Ten Live Shows to Check Out In New York This Weekend (March 31-April 2)

New York has some of the best music in the country. Between its world-class venues that attract national tours big and small, and legendary local music scene, it is a great place to see live music.

This weekend will be no exception to this, as there are a plethora of amazing bands, artists and events coming our way over the next three days. Whether you are into today’s hot pop acts coming into their own or classic artists celebrating milestone anniversaries, EDM dance parties or punk mosh pits, there is something happening this weekend to suit your tastes.

Vinyl Bay 777 loves live music and wants to help you find the perfect live experience for your weekend concert-going pleasure. Here are 10 music events happening in New York that we think would be worthwhile to check out.

1.       Bebe Rexha: Rexha is wrapping up the North American leg of her first-ever solo headlining tour tonight with a second show at Warsaw in Brooklyn. The singer released her second EP, ‘All Your Fault: Pt. 1,’ in February and is gearing up to release part 2 in April. (Friday, Warsaw)

2.       Deadmau5: Following the release of his latest album, ‘W:/2016ALBUM/,’ late last year, Deadmau5 is now on tour behind it. The EDM DJ has already played two sold out shows at Hammerstein Ballroom and is coming back for two more sold out shows this weekend. (Friday and Saturday, Hammerstein Ballroom)

3.       'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone' in Concert: If you enjoy the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise, than this will be a treat. Those in attendance will get to hear the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra play the entire musical score to ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ while the film plays on the venue’s 40-foot screen. Such an immersive film experience is rare, so you might want to check this out, even for the cheap-seat price of $50. (Friday and Saturday, Radio  City Music Hall)

4.       Emo Night Brooklyn: If you remember the early 2000s “emo” and pop-punk boom, than you will enjoy Emo Night Brooklyn. Who wouldn’t want to attend a dance party (mosh pit?) with all their favorite tunes from high school? There are two events scheduled in the area this weekend: one on Friday at Asbury Park’s House of Independents and one on Saturday at Irving Plaza following the New Found Glory show. No special guests have been announced for Friday yet. (Friday, House of Independents; Saturday, Irving Plaza)

5.       New Found Glory: New Found Glory is celebrating its 20^th anniversary as a band this year. The band played in New Jersey last weekend and now it is New York’s turn with two sold out shows at Irving Plaza this weekend. Saturday night, the band will be playing ‘Sticks and Stones’ and ‘Coming Home’ in their entirety, while ‘Catalyst’ and their self-titled album will get the same treatment on Sunday. Then, if that weren’t enough, Emo Night Brooklyn will be providing an after party on Saturday, spinning the best “emo” hits with special DJ sets from the band. (Saturday and Sunday, Irving Plaza)

6.       Shinobi Ninja: Brooklyn locals Shinobi Ninja will be rocking the stage at Knitting Factory once again this Saturday for a one-off show. Blending hip hop with hardcore, these guys are put on a pretty raucous live show that you don’t want to miss. The band released their fourth album, ‘Bless Up,’ earlier this month. (Saturday, Knitting Factory)

7.       moe. : Jam band moe. is currently on a short east coast spring tour that will be taking them our way this weekend.  If you can’t make this show though, you can still catch them this summer when they hit the Playstation Theater in NYC on July 21. moe. released their last album, ‘No Guts, No Glory,’ in 2014. (Saturday, The Paramount)

8.       'The History of Art, Crime, Drugs and Punk Rock on the Lower East Side': This isn’t exactly a concert, but if you enjoy the history of New York’s music scene, you need to check out this walking tour. The tour is given by Cro-Mags lead singer John Joseph, a native New Yorker and a veteran of the New York hardcore scene. This Sunday’s tour is the first of the season and the only one for the entire month of April, so you’ll want to get yourself a ticket.  (Sunday, Walking Tour)

