Seven Party Songs to Dance Your Way Into the New Year

Happy New Year’s Eve! It’s time to party away 2016 and welcome 2017 with open arms. And what is a party without some high-energy party tunes!

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has got the perfect playlist for your New Year’s Eve bash. We’ve collected seven of the top party songs ever recorded and created this eclectic list, mixing pop, rock, Latin, rap, R&B and funk to make the ultimate soundtrack for your dance party. So get out your dancing shoes, break out the champagne and noisemakers and get ready to party like its 1999!

1.       The Black Eyed Peas, “Let’s Get It Started”: The movement in this song is great. It starts out slow with Fergie showing off some slinky vocals, and then the base comes in along with will.i.am’s intro, which then escalates into the first verse before erupting into that bouncy chorus that everyone knows. It’s perfect for getting the party started. (video)

2.       Jennifer Lopez, “Let’s Get Loud”: With a thumping beat and Latin tones, “Let’s Get Loud” is one of those songs that have become bigger than itself. Written by Gloria Estefan and given to Lopez to put on her debut album, “Let’s Get Loud” became a staple on wedding, bar/bat mitzvah, sweet 16 and general party dance floors from 1999 on. (video)

3.       House of Pain, “Jump Around”: Equal parts hip-hop and rock, this song urges you to get up and, well, “jump around.” It’s hard not to at least bob your head along with the beat, even if you’re in your car and it comes on the radio. (video)

4.       Beastie Boys, “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)”: Sometimes you forget that the Beastie Boys were once a punk band and even though this song came out much later than that, you can still hear that edge in the lyrics and melody of “Fight for Your Right.” Although it is only mildly rebellious, the song has still become a party anthem for the ages. (video)

5.       Kool and the Gang, “Celebration”: Now for a party classic. Kick it old-school with the joyous funk of “Celebration,” which brings a bit of hope and sunshine to any party. And besides, it lays out your exact plans for you: “celebrate and have a good time.” (video)

6.       50 Cent, “In Da Club”: The intro to this song has become one of the most imitated phrases of the last 13 years: “go shorty, it’s ya birthday, we gonna party like it’s ya birthday.” For maximum effect, start a dance circle and watch people break it down. (video)

7.       Prince, “1999”: This song helped spark another phrase that has become synonymous with partying hard: partying “like its 1999.” Which you should totally do tonight. It might not be the end of the century, but “1999’s” groove is perfect for ringing in any new year. (video)

Keep your New Year’s Eve parties going all night long by adding these dance tracks to your party playlist. With such an eclectic selection, all of your guests are sure to enjoy the build up to 2017. Have a happy, healthy and safe New Year!

Make it your New Year’s resolution to listen to more music. Stop by Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top new independent record shop, in 2017 to check out our large selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and memorabilia. We have thousands of titles in-store and online at vinylbay777.com, with more being added all the time. 

Vinyl Bay 777’s Top 10 Songs of 2016

Across genres, 2016 has been a great year for music. From rap and R&B to punk, rock and pop, there have been so many incredible songs that have come out in the past year that it is hard to remember all of them.

As Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’ s top music outlet, looks back at the music of 2016, we wanted to acknowledge some of this year’s outstanding songs. Our writer has collected a list of 10 songs that she has enjoyed throughout the year. Touching on indie rock, pop punk, soul and hip hop, check out some of the best songs 2016 had to offer.

1.       Hamilton Leithauser and Rostam, “A 1000 Times”: The first single from former Walkmen singer Hamilton Leithauser and Vampire Weekend multi-instrumentalist Rostam Batmanglij, “A Thousand Times” is an indie rock charm that builds slowly-and-steadily. It doesn’t take much to like this song; its lyrics are simple and its chorus is repetitive and catchy. (video)

2.       The XX, “On Hold”: After a couple of listens, this song really grew on me. I love the back and forth the male and female singers have lyrically, like a doomed conversation between two people who were once in love. The pain in the male’s words and voice in particular gives this song a lot of depth. (video)

3.       Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens”: This song was everywhere this year after it came out as a single from the ‘Suicide Squad’ soundtrack. Twenty One Pilots has this amazing ability to write unique and catchy music that not only found itself a place in rock music, but in pop as well. (video)

4.       Green Day, “Still Breathing”: The third single from Green Day’s new album, ‘Revolution Radio,’ “Still Breathing” is a little like “Wake Me up When September Ends” all over again. One of the most personal songs on the album, it is deep and introspective, most likely about singer Billie Joe Armstrong’s drug addiction and recovery. The lyrics deliver the message that even though all of these things have happened; he’s come out on the other side alive. What a great sentiment for this time of year and the crazy year we have all had. (video)

5.       Tegan and Sara, “Boyfriend”: What stands out most about “Boyfriend,” the first single from Tegan and Sara’s latest album ‘Love You To Death,’ besides its 80s synth-pop feel, is the sister duo’s lyrical delivery. The song finds the singer talking to her secret girlfriend who won’t admit that they are a couple to the public. When the sisters sing “and trust me like a… like a very best friend,” they pause before saying “very best friend,” and that drama just says everything about the mood and motive of that song. (video)

6.       Solange, “Cranes in the Sky”: The first time I heard this song on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ it was mesmerizing. The song is beautiful; so soulful and on-point. It’s no wonder people have been talking about the song and album since it came out in October. (video)

7.       A Tribe Called Quest, “We the People”: Another song that I heard on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ “We The People” is the first single the hip hop group has released in 18 years and their last with founding member Phife Dawg. The track perfectly captures the political atmosphere of today and concisely presents it with a catchy back beat and chorus. (video)

