a great way to honor the recent resurgence of videos for a cause. Right now you have a lot of big name artists taking a stand against injustice and merging it into their art. Taylor Swift, John Legend, The Killers and Halsey are all nominated. Nominations were also given to newcomers Lil Dicky and Jamie N Commons & Skylar Grey, whose videos would likely have gone under the radar without the category.

The nominations for this year’s MTV VMAs are fairly reflective of where music culture is right now. It’s a list that expands on trends highlighting women in music, global influence, inclusion and more. The full list of nominees and online voting can be found on the MTV website.

---

Find music from VMA nominees past and present at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week In Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (July 14-20, 2019)

A lot of new music gets released over the course of any given week. This one was no exception, as we saw a plethora of new songs and music videos hit the internet. That has been especially true for pop and rock, with tracks from the Goo Goo Dolls, Charli XCX & Christine And The Queens, The All-American Rejects and more out this week.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again scoured the internet for the week’s hottest new songs and music videos. Here are six (and a few more) that we know you’ll love as much as we do.

1.       The Highwomen, “Redesigning Women”: Featuring the supergroup team of Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Amanda Shires & Natalie Hemby, The Highwomen’s “Redesigning Women” is a tribute to strong women who break stereotypes. The upbeat country melody is memorable enough to lift your spirits and get stuck in your head. (video)

2.       Goo Goo Dolls, “Miracle Pill”: “Miracle Pill” finds 90s mainstays the Goo Goo Dolls “starting all over.” In more recent years, the band’s music has made them feel like adults trying to seem young. However, “Miracle Pill” sounds fresh. The song’s bluesy alt-rock melody sounds more Black Keys than pop-rock, even though the song is upbeat and catchy enough to be played on Adult Contemporary radio. (video)

3.       Charli XCX & Christine And The Queens, “Gone”: Equally combining the electronic dance pop of Charli XCX and the softer 80s inspired pop of Christine And The Queens, “Gone” feels like a pretty natural sound for both artists.. Driven by a constant beat that punctuates the melody and lyrical phrasing of the song, it’s a rather upbeat tune that finds the duo getting existential about love. The two singers’ voices blend very well together among all the electronic elements, which also helps. (video)

4.       Fitz and the Tantrums, “I Just Wanna Shine”: “I Just Wanna Shine” is a bright tune with a light, funky groove that makes your head bob along with every beat. The lyrics are as positive as the melody, with the repetition of “today is gonna be my day” lifting your spirits and pumping you up for the day ahead. (video)

5.       The All-American Rejects, “Send Her To Heaven”: The All-American Rejects released a new three-song EP, ‘Send Her To Heaven,’ this week. Of the songs, the title track stands out the most due in part to just how dark it is. Similar to 2017’s “Sweat,” “Send Her To Heaven” gets away from the pop-y direction they have become known for, instead opting for a heavier, straight-up rock sound and a more storyteller-like lyrical approach. (video)

6.       Avril Lavigne, “I Fell In Love With The Devil”: Continuing her streak of serious ballads, Avril Lavigne released a video for “I Fell In Love With the Devil” this week. Like “Head Above Water,” the song starts slow and dark, at times allowing you to hear the desperation in her voice, and builds in intensity. The video exchanges waterfalls for the dark, tree-covered woods and death imagery.  (video)

Further Listening:

·         Jordan Davis, “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot”: (video)

·         Bishop Briggs, “Champion”: (video)

·         Korn, “You’ll Never Find Me”: (video)

·         Britney Howard, “Stay High”: (video)

·         Pixies, “On Graveyard Hill”: (video)

There have been a lot of great new pop, rock and country songs and music videos released over the last week. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new tracks you’ll be adding to your playlist this weekend.

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777! As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles in a variety of genres to choose from. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for something new to you or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Six Moon-Themed Songs to Celebrate the Moon Landing’s 50th Anniversary

This Saturday (July 20) marks the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, the first time any human has set foot on another celestial body. The feat was a momentous, started a new age of space exploration that would continue on for decades.

The moon is a popular trope in popular culture, one that music in particular has adopted for years. Many have written about the moon’s intoxicating beauty, its wondrous heights and its supernatural mythology.