9.       The Beach Boys: Celebrating 50 years of their landmark album ‘Pet Sounds,’ The Beach Boys (headed up by Mike Love and Bruce Johnson) will be bringing their anniversary tour to the NYCB Theater this Sunday for two shows, 3PM and 7PM. Expect to see an appearance from ‘Full House’ actor John Stamos as well, as it looks like he might be touring with the band yet again. (Sunday, NYCB Theater)

10.   Skinny Lister: If you like drunken party folk, than you should definitely check out British band Skinny Lister while they are in the Tri-State area. Tonight and Saturday, they will be supporting Flogging Molly in Atlantic City and Rochester, respectively. Then on Sunday, the band headlines Mercury Lounge. The band released their third album, ‘The Devil, The Heart and the Fight,’ last year. (Sunday, Mercury Lounge)

These are our top picks for live shows in New York this weekend. As New York is filled with amazing musical talent playing out every night, let this list be a starting point when looking to make your weekend concert-going plans.

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Recorded and live music go hand-in-hand. That’s why you should make it a point to stop by Vinyl Bay 777 before the show and pick up music from many of these artists and more. Long Island’s top new independent record shop has thousands of titles in store and on our website, vinylbay777.com. We have a wide selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and cultural memorabilia to choose from with more being added all the time. Stop by during our new business hours, or shop online from the comfort of your own home.

The Rise of Fan Choice in the Music Industry

Vinyl Bay 777 takes a brief look at Warner Music Group’s new vinyl-only label that lets music fans choose what they release

On Tuesday, Warner Music Group unveiled a new vinyl-only record label that they recently launched. Dubbed Run Out Groove, it is the only label of its kind right now who’s releases rely on fan participation. Each month, the label will choose three titles for fans to vote on with the most popular choice getting a limited pressing. The label’s first fan-chosen release is Echo & the Bunnymen’s ‘It’s All Live Now,’ a collection of live material from a 1985 Swedish tour, which is up for pre-order right now. Fans can currently vote on the next release, choosing between recordings from Golden Smog, Solomon Burke and Secret Machines.

Run Out Groove plays into a recent development in the music industry towards a more fan-centric listening experience. Music has never been more in the hands of the people listening than in our current internet age. Fans have the ability to discover and listen to new music at the touch of a button. An artist can have their fans help them fund a new album based on how much the fans want to hear new music from them. It was only a matter of time before one of the major labels acquiesced.

Vinyl records have also become profitable again. Over the last 10 years, vinyl sales have surged among those that still want physical music mediums. In 2016 report, records were the only physical medium to see any sort of sales increase at all.

Historically, major labels are notorious for being set in their ways in terms of how they release new music. Instead of listening to what an artist wants or how fans are interacting with the music, they continue to do what has been profitable in the past. Only recently have they been trying to embrace the current state of music, embracing downloads, streaming and other “alternative” means of releasing music.

Now, I realize that a label letting fans choose from three pre-selected options doesn’t quite equate to someone choosing to help fund an artist making an album or listening to Spotify. However, it does say something about how labels can start to cater more towards the customer buying the product and better serve them. Even if it is only in controlled amounts, Run Out Groove puts listeners in charge of what they get to listen to next.

While I don’t think all record labels will put an idea like this into effect, Warner Music Group’s attempt at letting the fans decide what Run Out Groove releases is still a small step in trying to understand what some of their listener base is looking for. With the popularity of vinyl and the trend towards pleasing the music fan, this is the perfect time for the label to experiment with such a project.

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Music fans reign supreme at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have a wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and memorabilia to choose from. We have thousands of titles in stock in store and online with more being added to the collection all the time. Come down and choose what YOU want to listen to.

Seven Movie Musicals About Musicians

On Monday, it was announced that singer/producer Pharrell Williams will be producing a musical film about his early life. Titled ‘Atlantis,’ Fox has agreed to greenlight the project. The story is being billed as a ‘Romeo and Juliet’-type love story mixed with a unique film score.

Williams isn’t the only artist to have a musical written about them. The practice has become quite popular on Broadway in the last 10-15 years. It’s also not unheard of for a film to be loosely based on an artist’s life either.