8.       David Bowie, “Lazarus”: This song plays like a retrospective of David Bowie’s life, which makes it even more ominous knowing that he would pass away just days later. Its steady tempo and hefty lyrical content make the song one of his best, but also one of his heaviest. (video)

9.       Weezer, “King of the World”: Weezer have finally gotten their groove back. After putting out a terrific album in 2014, ‘Everything Will Be Alright In The End,’ they followed it up this year with another self-titled album (the White Album) and “King of the World,” it’s second single.  Dreaming up what it would be like if the narrator was in control, instead of being tied down by everyone else, “King of the World” continues the band’s return to the self-depreciating lyrics and biting wit. (video)

10.   Leonard Cohen, “You Want It Darker”: This song haunted me for weeks after it was released, and not because it came out only weeks before Cohen passed away. The way he used the word “Hineni,” which translates from Hebrew to “Here I Am,” and cantor-al melodies in the chorus gives the song a whole new level of darkness on top of its minimal instrumentation and other really dark lyrics. But that insistence on making you think about it long after hearing it is what makes this song so good. (video)

As 2016 comes to a close, it’s nice to take a look back at all the great music that artists have released over the last 12 months. These 10 tracks only skim the surface of the year’s best songs. Use this list as a jumping off point for your own best of 2016 list.

Start the new year off right by checking out music from most of these artists and more at Long Island’s hottest new independent record shop, Vinyl Bay 777. Shop in-store and online (vinylbay777.com) from our selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and memorabilia. We have thousands of titles to choose from and new ones are being added all the time. 

Seven Rock Songs about New Year’s Day

It is almost New Year’s Eve! With only three days until the ball drops, it’s time to put the last few touches on your countdown to 2017. That includes putting together perfect soundtrack to blast while welcoming the New Year.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is here to help you make the ultimate rock playlist to soundtrack your New Years get together. We have picked seven songs about the holiday to get you in the mindset for a brand new year. So sit back with champagne in hand with the ones you love, listen to these tunes and welcome 2017 with open arms.

1.       A Great Big World, “This Is the New Year”: “This Is the New Year” begs the listener to live for today. It is okay to remember what happened in the previous year, but take what you learned and make your life better. This is another chance to change yourself and the world. “This Is the New Year” is a very uplifting song with an amazing message. (video)

2.       Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, “Auld Lang Syne”: Who said that traditional had to be boring? There are a lot of punk versions of “Auld Lang Syne,” but Me First and the Gimme Gimmes turn this classic into a crazy, mosh pit-worthy mess. They don’t take themselves seriously, they don’t take the song seriously and you shouldn’t take it seriously either, which makes it so great. (video)

3.       The Walkmen, “In the New Year”: This song has the melody and cadence of a Christmas song. However, its lyrics are more like a New Years break-up song, with the narrator ending the relationship and looking forward to something new “out of the darkness and into the fire.” The raucous guitars add energy to the song, making it a bit chaotic yet hopeful at the same time. (video)

4.       Regina Spektor, “My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year)”: This cover of the Peggy Lee song is very bare-bones, but it gets its point across. Driven lyrically rather than instrumentally, “My Dear Acquaintance” is a jazzy prayer wishing everyone, both friends and family and strangers alike, a happy New Year. (video)

5.       The Zombies, “This Will Be Our Year”: Considering how dark this year has been for many, this classic rock n’ roll song is full of positivity for the New Year. Primarily a love song, the narrator of the song sings about how this is going to be their year and how they’ve “only just begun.” It may take a while, but the darkness will be lifted. (video)

6.       Death Cab for Cutie, “The New Year”: This song is a bit depressing as songs about New Year’s Day go. Over a typical Death Cab “emo” down-tempo melody, the lyrics talk about how New Year’s is no different than any other day except for the way we act. All he really wants is for it to be easier to see his significant other. (video)

7.       Eagles, “Funky New Year”: This song is very bluntly about getting drunk and stoned on New Year’s Eve. If anything, this song is a PSA warning against the dangers of partying, set to a “funky” groove. (video)

While you are finalizing your New Year’s Eve playlist, check out these songs about the New Year to get your party going. Whether you are into somber songs or uplifting lyrics, these songs are guaranteed to be the perfect rock and roll soundtrack to help you usher in 2017 right.

Find music from many of these artists and more into the New Year at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com. The top new independent record shop on Long Island, we have a wide selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes and more to choose from. New titles are being added all the time, so there is always a reason to stop by!

Seven Live Shows to Make Your New Year’s Eve Rock

Phish at MSG 2015. Found on Brooklyn Vegan. Photo by AZN Pics.

Still looking for that special way to enjoy the last bits of 2016 and ring in 2017? Why not see one last live show before the end of the year?

There are many options for New Year’s Eve in New York this year. And while Patti Smith will not be doing her annual New Year’s shows in New York (she’s playing in Chicago this year), there are still some great choices out there.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top music outlet, has your New Year’s Eve plans covered. We’ve collected a list of seven shows that will surely have you rocking into 2017.

1.       Bush: Looking to stay on Long Island? Bush will be bringing their 90s grunge-style to The Paramount on Saturday night, sponsored by Long Island’s 94.3 The Shark. The band is also hinting at new music in the New Year. They already released a new song, “People at War,” in June.

2.       Phish: Phish will be back at Madison Square Garden this week for a four-show New Year’s run starting tonight (December 28). This run has become a tradition for the band, having played The Garden seven out of the last eight New Year’s Eves. The band released their 16^th album, ‘Big Boat,’ this past year.

3.       Black Lips: Southern punk band Black Lips will be doing New Years right in New York City this year. On Saturday night, the band will be playing with Wolves, Chances, Winstons and more at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn. Then, you can join the band for brunch at The Roxy Hotel on Sunday afternoon.