To celebrate the moon landing, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at songs that use the moon as inspiration. Here are six tracks that encapsulate the celestial body’s mystical qualities.

1.       Frank Sinatra, “Fly Me To The Moon”: Written by Bart Howard in 1954 and famously recorded by Frank Sinatra and Count Basie for release in 1964, “Fly Me To The Moon” relates the joy of being in love to the heights of visiting the moon and stars. Just a kiss or a held hand from the protagonist’s love interest was enough to make him so happy that it sent him to the stratosphere nearly 15 years before the moon landing even happened. (video)

2.       The Police, “Walking On The Moon”: Just like the pull of gravity is lessened in space causing a feeling of weightlessness, The Police’s “Walking On The Moon” likens being in love to that same weightless feeling. Anyone who’s seen footage of the moon landing is familiar with the large steps and bouncing stride associated with actually walking on the moon, lending to the accuracy of that “feet hardly touch the ground” kind of floating imagery being referenced in the song. (video)

3.       Van Morrison, “Moondance”: Another popular trope when it comes to moon songs is the beauty created by the moonlight. “Moondance” is of this cloth, with Van Morrison singing about dancing and “making love” with his partner under the light of the moon on a beautiful October night.  (video)

4.       LeAnn Rimes, “Can’t Fight The Moonlight”: “Can’t Fight The Moonlight” talks about the “magical feeling” of romance the night brings with it.  No matter how hard you try, there is no escaping the beauty of the moonlight. (video)

5.       Ozzy Osbourne, “Bark At The Moon”: A very different selection than the previous ones, “Bark At The Moon” is more of a horror tale than a love song. The Ozzy Osbourne classic is about a horrific wolf-man that terrorizes a town, warning villagers of his presence by howling at the moon. (video)

6.       King Harvest, “Dancing In The Moonlight”: An upbeat, breezy classic, “Dancing In The Moonlight” sings of the happiness dancing under the moonlight brings. While many associate the nighttime hours with the occult (as in the previous pick), the song describes how natural and relaxing that time can be, remarking that “you can’t dance and stay uptight.” (video)

Whether praising its mystical qualities, referring to love or its associated mythical creatures, the moon has been the inspiration for numerous musical artists over many decades. Check out some of the popular moon-themed songs above and let us know what lunar tracks you’ll be spinning to celebrate the moon landing.

---

Find music from these moon-loving artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777! As Long Island’s top new independent record shop we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres to suit most music fans. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week In Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (July 7-13, 2019)

A lot of new music is released over the course of any given week. This week was no different as we saw a plethora of new songs and music videos hit the internet this week. That was especially true for rock and pop genres, as we got stellar new tracks from the likes of Phoebe Ryan, Sum 41, PVRIS, The Score and more.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again scoured the internet for the best new songs and music videos of the week. Here are eight (and a few more) of our favorites that we think are worth checking out this weekend.

1.       PVRIS, “Death of Me”: PVRIS’ new single “Death of Me” leans in a pop-ier direction than their previous releases while still maintaining a bit of the band’s dark undertones. The song’s pulsing beat overtakes the moodiness of the melody and lyrics, giving the song an overall upbeat, dance club feel. (video)

2.       Asking Alexandria, “The Violence”: “The Violence” is an epic track that delivers on power. Its heavy guitars, pounding drums and gutturally-screamed vocals add to the song’s intensity while the catchy, screamed hook gets caught in your head. The song’s seven-minute mini-movie is an equally epic accompaniment to the song, turning the classic zombie movie plotline on its head by making the zombies into the victims. (video)

3.       Phoebe Ryan, “Build Me Up”: “Build Me Up” has a bright, minimalist pop sound that’s catchy and memorable. Ryan’s voice is twee as she sings the indie-pop melody, accompanied by an overarching network of percussion that drives the song forward. (video)

4.       Dermot Kennedy, “Outnumbered”: With a melody somewhere between R&B, hip-hop and alternative, “Outnumbered” is eclectic track with a perfectly executed message. Kennedy sings with pain and passion in his voice, making his lyrics feel more personal. (video)