The announcement of ‘Atlantis’ has gotten us thinking about some other musical movies about musicians. That is why Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top music outlet, has come up with a list of seven musical films loosely based on a musician’s life and/or career.

1.       ‘Once’: Not necessarily about one artist’s life in particular, ‘Once’ was apparently written after the director was discussing busking stories with his fellow Frames bandmate and the film’s star Glenn Hansard. The film seemed like a true story though, given that Hansard and his love interest in the film, Marketa Irglova, were actually writing partners and for a while performed together under the name The Swell Season.

2.       ‘Dreamgirls’: Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, ‘Dreamgirls’ follows the story of The Supremes, the 1960-70’s Motown girl group that made Diana Ross famous. The film was as big a hit as the show, launching the acting career of singer Jennifer Hudson.

3.       ‘Jersey Boys’: Another Broadway musical turned film, ‘Jersey Boys’ is the story of New Jersey’s Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Unfortunately, this film didn’t do as well as the musical, despite having Clint Eastwood in the director’s chair.

4.       ‘8 Mile’: Not a musical in the truest sense, ‘8 Mile’ was still a musical film. Produced in 2002 with a plot loosely based on the rise of the film’s star, rapper Eminem, the film was very well received. Eminem also ended up with a hit single out of it.

5.       ‘Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny’: More of a musical comedy, ‘The Pick of Destiny’ was a comedic farce created by Jack Black for his rock duo Tenacious D. It is supposed to be an origin story for the band and a vehicle for their music. Despite the film’s stellar comedic and musical cast, including frequent collaborator Dave Grohl as Satan, the film didn’t do well at the box office.

6.       ‘The Jazz Singer’: Written about and starring performer Al Jolson, the film follows a singer who is supposed to follow in his father’s footsteps as a cantor, but ends up defying his father and becoming a secular Broadway performer. This musical is also the first talkie, dating back to 1927, so even early films had autobiographical elements to them.

7.       ‘Purple Rain’: Before ‘8 Mile,’ there was ‘Purple Rain.’ The film was Prince’s acting debut in a film that was loosely based on his life and career and pretty much made him a star. It’s soundtrack also became a hit for the singer, going on to be certified platinum 13-times over.

There has been a very long history of movie musicals being produced based loosely on the lives of musicians. Though no release date has been announced for Pharrell Williams’ ‘Atlantis,’ we know that he will be in good company when it does finally hits the big screen.

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Find movie soundtracks and more at Long Island’s top new independent record shop, Vinyl Bay 777. Whether you’re into soundtracks, metal, R&B or anything else, we have thousands of titles to choose from in store and online at our website, vinylbay777.com. Choose from a wide selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, memorabilia and more. More items are being added all the time all the time, so it’s always a great time to see what’s new.

Week in Review: Seven New Music Videos / Songs You Need to Check Out (March 19 to March 25, 2017)

It’s the end of another week. What better way to reflect on the last seven days than by looking back at the new songs and music videos released in that time.

This week saw new music from great artists that have not released music in a while. We got our first taste of new music from the legendary Chuck Berry in more than 40 years. Gorillaz also made a big return this week, unleashing four more songs from their upcoming album. This week also saw more new music from All Time Low and Sheppard, while Blondie gave us a preview of their Record Store Day release.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top music outlet, loves new music and has been keeping track of the latest new songs and music videos all week. Here are our top seven new songs and music videos that we think you should check out this weekend.

1.       Sheppard, “Keep Me Crazy”: After the massive success of their single “Geronimo” in 2014, Australian family band Sheppard is poised to take over pop music again with their new single, “Keep Me Crazy.” The song is more like their early songs “Let Me Down Easy” and “Hold My Tongue”; its summer-y and catchy. By the middle of the song, it just feels so familiar that you want to sing along. (video)