4.       Macy Gray: The jazz-soul singer best known for her hit “I Try” will be playing three nights at Iridium Jazz Club in Times Square starting Thursday. There will be a total of five sets: one on Thursday, two on Friday and two on New Year’s Eve. Gray released her latest album, ‘Stripped,’ in 2016, which includes reworked versions of her biggest hits and covers of artists who have inspired her.

5.       Guided by Voices: Guided by Voices will be playing at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on New Year’s Eve with The Moles.  The band, who reunited this year after disbanding in 2014, released ‘Please Be Honest’ in April.

6.       Thurston Moore & John Zorn: If you are into improv, this will be the show for you. Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore and saxophonist John Zorn will be at Zorn’s performance space, The Stone, in the East Village on Friday and Saturday. Other musicians sitting in will include DNA’s Ikue Mori and cellist Okaying Lee. Moore will be playing at St. Mark’s Church on the 1^st, reuniting with Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo.

7.       Titus Andronicus: Punk band Titus Andronicus will be saying “F*** 2016” with their show at Brooklyn Bazaar Saturday night. High Waisted and Toys In Trouble will be providing support for the show, which will also feature DJ sets from Michael T, Dirtyfinger and Cousin Cole, and a “ball pit drop” at midnight. The band’s fourth album, ‘The Most Lamentable Tragedy,’ was released in 2015.

Whether you like punk, rock, jazz or improv, there are some great shows happening in New York this weekend. Ring in 2017 right with great live music for a great new year.

Before embarking on your New Year’s Eve plans, come down to Vinyl Bay 777 or shop vinylbay777.com and pick up music from all these artists and more. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of new and used titles on vinyl, CD and cassette to choose from, as well as memorabilia, DVDs and more. We are conveniently located at 101-14 Dupont Street in Plainview, just off the Long Island Expressway and the Northern State Parkway.

Seven New Hanukkah Songs for Eight Nights of Hanukkah

We are almost half-way through Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. Since Christmas Eve, families have been gathering around the menorah, adding a new candle every night to remind us of the miracle of the oil and to remember the miraculous ways in which we have been able to keep Jewish tradition alive for thousands of years.

Many compare the festival of Hanukkah to that of Christmas. After all, it comes around the same time and has become a gift-giving holiday over the years. But unlike Christmas, you don’t hear many songs about the holiday on the radio. Sure, you have Adam Sandler’s “Chanukkah Song” and the couple of songs the Barenaked Ladies recorded for their holiday album years ago, but it’s just not as popular.

However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t songs being made about Hanukkah. Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island's music outlet, has rounded up seven new Hanukkah songs that were released this year. From the a cappella parodies people have come to expect to completely original melodies, these songs are sure to make the holiday special for the rest of those eight nights.

1.       The Maccabeats, “Hasmonean”: A Hamilton Hanukkah”: The Maccabeats aren’t the only a cappella group to do a Hamilton parody this year; Six13 did one as well, and performed it for the President no less. Both tell the story of Hanukkah and the Maccabees, but The Maccabeats did it better. It has more melody and more flow, and just makes more sense in general. (video)

2.       Shir Soul, “Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah”: For this year’s holiday, Shir Soul decided to imitate Pentatonix in their video for Hanukkah mash-up “Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah.” They bookend the track with the classic title song, giving it a pretty well-rounded feel. The group also tosses in other holiday classics “S’vivon” (Dreydel) and “Al Hanisim,” sung very traditionally, as well as Pink’s “Just Like Fire,” which is not a holiday song, but goes really well with the theme. (video)

3.       Nefesh Mountain, “The Hanukkah Dance”: Believe it or not, this is a cover of a Woodie Guthrie song. Guthrie related to Jewish culture and spent a lot of time collaborating with his Jewish mother-in-law. On the whole, the cover stays true to the folk-y original, albeit with more instrumentation. The band also released a cover of Guthrie’s “Hanukkah Flame,” which is a more subdued song. (video)

4.       Y-Studs, “Don’t Let Me Down”: Y-Studs chose to parody arguably the most talked about group of the year, The Chainsmokers, for their Hanukkah inspiration. The a cappella group chose to make it a partial plea to G-d as much as a song about the holiday. It ends up being less in-your-face than most of the parodies you find, which is a good thing. (video)

5.       Kyra Goldman, “Nes Gadol Haya Sham”: Now we get into original songs with Kyra Goldman, whose “Nes Gadol Haya Sham” (A Miracle Happened There) uses light as a reflection of self and as a people. She asks people not to lose the light in them this holiday so that others can see the light in all of us. It’s very catchy and very well done. (video)

6.       Strange Eventful History, “One Night of Hanukkah”: This piano-driven, show tune-inspired song takes a stab at the once-in-30-year coincidence of the first night of Hanukkah falling on Christmas. In a way, it feels like only one night of Hanukkah matters this year because Christmas is a more popular holiday in this country. It is a great concept for a song. (video)

7.       Julie Geller, “Rekindle the Light”: This song uses the Hanukkah lights as a metaphor for “rekindling the light from within.” She sings about not letting the outside world stop you from being you. Geller has this soothing voice that makes it easy to listen to her and the message of hope her music talks about.  (video)

While Hanukkah may fall in Christmas’ shadow in terms of public celebrations, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t music being produced for the holiday. Hopefully these seven songs have helped get you into the Hanukkah spirit.

Still looking for Hanukkah presents for the music lover in your life? Records make great gifts! Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top new independent record shop has thousands of new and used titles to choose from on vinyl, CD, cassette, DVD and more, as well as memorabilia of all kinds. Shop in-store or online at vinylbay777.com!

Top Seven Songs / Music Videos of the Week (12/20-12/24)

It’s the end to another week and the start of the holiday weekend. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, both or neither, it’s still the perfect time to take a break and reflect on the week, and the year, that was. Why not look back at this week’s new music then, shall we?