5.       The Score, “Stay”: “Stay’s” powerful, floor-stomping beat and catchy melody makes it a stand out track if you’re into the harder end of pop rock. It’s a sound that falls somewhere between Imagine Dragons and Papa Roach with its radio-ready head-bopper vibe. (video)

6.       Anna Meredith, “Paramour”: Instrumental track “Paramour” is a slow burner. The song starts off low and slow, but then builds over time into a suspenseful, slightly heavy piece with a horn part that takes over. The video is mesmerizing as well, taking the eye on a journey via toy train around an active room past band members playing various instruments and tunnels made of guitars. (video)

7.       Joseph, “Fighter”: Once the melody kicks in, “Fighter” really takes off. The steady snare beat and big guitars drive the song, creating an even bigger sound that catches your ear. It has the kind of sound that has does very well on alternative radio. (video)

8.       Sum 41, “45 (A Matter Of Time)”: Sum 41 get political on their latest single “45 (A Matter Of Time).” With pointed lyrics giving voice to frontman Deryck Whibley’s feelings about the current US president, the song’s anger is echoed by its thrashing guitars and chugging, bulldozer-like cadence. (video)

Further Listening:

·         Sub-Radio, “Dreamcatcher”: (video)

·         Mikey Erg, “Hopeland Superette”: (video)

·         Jesse Malin feat. Lucinda Williams, “Room 13”: (video)

·         Thousand Below, “Chemical”: (video)

·         Palaye Royale, “Nervous Breakdown”: (video)

With a lot of great new songs and music videos hitting the internet over the last seven days, this proved to be another banner week for new music. Check out some of our rock and pop favorites above and then let us know what new tracks you’ve been digging this week in the comments below.

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777! As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a wide variety of genres. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for something new to you or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Bands Who’s Members Don’t Get Along

Just because a band is together and making music, doesn’t mean that they get along. Take Van Halen for example. In a recent interview with Marc Maron on his ‘WTF With Marc Maron’ podcast Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth acknowledged that he and the Van Halen brothers (Eddie and Alex) have always hated each other. Roth also mentioned that tension was a big part of the band’s success.

Fighting between bandmates is nothing new in music. Countless bands have had distressed relationships between members. Sometimes the infighting leads to members being fired or groups dissolving all together. And while some of their icy relationships may have thawed over time, others continue their feuds for decades.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at some of the bands whose dysfunctional relationships are as big a part of their legacy as the music itself. Here are seven whose saltiness is well documented.

1.       Oasis: One of the biggest bands to come out of the 1990s Brit-pop era, Oasis was known almost as much for their infighting as they were for their hits. Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher were notoriously always at each other’s throats until 2009 when Noel quit the band for good after a physical altercation between the two ended in Liam smashing Noel’s guitar backstage during the I-Day Festival. The brothers continue to call each other names publicly nearly a decade after the breakup.

2.       Guns N’ Roses: Guns N’ Roses hit their stride in the 1980s and early 1990s, releasing four albums with the classic line-up of Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan. However, that all fell apart in the mid-1990s when Slash left the band due to tension and creative differences between him and Rose. For years neither one had anything civil to say about the other, with Rose even ditching the band’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2012.The feud lasted for two decades, ending in 2016 with a reunion tour that is still going today.

3.       The Kinks: Decades before the hopeless family feuding that propelled Oasis, The Kinks’ Ray and Dave Davies were the epitome of dysfunctional family bands. Infighting from the time they were little gave way to infighting in the band amongst all of their members. Their public roes were one of the factors in the band getting banned from performing in the US for five years in the 1960s. Ray and Dave’s relationship remained tepid for decades, as has Dave’s and Mick Avory’s, however there is a planned reunion in the works.

4.       Simon And Garfunkel: Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were friends from a young age, meeting in elementary school and eventually started making music together when they were teens. However, the two had been at odds creatively since the beginning. Simon, who had been doing all of the songwriting, felt that Garfunkel, who sang his compositions, was taking advantage, hoping that Simon would just keep writing music while he did whatever he wanted. The disagreement led to their break-up in 1970, and although they have gotten together for a handful of reunions, the two have not performed on stage together since 2010.