2.       Gorillaz, “Saturnz Barz (Spirit House)”: This week we got four new songs from the animated band, who will be releasing their first album in five years, ‘Humanz,’ on April 28. Though not necessarily a bad thing, none of these songs seem to have the normal conventions of a pop song; definitive choruses or anything more than beats to grab on to. “Saturnz Barz” comes closest, featuring vocals by Popcaan to give it a more reggae feel than the hip-hop one the band usually has. The video mixes animation styles, with the two-dimensional characters occupying a more three-dimensional, computer-animated space. It is a bit creepy though, as the characters’ detour to an old abandoned house turns into a horror show with three-dimensional monsters. (video)

3.       Chuck Berry, “Big Boys”: This is the first single from Berry’s now posthumous upcoming album, ‘Chuck.’ When you listen to it, it feels like you’re going back in time. It features his signature opening guitar riff and a classic rock ‘n’ roll melody. (video)

4.       All Time Low, “Last Young Renegade”: Classic All Time Low. “Last Young Renegade” is a straight-forward pop-punk song about love. Although the video is not a new concept, as it features(a girl and a guy laughing and having fun together while the band plays on in a dark club, it is still well-done and fits the song perfectly. I also appreciate that the video comes full circle; that the couple singer Alex Gaskarth sees in the beginning reunites with the band at the end. (video)

5.       Jordan Fisher featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda, “You’re Welcome”: I didn’t realize this was a Disney song until after I listened to it. Fisher has an amazing voice and Miranda’s flow is perfect. The video is done well too, featuring the two artists supposedly in two different places but interacting with one another as if they are in the same room. (video)

6.       Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Hope The High Road”: I’m not sure what prompted me to listen to this country song, but I actually liked it. It seems a little political, but the overarching theme is that we should not let emotions and politics get in the way of being a good person. (video)

7.       Blondie, “Long Time”: This is the classic Blondie sound that people know and love. It has a dreamy dance-rock aura that combined with its much more current lyrics, is where you would want new Blondie music to sound like. The song will be made available as a 7” during this year’s Record Store Day event. (video)

These are our picks for the best new songs and music videos that came out in the last week. Check out these songs and let them be a starting point in your weekend music discovery. Enjoy!

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Stop by Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com this weekend to discover more music from these artists and more. At Long Island’s top new independent record shop, you will find thousands of titles to choose from artists of all genres. Browse through our ever-growing selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and memorabilia. With more titles being added all the time, it’s always the perfect time to discover something new!

Seven Shows To Check Out In New York This Weekend

Still looking for something to do this weekend? Why not go see a live show!

New York’s vibrant music scene makes it one of the best places to see a live show. There are always many great bands performing every night and this weekend will be no exception. This weekend will see a host of bands coming through, either on anniversary tours or for one-off shows.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top music outlet, wants to help you find the perfect live entertainment for your weekend. That is why we’ve compiled this list of seven shows going on this Friday, Saturday and Sunday that we think will be worth the ticket price.

1.       Fishbone: It has been 25 years since most of Fishbone’s original members have played together, but Angelo Moore, Walt Kibby, John Fisher and Fish Fisher will all be in attendance when they play the Gramercy Theatre tonight. The band will be playing ‘Chim Chim’s Badass Revenge’ in its entirety for its 20^th anniversary on this tour, so this is sure to be an event. (Friday, Gramercy Theatre)

2.       Voodoo Glow Skulls: If you’re looking for even more ska-punk tonight, Voodoo Glow Skulls will be bringing their spring tour to the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn. Supported by Hub City Stompers, Midnight Foolishness and DJ Ryan Midnight, a portion of ticket sales will be donated to Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. (Friday, Knitting Factory)

3.       Shiny Toy Guns: Celebrating the 10 year anniversary of their debut album ‘We Are Pilots,’ Shiny Toy Guns have been playing the album live in its entirety at venues in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston. Now it’s New York’s turn. The band will be bringing their WEAREPILOTS 10YRSLTR tour to Webster Hall’s Grand Ballroom on Saturday with Savoir Adore and Tommie Sunshine opening. (Saturday, Webster Hall)