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top music outlet, has compiled a list of seven new songs and videos that came out this week that you should check out. Catch up on this week’s music and have a happy holiday season.

1.       Ryan Adams, “To Be Without You”: The second new song from Adams’ upcoming album, ‘Prisoner,’ “To Be Without You” is a more melancholy track than the previous single, “Do You Still Love Me.” Adams wrote on Instagram of this song that “it broke my soul in a zillion pieces writing this,” but in the end, it was essential that he did. (video)

2.       Tegan and Sara, “That Girl”: This week, Tegan and Sara released the final video for the final song on their new album, ‘Love You to Death.’ “That Girl” is a slow-tempo, introspective song. It’s less pop-y than some of the other songs on the album, but it works. The video is a look behind the scenes of their last tour, which fits the theme of the song perfectly. (video)

3.       Nine Inch Nails, “Burning Bright (Field on Fire)”: “Burning Bright” is the first song Nine Inch Nails has released since announcing their new EP, which came out on Friday. The song is a bit dissonant and doesn’t have much of a melody to grab on to, but that seems to be what frontman Trent Reznor is looking to do. In a new interview about the music the band will be releasing in 2017, he says that he wants the music to be less friendly and less hook-filled. (video)

4.       Nelly Furtado, “Pipe Dream”: “Pipe Dream” is a vastly different kind of song than we’ve heard from Nelly Furtado yet. It’s not a pop song. Sonically, it leans more indie-pop, maybe even a little bit quieter. The video is just as reserved as the song; its shot on what seems like a grainy film camera or cell phone and features Furtado walking from room to room of her home. (video)

5.       The Perms, “Lose Yourself”: This song is upbeat and catchy. The video features a girl going through her day, being catcalled at the gym and knocking items over at the store. The viewer is not shown that the protagonist is different until the end, when she arrives at a party and it is revealed that she has a unicorn horn. Now that she has found her unicorn people, she finally looks happy. (video)

6.       Jake Ward, “If You Leave Me Alone”: The video for this song finds the singer trying to win back his girl ‘High Fidelity’ style, but instead of a boom box, he uses a megaphone. The song is a passionate plea for her not to leave him alone. (video)

7.       Kings of Leon, “Find Me”: The video for “Find Me” continues the narrative from the band’s “Waste a Moment” video, picking up the story with an investigation into the disappearance of a town’s youths. The song follows a pretty typical Kings of Leon garage-rock format, so it’s easy to listen to. (video)

If the long work week has left you feeling like you’re missing out, take a listen to these songs and fill your weekend and holiday with new music. Happy Holidays!

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Pick up music from these artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com. As the best new independent record shop on Long Island, we have thousands of new and used titles to choose from in-store and online right now. Choose from vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, memorabilia and more.

Six New Christmas Songs for Your Holiday Playlist

Christmas is in less than two days and the holiday music continues to play on. Three of this week’s top 10 Billboard album spots are held by Christmas albums and almost every radio station has started to play the classics non-stop.

Yesterday, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, took a look at a different side of Christmas music with punk holiday tunes. Today, we focus on new Christmas songs. We’ve compiled a list of six new, original Christmas songs to add to your holiday playlist. From the blues/jazz of Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings and low-key indie rock of Low to the pop-punk of Simple Plan and pop cheer of Cruz Beckham and Band of Merrymakers, check out these songs to keep your holiday playlist fresh.

1.       Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, “Please Come Home”: The late Sharon Jones hits it out of the park with this jazzy new Christmas classic. It follows some of the same lyrical themes as songs like “All I Want for Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” but brings in a touch of the blues as the narrator wishes for his wife to come home. A video for the song was released earlier this week, although it was initially released on The Dap Kings’ 2015 album ‘It’s a Holiday Soul Party.’ (video)

2.       Cruz Beckham, “If Every Day Was Christmas”: Everything about this song is adorable: the lyrics are adorable; Beckham’s voice is adorable; the video is adorable. The icing on the already sweet cake though, is that that all profits from the song are going to children’s charity Make Some Noise. (video)

3.       Simple Plan, “Christmas Every Day”: “Christmas Every Day” is a swinging pop-punk tune to make you get up and rock out on your holiday. It falls right into the groove of simple, fun songs the band has been putting out over the last few years. Even in terms of holiday songs, they’ve really come a long way since their first two albums. (video)

4.       Bete Noir, “A Message to You Rudolph”: Around Hanukkah, you find a lot of parodies of popular songs with words about the holiday subbed in. I was hard pressed to find a lot of that kind of thing for Christmas, but this track stuck out. The song is The Specials’ “A Message to You Rudy” combined with “Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Raindeer.” Why no one has done this before I don’t know. It works so well! (video)

5.       Low, “Some Hearts (At Christmas Time)”: If you like slow, drawn-out melodies, take a listen to “Some Hearts.” On top of just the sheer beauty of the song, it’s lyrics are about remembering those that we have loved and lost this year and keeping others in your heart. (video)

6.       Band of Merrymakers, “Snow Snow Snow”: This supergroup, formed by Better Than Ezra’s Kevin Griffin and Sam Hollander and featuring Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray), Tyler Glenn (Neon Trees), Michael Fitzpatrick (Fitz & the Tantrums) and others, put out their debut album, ‘Welcome to Our Christmas Party,’ last year. While the band hasn’t released anything this year, these guys are too amazing not to include on this list. “Snow Snow Snow” is a poppy alternative to actual pop music and a fun alternative to boring oldies. (video)

While Christmas music can get stale after too many plays, these new originals will get you excited for holiday music again. Listen and let the holiday spirit wash over you. Happy Holidays!