5.       The Beach Boys: Another family band torn up by infighting, Brian Wilson and Mike Love have been at each other’s throats for decades. The two have sued each other numerous times for slander, writing credits or royalties. Wilson would go on to have a successful solo career while Love ended up taking over the Beach Boys name. Following their 50^th anniversary reunion in 2012, the first time Wilson had performed with the band in nearly two decades, Love promptly kicked him out of the band without warning, which led to another public squabble.

6.       Smashing Pumpkins: Billy Corgan has long been the biggest creative force in the Smashing Pumpkins. His control over the band led to tensions with bandmates James Iha and D’arcy Wretzky and their eventual firing. Iha ended up reuniting with Corgan in 2018. However Wretzky, according to conflicting reports, was either not invited to the reunion, turned it down or had her invitation revoked.

7.       Kiss: Metal legends Kiss were notoriously split down the middle when it came to their original line-up. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley had been of the belief that Ace Frehley and Peter Criss were not pulling their weight in the band and fired them. The long-standing feud carried over to the band’s 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, where Simmons and Stanley refused to perform with Frehley and Criss, even though all four were in attendance.

Music history is full of bands whose members could not get along with one another. Whether due to family squabbles or creative differences, some of these feuds are as legendary as the bands themselves. Though most of the time they lead to the band’s dissolution or members leaving/being fired, sometimes you have that rare instance where, like Van Halen, it leads to more creativity.

---

Find music from these bands and more at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week In Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (June 30-July 6, 2019)

As the US has been remembering our independence over this long holiday weekend, the new music machine has kept on rolling. Over the course of the last seven days, a lot of hot new songs and music videos have made their way to the internet for our listening and viewing pleasures, especially when it came to rock and pop.  

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again scoured the internet for the week’s best new songs and music videos. Here are five (and a few more) that we think will be worth checking out this holiday weekend.

1.       Re-Volts, “Leeches”: “Leeches” takes elements of the short, fast and loud New York style of punk and the more melodic west coast style and merges them into one cohesive punk track. The sound is almost beach-y, giving off surf-rock vibes amongst the notable punk ones. (video)

2.       Blink-182, “Happy Days”: Blink-182 gets sappy on their latest single “Happy Days.” Set to a waltz-like tempo, the song’s melody is playful yet wistful. It has hints of the band’s early, light-hearted pop-punk sound, though it feels a little too simple. (video)

3.       Belle and Sebastian, “Sister Buddha”: “Sister Buddha” has a stand out melody filled with horn flourishes, easy-going guitars and a light toe-tapping beat that really grab your attention. It starts out slow to get the story going, but by the end it turns into this joyous celebration of the main character.  (video)

4.       Ed Sheeran feat. Chris Stapleton & Bruno Mars, “Blow”: “Blow” is a completely unexpected turn from what you would normally hear from Ed Sheeran, or even Chris Stapleton or Bruno Mars for that matter. The song leans more towards soulful rock territory, especially with that larger than life, distortion-filled guitar riff that anchors it throughout. All three singers give powerful, hearty vocal performances that mixed with the guitar riff and percussion can be felt deep down in your soul. (video)

5.       Young The Giant, “Heat Of The Summer”: Despite its self-deprecating lyrics, “Heat Of The Summer” is an upbeat, summer-y pop-rock track. Frontman Sameer Gadhia‘s soulful falsetto and the song’s slow jam-y melody combine in a way that feels like a hazy summer day. (video)

Further Listening:

•          Samurai (Refused), “Chippin’ In”: (video)
•          Bat For Lashes, “Kids In The Dark”: (video)
•          Frank Turner, “Sister Rosetta”: (video)

Even with the Independence Day weekend splitting the week down the middle, there were still a lot of great new pop and rock songs and music videos released. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new tracks you’re listening to this holiday weekend in the comments below.

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a wide variety of genres. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for something new to you or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.  

Albums Coming Out in July 2019

July is here and the summer release schedule is just heating up. This month will see some hot new releases coming to stores, including highly anticipated projects from the likes of Marshmello, Ed Sheeran, Sum 41 and more.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve compiled a list highlighting some of the biggest albums and best bets hitting shelves in the month of July. Here are seven albums (and a few more) we think will be worth looking out for.