4.       The Zombies: Looking for a more classic rock and roll sound? The Zombies will be rocking Town Hall this Saturday on their annual ‘Odessey and Oracle’ tour. The band released their sixth album, ‘Still Got That Hunger,’ in 2015. (Saturday, Town Hall)

5.       Simple Plan: If you missed Simple Plan earlier this month, the band is back on Saturday with another sold out show at The Playstation Theater. Celebrating the 15^th anniversary of their debut album, ‘No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls,’ the band will be playing the album in full. Set It Off and Seaway will be opening the show. If you can’t get tickets to this show, The band will be playing at Starland Ballroom in New Jersey on Wednesday, but that show is sold out too. (Saturday, The Playstation Theater)

6.       Nat & Alex Wolff: Best known from their mid-2000’s fame as the Naked Brothers Band, the brothers have been doing a lot more acting lately. But the Wolff brothers are still making music and performing together. They released a new EP in December called ‘Public Places’ and will be bringing those songs to life this Sunday when they play the Gramercy Theatre for a one-off show. (Sunday, Gramercy Theatre)

7.       Metalachi, Mac Sabbath, Okilly Dokilly: The ‘Mockstrosity’ tour comes to town this weekend and if you love metal and/or comedy, you won’t want to miss it. Metalachi is a metal mariachi band, Mac Sabbath sings about fast food and Okilly Dokilly performs songs about ‘The Simpsons’ while dressed like Ned Flanders. This should be interesting. If you can’t make this show, the tour will also make stops at New Jersey’s Wellmont Theater on Tuesday and Manhattan’s Le Poisson Rouge on Wednesday. (Sunday, Revolution)

These are our picks for this weekend’s top live shows. Check out these or any of the many, many other shows happening in New York. What better way to spend your weekend than rocking out to some live music and supporting the musicians you love.

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Before the show, visit Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com to pick up music from some of these artists and more. Long Island’s top new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from, no matter what genre you enjoy. We have one of the largest selections of new and used vinyl records, CDs and cassettes on the island with more titles being added all the time. Drop by this weekend to see what’s new!

Ten Record Store Day 2017 Exclusives to Get Excited About This Year

Exactly one month from today, Record Store Day will be upon us. And yesterday, the annual event made public their official list of releases for 2017, featuring a stellar line-up of more than 300 limited edition, limited release and first release vinyl, CDs and cassettes.

Started in 2008, Record Store Day is celebrating its 10 year anniversary of bringing together artists and fans to celebrate the community created by independent record shops and music in all its forms. The annual event has been a real boon to physical musical formats, and vinyl record sales in particular. Over the last 10 years, vinyl has made a tremendous resurgence, being the only physical music format to make sales gains.

We here at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top music outlet, are excited to participate in this year’s Record Store Day. And while we don’t know what we will be getting yet, here are some of this year’s releases that we wouldn’t mind getting our hands on.

1.       Dennis Wilson, ‘Dennis’: Beach Boy Dennis Wilson passed away before he could finish and release his second album. ‘Bambu’ was released in 2008, but now fans will get a renewed chance to hear his masterwork.

2.       Gerard Way, ‘Into The Cave We Wander’: After My Chemical Romance ended, Gerard Way did two things: 1. Start his solo career and 2. Start writing comic books. This release combines the two into a 12” picture disc and 40-page comic book.

3.       The Flaming Lips, ‘The Flaming Lips Onboard The International Space Station Concert For Peace’: The Flaming Lips keep outdoing themselves when it comes to these fantastical art pieces. This time, the band will be releasing an EP of “live” tracks from the recently released ‘Oczy Mlody’ as if they were being performed on the International Space Station.

4.       Various Artists, ‘Recutting The Crap, Volume 1’: The Clash released ‘Cut The Crap’ in late 1985, just before the band broke up in early 1986. Since many felt the album was incomplete, some fans in bands took it upon themselves to re-imagine the album’s tracks in the way they thought it should sound. There will only be 1000 copies (300 green and 700 black), so this one might be hard to find.