Shop for Christmas music and more this holiday season at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com! Long Island’s top new independent record shop has thousands of new and used titles to choose from with more vinyl, CDs and cassettes being add daily. There is still time to come by and add to your holiday playlist or find the perfect holiday gift for the music lover in your life during our extended holiday hours.

Eight Punk Rock Christmas Songs

When many people think Christmas songs, they think about the traditional fare; songs from the 1940 to 1960s that are heartfelt and filled with either cheer or nostalgia. But not all Christmas songs are like that. In fact, there are some great punk songs that turn the concept of the holiday song on its head.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has compiled a list of eight punk rock Christmas songs to ignite the rage in you this holiday season. If you need a break from the traditional Christmas songs you hear on the radio, take a listen to these songs and give your holiday a new perspective.

1.       The Vandals, “Oi! To The World”: “Oi! To The World” is probably the most well-known song on this list, mostly because of No Doubt’s terrific ska cover of it, but was actually originally written and performed by The Vandals. This song brings about such a positive message; that all types of punks, no matter the music or background, can get along as one. Heartfelt! (video)

2.       Ramones, “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)”: The holidays are supposed to be a time of cheer and good will. So it’s only natural that you wouldn’t want to fight or break up on Christmas. (video)

3.       MXPX, “Christmas Night of the Living Dead”: Who doesn’t love a holiday filled with zombies eating peoples’ flesh? This fantastical piece follows a dream the narrator has about fighting zombies outside his window on Christmas night and ultimately becoming a zombie himself. By the way, MXPX has an entire album of Christmas music. (video)

4.       Blink-182, “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas”: The title may be a parody of the classic “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” but this song is anything but sweet. It is more of a realist view of how scary the people who go crazy for the holiday are and having to be nice to people you don’t like. There’s also a story in there about the narrator going to jail and literally not being home for Christmas. (video)

5.       Green Day, “Xmas Time of the Year”: Green Day’s recent comeback actually started in 2015 with “Xmas Time of the Year,” the band’s first song together since they released ‘Tre’ in 2012. The song is as cheerful as a Green Day Christmas song can be, that is, not very cheerful. Like many of the bands more recent songs, it hovers around the emptiness in the way people give thanks and wish others joy. (video)

6.       The Ravers, “(It’s Gonna Be A) Punk Rock Christmas”: This classically punk tune name drops just about every big punk band of the 1970s, including The Damned, Sex Pistols, Ramones, The Hot Rods and more. They even mention non-punk figures going punk for the day, including Santa. (video)

7.       NoFX, “Xmas Has Been X’ed”: This song is pretty anti-Christmas when you listen to the lyrics, but what else would you expect from NoFX? The band’s in-your-face political realism doesn’t take a break for the holidays. Fat Mike sings in his trademark gravely tone about Christmas is a “fable” and what would happen if the holiday were cancelled. (video)

8.       Rancid, “X-Mas Eve (She Got Up And Left Me)”: The antithesis of the Ramones song above, Rancid sing about the narrator’s girl actually getting up and leaving him on Christmas Eve. It’s less about Christmas and more about heartbreak set to a catchy pop-punk melody. (video)

While you might not think punk and Christmas go together, these songs beg to differ. Whether you’re interested in up-beat mosh-ers about good will, cynical takes on the holidays and its customs or fantastical stories about zombies, these songs are a perfect way to incorporate some punk rock spirit into your Christmas get-together.

Find both traditional and not-so-traditional Christmas music and more at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com, Long Island’s hottest new independent record shop! We have the largest selection of titles on the island, with thousands of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes and DVDs, as well as memorabilia, in-store and online. Still looking for that perfect holiday gift? Come down to Vinyl Bay 777 during our extended holiday hours!

Five Christmas Songs Written / Performed By Jewish Singers / Songwriters

For the first time since 1978, Christmas and the first day of Hanukkah fall on the same day, December 25. As this only happens every 30 or so years, this year’s holiday season is quite special.

There have been many Jews that have gotten in on the Christmas spirit over the last century, without the two holidays coinciding the way they do this year. In fact, many of the classics we hear constantly on the radio were written by Jewish songwriters. There are even Jewish artists that have made and released Christmas albums.

Because of this special Christmas/Hanukkah, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island's music outlet, is taking a look at some of the best Jewish Christmas songs ever released. Here are just five songs written and/or performed by Jewish artists that got into the holiday spirit.

1.       Irving Berlin, “White Christmas”: This is one of the most iconic Christmas song ever, regardless of whether it was written by a Jewish songwriter or not. This is a classic melody with lyrics longing for the white, snowy holiday of years past. The song was written by Berlin, nee Israel Isidore Baline, in 1942 for the film ‘Holiday Inn,’ and performed by Bing Crosby, who’s version holds the Guinness World Record for best selling single of all time.

2.       Ramones, “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)”: Jumping from classics to classic punk, the Ramones recorded “Merry Christmas” in 1989 and released it on their album ‘Brain Drain.’ The original Ramones were also heavily Jewish. Singer Joey Ramone was born Jeffrey Hyman and drummer Tommy Ramone (although he had already left the band by the time the song was released, was born Tamas Erdelyi in Hungary. They even got their start in the basement of the Forest Hills Jewish Center.

3.       Mel Torme, “The Christmas Song”: Who doesn’t recognize the famous opening line to this song, “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire?” “The Christmas Song” was written by Torme, who was born to Russian-Jewish parents, in 1945 with Bob Wells.