1.       Marshmello, ‘Joytime III’: Producer / DJ Marshmello has been having a banner couple of years, especially when it came to 2018’s multiplatinum stand-alone single “Happier,” his collaboration with Bastille. The artist releases his third album, ‘Joytime III,’ today, just in time for the long July 4 weekend. Having heard single “Rescue Me,” his collaboration with hard rockers A Day to Remember, and its impressive combination of the two artists’ genres, I think this could be one of the hottest albums of the summer.  (7/3)

2.       Joey Cape, ‘Let Me Know When You Give Up’: Joey Cape, best known as frontman for punk rockers Lagwagon, is releasing his fourth solo album, ‘Let Me Know When You Give Up,’ this week. The sound is a little brighter and more instrumental than his previous solo efforts, which mainly consisted of vocals and guitar. According to an interview with Kerrang, Cape said of the album, “I wanted to say the things I wanted to say, but I really wanted at the core was a guideline to remain hopeful, to try to inflate this idea of things being better to and not control everything and be a positive force.” (7/5)

3.       Ed Sheeran, ‘No. 6 Collaborations Project’: Anything Ed Sheeran touches turns to gold and that is sure to prove true again when the British singer-songwriter releases his fourth album ‘No. 6 Collaborations Project’ this month. The album’s first two singles, “I Don’t Care” featuring Justin Bieber and “Cross Me” featuring Chance the Rapper and PnB Rock, have already amassed huge success on the charts with the latter having already gone platinum in some countries. There is no doubt that this is one of the most anticipated albums of the summer. (7/12)

4.       Sum 41, ‘Order in Decline’: Early 2000s punk rockers Sum 41 are back this month with their most anticipated album in a while. ‘Order in Decline’ is set to feature some of the band’s heaviest work to date, and that’s not just talk from a press release. The album’s first single “Out for Blood” reached number 18 on the Mainstream Rock chart, their first single in nearly 15 years to do so. Their latest single, “Never There,” about frontman Deryck Whibley’s non-existent relationship with his father, is one of the most emotionally songs he has ever written. (7/19)

5.       Violent Femmes, ‘Hotel Last Resort’: Making up for lost time, the Violent Femmes release their latest album, ‘Hotel Last Resort,’ the follow-up to their first album in 16 years, ‘We Can Do Anything’ (2016), this month. The band told Rolling Stone that this is one of their most cohesive albums to date, saying “It’s a classic album, in the sense that people should actually sit down and listen to the whole thing. It’s not too long. It’s short, it’s punchy, it’s solid, it’s to the point, goes a few different directions but it always comes back to the core approach and then it’s over.” (7/26)

6.       NF, ‘The Search’: NF has been making a name for himself in the rap game over the last few years with his honest, upfront and personal lyricism. His single “The Search,” from his upcoming album of the same name, is as impressive and captivating as it is deep, discussing his mental health issues in the wake of his sudden fame. If the other tracks on the album are this special, ‘The Search’ could end up being a great album. (7/26)

7.       Sugar Ray, ‘Little Yachty’: It’s been more than 10 years since 1990s rockers Sugar Ray released their last studio album, the middle-of-the-road 2008 flop ‘Music For Cougars.’ The band ends this decade-long recording hiatus this month with the release of their upcoming seventh studio album ‘Little Yachty.’ According to Billboard, frontman Mark McGrath said the band took their time with this album, trying to recreate the beach-y vibe of their heyday. “So we just decided to make a record our fans wanted to hear. It was a fun record to make, top to bottom.” (7/26)

Further Listening:

·         Machine Gun Kelly, ‘Hotel Diablo’ (7/5)

·         311, ‘Voyager’ (7/12)

·         Andy Grammer, ‘Naïve’ (7/26)

·         Of Monsters and Men, ‘Fever Dream’ (7/26)

With a lot of highly anticipated albums and other interest-piquing new releases, July is gearing up to be a good month for new music. Keep an eye out for some of our picks above and let us know what albums you’re excited to get your hands on this month.

---

Discover music new and old this summer at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres to suit most music fans. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for something new to you or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what gems you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.