5.       Various Artists, ‘Nuggets: Come To The Sunshine: Soft Pop Nuggets from the WEA Vaults’: ‘Nuggets’ was originally a compilation album of early psychedelic rock songs put together by Lenny Kaye as a marker of what inspired punk rock. However, Rhino Records took over the name and made a series with it in the 1980s, with two more albums released in 2004. ‘Come To The Sunshine’ is a rerelease of one of the 2004 compilations.

6.       Slick Rick, ‘The Great Adventures Of…’: Sometimes the most interesting releases are the ones that aren’t music at all. ‘The Great Adventures Of…’ is a 16-page children’s book composed of the lyrics to “Children’s Story.” The package also features a 7” of the song, as well as a CD copy of the album ‘The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.’

7.       Ken Kesey, ‘The Acid Test’: This piece caught my attention because it’s by author Ken Kesey, best known for his novel ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.’ But apparently he was also known for wild parties that he called “acid tests,” which regularly included early performances of the Grateful Dead. This is a new release of a rare 1966 in-studio recording Kesey had made “intended to recreate the live acid test shows.”

8.       Johnny Cash, ‘Children’s Album’: In 1975, Johnny Cash released a children’s album. There’s not much else to it, except that this is a guy that, while alive, sang about some really dark things releasing an album of music for children. The album has been out of print for more than 40 years.

9.       Jimmy Hendrix and Curtis Knight, “Live at George’s Club 20, 1965 & 1966’: Ever wonder what Jimi Hendrix was like before he was Jimi Hendrix? ‘Live at George’s Club’ features a young Hendrix performing covers with Curtis Knight before Hendrix was discovered. This is the first time this recording is being officially released.

10.   Various Artists, ‘Ciao! Manhattan’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Featuring one of the last performances by one of Andy Warhol’s most popular superstars, Edie Sedgwick (she died during the making of the film), ‘Ciao! Manhattan’ was the tragic story of a performer on a journey from New York to Santa Barbara. This soundtrack has never been released before and features music from the likes of Richie Havens, John Phillips and Skip Battin, as well as dialogue from the film.

Though we won’t know which albums we will be getting when Record Store Day 2017 rolls around on April 22, these are just some of the many, many titles being released that we think will be worth the wait. From releases that showcase artists’ humble beginnings to compilations featuring some of the more “out there” pieces of popular culture to rereleases of albums that have long been out of print, this year will see a lot of amazing works hit the shelves in celebration of music, artists, fans and the community that revolves around physical music and record stores.

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Don’t just celebrate independent record shops on Record Store Day! Come down to Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top new independent record shop, and celebrate every day! We have thousands of titles to choose from with new ones being added to our collection all the time. Choose from a wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes and DVDs, as well as cultural memorabilia. Stop by our Plainview store during our newly extended business hours or shop online at vinylbay777.com to find our latest acquisitions.

Chuck Berry: Remembering the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll”

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top music outlet, takes a look back at the late singer/guitarist’s contribution to Rock ‘n’ Roll

 

John Lennon once said “If you tried to give rock ‘n’ roll another name, you might call it ‘Chuck Berry.’” For many, this was how they felt about Berry, who passed away on Saturday. The legendary singer and guitarist was one of the earliest and most influential voices in rock ‘n’ roll. And though his career started back in the 1950s, his influence can still be felt in rock music to this day.

Berry created a sound the world had never heard before. Pulling from genres as vastly different as country, R&B and blues, it was upbeat and a bit aggressive for the time. But it was this vitality and youthfulness in his sound that would get him signed to Chess Records (at the suggestion of blues great Muddy Waters), and would provide him with the opportunity to release some of his most popular tunes, including “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Johnny B. Goode” and “Maybellene,” in the late 1950s. It was this sound that would prove him to be an arbiter of youth culture. And it was also this sound that would earn him respect and popularity in a genre that had gained momentum with predominantly white singers and white audiences.

But it wasn’t just his sound that captivated and inspired audiences. It was his stage presence too. Inventing what became known as the “duck walk,” where he would crouch down and hop on one leg while playing guitar, his performances were the real thrill. Even when his recordings waned in popularity, his live show continued to astound audiences.