4.       Neil Diamond, “You Make It Feel Like Christmas”: Neil Diamond, the same musician who brought you ‘The Jazz Singer,’ has released five Christmas albums over the course of his career. Many of these albums have featured original compositions, such as “You Make It Feel Like Christmas.” In an interview for his most recent Christmas album, Diamond said that the reason Jewish artists make those albums is because they never got to celebrate the holiday growing up. For good measure, he did record a version of Adam Sandler’s original “Chanukah Song” for his fourth holiday album, but it’s pretty bad.

5.       Barbara Streisand, “Jingle Bells”: One of the most famously Jewish singers has released not one but two Christmas albums. They also happen to be two of her best-selling albums, especially the first, which has gone quintuple platinum since being released in 1967.

Many of our favorite Jewish artists have gotten into the Christmas spirit and written and/or performed some of the most well-known holiday songs. Whether it was a matter of assimilation (like Irving Berlin) or just for the kicks (like Neil Diamond), we have these artists to thank for the music that has become the go-to playlist for this time of year.

Find Christmas and non-Christmas music from these artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com, Long Island’s top new independent record shop. Get into the holiday season by checking out our selection of Christmas music, or browsing thousands of titles to find the perfect gift for the music lover in your life. We have extended our holiday week hours, so there is still time to shop our selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and memorabilia.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2017 Inductees Announced

In October, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, brought you a look at the nominees for the 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fameinduction. Now, the Hall of Fame has announced its 2017 class of inductees. This year, the seven deserving artists receiving the honor are Pearl Jam, Tupac, Joan Baez, Journey, Yes, Electric Light Orchestra and Nile Rogers.

Pearl Jam and Tupac, while from two completely different genres, are both this year’s first-time ballot inductees. They join the ranks of artists like Madonna (2008), Guns N’ Rosses (2012), Nirvana (2014) and Green Day (2015), who have all been inducted in their first year of eligibility. Both Pearl Jam and Tupac released their highly influential debut albums, ‘Ten’ and ‘2Pacalypse Now,’ respectively, in 1991. This also makes them the first artists to start their music careers in the 1990s to be inducted. Pearl Jam have been continuously writing and touring together since forming 25 years ago. In that time, the band has released 10 studio albums and has influenced countless other bands throughout the rock genre. Though he receives this honor posthumously, Tupac and his music have not left the collective consciousness of the rap community since his tragic death in 1996. There is a lot of myth and lore surrounding the late rapper, with his life becoming just as legendary as his socially conscious music. For these reasons, both Pearl Jam and Tupac are excellent choices to be inducted on the first try.

Journey, Joan Baez and ELO, while not in their first years of eligibility, are being inducted with their first appearance on the ballot. Having one of the most recognized and covered songs of the 20^th century in “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Journey are one of the best-selling rock bands in the world. Since forming in the early 1970s, the band has released 14 studio albums and sold more than 48 million copies in the United States alone. Folk singer and activist Joan Baez has also surprisingly been left off the list in years past, even though she has been eligible since the Hall of Fame was created in 1986. She has enjoyed a more than 50-year music career that saw her release 24 studio albums and play at legendary festivals like Woodstock. Her activism saw her protesting against two wars and fighting for civil, women’s, LGBTQ and human rights, as well as for the environment and poverty. ELO has been a big influence in electronic rock since the 1970s and could even be considered one of the predecessors to the current EDM scene. Their use of synthesizers and classical orchestral instruments together put the band in a league of their own.

After three nominations, Yes are finally being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Helping bring progressive rock to the mainstream, the band has released 21 studio albums over the course of more than 45 years. They continue to release music to this day, as well as tour relentlessly.

The most interesting inductee this year is Nile Rogers, who is receiving the Award for Musical Excellence. Known for his work fronting the funk band Chic, he is being inducted for his solo work, which includes solo albums and production, helping to make artists like Diana Ross, David Bowie, Madonna, Duran Duran and others create career-defining albums. His most recent collaboration was with Daft Punk on their album ‘Random Access Memories.’ The nomination is bittersweet though, as Chic has been snubbed by the Hall of Fame 11 times now, making them the most snubbed band in Rock Hall history.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will occur on April 7, 2017 at New York’s Barclays Center with an edited version airing on HBO at a later date. Once again, tickets for the event will be made available to the general public.

Find music from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees past and present at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com. Long Island’s top new independent record shop has the largest selection of new and used titles on the island. We have thousands of titles on vinyl, CD, cassette and DVD, as well as memorabilia and more in store and online. 

Top New Songs / Music Videos of the Week (12/12 – 12/17)

It’s the end of another week. You’re probably tired and now that the weather has gotten too cold to go out, you’re probably cooped up inside as well. Now is a perfect time to look back at some of the best new songs and music videos that you may have missed while whiling away at work.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has been looking out for the latest songs and music videos. Now, we have compiled ten of this week’s best new songs and videos that we think you will enjoy. This week, we have new tracks from R&B-funk legends De La Soul, indie rockers Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Blood Orange, dodie and pronoun and rock bands Coheed and Cambria, Flaming Lips, Bastille and Rival City, as well as a mash-up of two classic songs by Foo Fighters and Rick James. Enjoy!

1.       De La Soul featuring Snoop Dogg, “Pain”: Though hip hop trio De La Soul released “Pain,” the first single from their new album ‘and the Anonymous Nobody…,’ in June, the video for the song only just came out earlier this week. The concept for the video is great; it tells the story of the Anonymous Water Company, who are producing a very popular, very toxic product, with the only people knowing how bad the product is the corporate hotshots. The melody of the chorus is pure 70s funk while the rap is smooth. Then the breakdown comes in, changing the mood of the song, just in time for the atmosphere to change in the video as well. (video)

2.       DJ Cummerbund, “Freaktender”: I know a mash-up is a strange thing to put on a top music list, but it is really surprising how well Foo Fighters’ “The Pretender” and Rick James’ “Superfreak” go together. DJ Cummerbund slows down and speeds up James’ vocals perfectly with every tempo change the instrumental of “Pretender” takes. (video)

3.       Coheed and Cambria, “Colors”: Released on Thursday, the video for “Colors” gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Coheed and Cambria’s tour. The video gives you a good look at what happens before, during and after the show, including footage of the band backstage, on stage and in their time off with their families. “Colors” itself is a stripped back song, unlike most of their singles, which are upbeat progressive rock jams. It starts out slow before the guitars come in and the song blossoms into its chorus. (video)

4.       Blood Orange and Carly Rae Jepsen, “Better Than Me”: Using perfectly choreographed, Fatboy Slim-like group dancing, the band tells the story of a man who keeps disappearing  among the chaos while the female character frustrated-ly waits for him to come back. The song is jazzy and upbeat, with a tinge of 90’s Pop/R&B. (video)

5.       Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, “Fireproof”: What sticks out most to me in this song is the use of percussion. Among the upbeat guitar and howl-like singing, there is the use of maracas, hand-tapped drums and finger snaps that make this song move. The song chugs along before the whole things ends abruptly. (Soundcloud)

6.       Pronoun, “Just Cuz You Can’t”: This song is a fantastic bit of surf-pop. The lyrical delivery is quick and barbed.  It lets you know that you can’t put things off forever, most importantly telling someone how you feel. (video)

7.       Flaming Lips, “Sunrise (Eyes of the Young)”: The next single from ‘Oczy Mlody,’ “Sunrise” is a tear-jerker of a song. Its piano-driven verses are wistful, like hoping for a lost love to come back. Then the song breaks down a couple of times into this experimental wash where the song and video get a bit trippy, but always returns to that soft piano and hushed guitar it started with. The video finds Wayne Coyne seemingly hiding in a closet longing for that previously mentioned lost love while the band plays on in odd costumes. (video)

8.       Bastille, “Blame”: This video is very odd. It features a group of people who see a certain image and become brainwashed into this possessed kissing cult. The song itself is hard and militaristic, heavy-handedly commanding the brainwashed hoards. (video)

9.       Rival City, “Fading Out”: “Fading Out” is a sweet little pop-rock tune. The lyrics are like a conversation between a couple trying to figure out how to stay together. Each character just want to be loved by the other, but they aren’t sure that it can last. The song comes off as hopeful in the melody more than lyrics. I could definitely hear this song being played on adult contemporary radio. (video)

10.   Dodie, “Sick of Losing Soulmates”: This song is very downbeat, piano-driven and somber. Much of the song is airy and sad. The lyrics are a realization that the person she left is just as messed up as she is and they are perfect for each other. The same sentiment is reflected in the video, with the main protagonist sitting on her bed looking sad and reminiscing about everything they did together. By the end, the somberness breaks up a bit; the melody brightens slightly, along with the reunion of the two lovers in the video. (video)

Whether you are into funk or rock, there has been a lot of good music and videos put out this week. Hopefully these tracks will help get you through the cold weather this weekend and prep you for the week ahead.

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Visit Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com to check out new and classic titles from your favorite artists. Long Island’s top new independent record shop has thousands of vinyl records, CDs and cassettes to choose from, with new titles being added daily. Stop by this holiday season during our extended hours to pick up the perfect present for the music lover in your life!

Seven Tours Announced This Week to Watch Out For in the New Year (12/12-12/16/2016)

December is prime time for bands to announce their spring tour plans. In the last couple of weeks, a number of top artists have announced their intentions to tour in the New Year, giving music fans a lot to look forward to in the next few months.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves live music. That’s why we have compiled this list of seven tours announced over the course of this week. Watch out for these artists and get your tickets early. You won’t want to miss these.

1.       Anthrax / Killswitch Engage: Veteran 80s metal band Anthrax announced on Thursday that they will embark on a co-headlining tour with 2000s metal band Killswitch Engage. The “Killtrax” tour will start on March 29 at the Wellmont Theater and will make a stop at Long Island’s Paramount Theater on May 5 before finishing up on May 7 in Boston. Both bands released new music this year; Anthrax released ‘For All Kings’ in February, while Killswitch Engage released ‘Incarnate’ in March.

2.       A Perfect Circle: While they haven’t announced the entire tour yet, A Perfect Circle has officially confirmed four dates, including three festivals and a headlining show at the Hollywood Bowl. These are the band’s first live dates in more than six years. With the news of the tour also comes news that the band is working on new music. If the band releases an album in 2017, it will be their first proper studio album in 13 years.

3.       Animal Collective: Animal Collective will continue touring into the New Year behind their album ‘Painting With,’ released in February. The band will be hitting the road during the latter half of May, stopping at one of the city’s newest venues, Brooklyn Steel, on May 23. If you can’t wait until then and have nothing to do New Year’s Eve, the band will be playing on December 31 at Brooklyn Bowl with Avey Tare and Deakin.

4.       Sigur Rós: Though the band hasn’t released new music since 2013, Sigur Rós continues to find new ways to tour with the material they already have. The band announced a new tour on Monday that will see them perform in an intimate, stripped-down setting. From April 4 through June 16, with the exception of April 13 through 15, the band will ditch the fancy production and tour as a trio playing two career-spanning sets per night with an intermission and custom visual show. New York won’t get to see this until June 16, when the tour makes its grand finale at Forest Hills Stadium.

5.       Live: It has been eight years since Live has toured with their original lead singer, Ed Kowalczyk. But as the fates would have it, the band has decided to reunite for a world tour in 2017. What’s more, the band has been writing new music together and a single and/or EP could be on the horizon within the next year.