Without Berry’s work, some of the greatest artists of the last five decades might not have come about. The Rolling Stones united over blues and rock ‘n’ roll greats like Berry, even recording his track “Come On” as their debut single. The Beatles also covered his music in their early years, stating on Twitter that the band recorded a version of “I’m Talking About You” in 1963.

At 90 years old, Berry’s work was still not done. In October, the singer announced that he was going to release a new album this year in celebration of his 90^th birthday, his first album in 40 years. Berry’s family is still planning on releasing the album, stating in a post on Facebook that “While our hearts are very heavy at this time, we know that Chuck had no greater wish than to see this album released to the world, and we know of no better way to celebrate and remember his 90 years of life than through his music.”

Over this past weekend, rock music proved that Berry’s legacy would not soon be forgotten. Green Day, Bon Jovi and the Red Hot Chili Peppers all incorporated “Johnny B. Goode” into their set lists over the weekend while many others like Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jaggar, Spoon, Ryan Adams, Brian Wilson, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney took to the internet to pay their respects. Artist outside of rock also paid tribute, including Questlove, Q-Tip, Anderson Paak, La Roux, Sky Ferrera and Chuck D, showing that Berry’s legacy far exceeds the confines of genre.

Even in today’s ever-evolving musical landscape, Chuck Berry’s legacy and music still remain far-reaching. A pioneer in the genre of rock ‘n’ roll, his sound helped to define youth culture and music for years to come. His influence didn’t just stop with rock music, but found its way into R&B, hip hop and pop as well. Now, as his final recordings are being prepared for release, his new music can continue to inspire artists in the same way his classics have for decades.

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Celebrate Chuck Berry’s music and legacy at Vinyl Bay 777. Find music from Berry and the many artists he has influenced at Long Island’s top new independent record shop. Choose from thousands of titles in a variety of genres. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and memorabilia in store and on our website at vinylbay777.com. From classic rock ‘n’ roll to metal, punk, R&B and pop and more, there’s always something for everyone at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week in Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (March 12 to March 18, 2017)

Another week has come and gone and with it brought a lot of new music and music videos. With so much good music coming out, it could be hard to figure out where to start.

This week saw new music from classic 1990s/2000s bands Blink-182, Weezer and Linkin Park, whose previous single, “Heavy,” is slowly creeping up the charts. We also saw more new music from Italian metal band Sawthis’ upcoming album, as well as a new single from Skillet’s 2016 album ‘Unleashed.’ Feist released her first new bit of music in six years this week, while Take That released a video for their first single in three years, “Giants.” In terms of new artists, a video for Marian Hill’s hit “Down” was released this week, as well as the return of Lukas Graham and Cold War Kids’ collaboration with newcomer Bishop Briggs.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top music outlet, is here to help you weed through this all the releases to find the best songs and music videos of the week. Here are seven of our favorites that we think you will enjoy.

1.       Sawthis, “Start A New Game”: Sawthis released a new 360˚ video this week for their single “Start A New Game,” from their first album in four years, ‘Babhell,’ out March 24. The video sees the band’s lead singer Alessandro Fala conducting a room filled with computers, except he’s the one glitching out as he screams at the screens. Then, during the breakdown, Fala turns into a puppet while surrounded by clones of his human self. (video)

2.       Colton Dixon, “The Other Side”: I love songs that make me cry and from the moment this song starts, it’s a real tearjerker. The way he emotes in his lyrics about the pain of losing a loved one and how he’ll see them again in the next life is so heartfelt. It hits all the right chords. (video)

3.       Blink-182, “Parking Lot”: “Parking Lot” barely sounds like a Blink-182 song. Matt Skiba’s vocals and his influence on the melody take it somewhere very different. With that being said, the song is still enjoyable. It merges Alkaline Trio and Blink-182’s sounds (albeit a little heavier on the Alkaline Trio) with late-career Green Day lyrics for something a bit harder. Also, there’s a reference to Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” that is worth noting. (video)