6.       Lionel Richie / Mariah Carey:  The 1980s and 1990s will be coming together in the New Year with the announcement that R&B singers Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey will be uniting for a spring U.S. tour. The “All the Hits” tour will run from March 15 through May 27, with stops at Madison Square Garden on April 1 and the Nassau Coliseum on April 8. If you can’t wait until April to see Ms. Carey in the city, she will be playing this Friday and Saturday at the Beacon Theatre on her “All I Want for Christmas Is You” tour.

7.       Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: On Wednesday, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah announced that they will be releasing a new album, ‘The Tourist,’ in February, as well as a spring tour to promote it. The tour hits New York early on with a stop at Le Poisson Rouge March 4, two days after it kicks off in Philadelphia.

Bonus:

8.       Warped Tour: The pop punk tour that help nurture such talents as Green Day, Eminem, Katy Perry, Paramore, Blink-182, My Chemical Romance and many others is returning for its 23^rd year this summer. Dates for the tour run from June 16 in Seattle until August 6 in Los Angeles, and hits Long Island on July 8 (venue still unknown). Bands and ticket information will be announced in March.

With all the tour announcements made in the last couple of weeks, there is already a lot to get excited about in terms of live music in 2017. From Rock to R&B, there is no excuse not to see a show in the New Year.

Before the show, visit Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com to pick up music from all these artists and more. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of new and used titles to choose from on vinyl, CD, cassette and DVD. Stop buy this holiday season or shop online to purchase the perfect gift for the music lover in your life.

Seven Rock Reissues to Get Excited About in 2017

In such a nostalgia-fueled culture that we live in, album reissues are a good way for bands to reach a new audience, as well as celebrate the music and fans that helped make the band great. Often, these reissues include add-ons to give the listener a more in-depth understanding of the artist’s process. Most importantly, reissues are a way to look back at a record with fond memories, bringing fans back to another time.

A lot of classic artists are set to re-releasing some of their most prominent albums in 2017. Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top new independent record shop, has gathered seven reissues you should look out for in the New Year. Whether these bands are celebrating a milestone anniversary or just resurfacing their early work, these picks are sure to thrill even the most die-hard music fans.

1.       Cheap Trick, ‘Dream Police’: Cheap Trick had an amazing 2016; They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, embarked on a successful tour with fellow inductee Joan Jett, and released their first new album in seven years. Now the band will be reissuing their breakthrough album, ‘Dream Police.’ The band also reissued this album ten years ago.

2.       Cream, ‘Fresh Cream’: Rock supergroup Cream released their debut album, ‘Fresh Cream,’ 50 years ago this month. In celebration, the band is reissuing the album as a four-disc deluxe edition. Included in the reissue will be the original album in mono and stereo on CD and Blu-ray audio, singles, alternate takes and outtakes, EPs and BBC sessions. The set will be released on January 27.

3.       Pink Floyd, ‘The Final Cut’ / ‘Momentary Lapse of Reason’: Pink Floyd has been slowly reissuing their entire catalog over the last couple of years. In 2017, this campaign will continue with the reissuing of 1983’s ‘The Final Cut’ and 1987’s ‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason.’ Like the others, each album is being remastered from the original analog studio tapes and will include “faithfully reproduced artwork.”

4.       The Grateful Dead, ‘50^th Anniversary Deluxe Editions’: ‘50^th Anniversary Deluxe Edition’ is a series of special edition reissues that The Grateful Dead will be releasing over the course of their 50^th anniversary year. Starting January 20 with the band’s debut self-titled album, the band will reissue all of their albums near their original release dates. ‘The Grateful Dead: 50^th Anniversary Deluxe Edition’ will be released on both vinyl picture disc and CD, the latter featuring a remastered copy of the album, as well as a CD of the band’s 1966 P.N.E. Garden Auditorium shows. The band will also start reissuing their singles next year on limited edition 7” colored vinyl as part of a paid subscription service.

5.       Prince, ‘Purple Rain’: The beloved soundtrack to his film of the same name, Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ will see a reissue in 2017, 32 years after its initial release. The reissue will include a remastered version of the album, as well as a second disc of previously unreleased material. However, the original album has already seen resurgence on the charts due to Prince’s death, ending the year at 55 on the Billboard 200 year-end chart.

6.       The Killers, ‘Hot Fuss’: The album that started it all for The Killers back in 2004 will be reissued in the coming year. ‘Hot Fuss,’ featuring the hit singles “Somebody Told Me,” “Mr. Brightside,” “Smile Like You Mean It” and “All These Things That I’ve Done,”  will be released on vinyl for the first time ever on January 13. The album will be available on standard 140-gram vinyl, as well as limited edition white vinyl, of which only 1000 copies will be pressed.

7.       Paul McCartney, ‘Flowers in the Dirt’: Like Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney has been slowly reissuing his solo albums over the course of the last six years. In March, he will continue with the reissue of his 1989 solo album, ‘Flowers in the Dirt.’ as a four-disc deluxe edition. Remastered at Abbey Road Studios, the four-disc deluxe edition will feature demos of songs he wrote with Elvis Costello, as well as a DVD with promo videos, archive footage and a documentary about the recording of the album and its following world tour. The deluxe edition will also include 16 download-only b-sides and remixes from the ‘Flowers in the Dirt’ archive collection.

With all these reissues coming in the New Year, 2017 will be a great year to celebrate the artists and music that have influenced so much of what we listen to now. As our culture continues to revel in the past, these reissues will perhaps bring in new fans and fresh ears to these classic albums.

Find reissues and originals from the artists you love right here at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com. Long Island’s top new independent record shop has thousands of new and used titles to choose from on vinyl, CD and cassette, as well as memorabilia and more. Buy the music lover in your life the gift of music this holiday season during our newly extended store hours, or anytime online.