4.       Weezer, “Feels Like Summer”: Weezer have been on a roll for the last four years, putting out amazing new music that compliments the old music well. “Feels Like Summer” is no different. The first song off their just announced, as-yet untitled new album, “Feels Like Summer” has more of an electronic sound than most Weezer songs, but still features the same kind of laid-back rock vibe characteristic of the band’s music. As long as they don’t go too far back this way, the next album should be just as good as the last. (video)

5.       Marian Hill, “Down”: First heard in an iPhone 7 commercial in January, a video was finally released for Marian Hill’s “Down” this week. The video finds the duo in various scenes that take place in or around an elevator going… well, down. As the song skips and jumps, so does the scene and the placement of the duo. The video is demure enough to balance with the song’s jazzy-yet-edm feel well. (video)

6.       Linkin Park, “Battle Symphony”: Another song that completely bypasses the typical formula of a Linkin Park hit, “Battle Symphony” has no rap element, relying solely on melody. However, Chester Bennington’s voice and the song’s melody do fit with their last couple of albums. (video)

7.       Cold War Kids feat. Bishop Briggs, “So Tied Up (Los Feliz Blvd)”: Unlike the last two singles from Cold War Kids’ upcoming album, ‘La Divine,’ “So Tied Up” has an almost acoustic quality to it. It’s stripped down and raw, especially Bishop Briggs’ vocals. The straining that comes through when she is harmonizing / screaming near the end indicates passion to me. She really gets into the song. (video)

These are our picks for this week’s top new songs and music videos. Check these out and let them be a starting point for discovering all the great new music released over the course of the week and beyond.

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Discover new music at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com. Long Island’s top new independent record shop has an ever-expanding selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and memorabilia of all genres. Browse through thousands of titles with more being added all the time. Whether you are looking for a new artist to dig or want to rediscover the classics, stop by our Plainview store or shop online to make your next big musical discovery. 

Rock Out at a Live Show This Weekend (March 17 to March 19)

It’s Friday, which means there’s only a few more hours separating you from the weekend. Now is the perfect time to finish putting together your weekend plans. So why not make a live show part of those plans?

There are a lot of rock shows and tours coming through New York this weekend. Whether you’re looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Murphy’s Law and House Of Pain, jam out to the classics with Eric Clapton, Puddle Of Mudd and Murphy’s Law, celebrate music old and new with CJ Ramone, Envy On The Coast and Senses Fail, or discover something new, there are plenty of shows out there to fit your needs.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top music outlet, loves live music. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of our top rock shows in New York happening over the weekend.

1.       Puddle Of Mudd: Hard rockers Puddle Of Mudd have been touring rather frequently as of late. They were part of the inaugural Make America Rock Tour last summer and are now on their own spring/summer tour. On tour with them are fellow 2000’s hard rock bands Saving Abel, Tantric, as well as O El Amor and Year of the Locust. (Friday, The Emporium)

2.       Murphy’s Law: New York hardcore legends Murphy’s Law will be playing in Brooklyn tonight for St. Patrick’s Day. Hosted by Scenic Presents, support for the show comes from The Minutes, Violent Affair, Drunken Rampage and Nuclear Santa Claust. Also, this is a great chance to visit Don Pedro before the venue shuts down in May. (Friday, Don Pedro)

3.       CJ Ramone: CJ Ramone’s new album, ‘American Beauty,’ comes out today on Fat Wreck Chords and he’s celebrating with a CD Release Party at Bowery Electric. The former bassist for the Ramones will be joined by Big Eyes and Vapers. Come see him before he takes the album on the road in April and May. (Friday, The Bowery Electric)

4.       Envy On The Coast: After reviving the band last year, Long Island hard rockers Envy On The Coast are back and celebrating the 10^th anniversary of their breakthrough album ‘Lucy Gray.’ The band is currently on a headlining tour with support from Promise of Redemption and Secret Space.  (Friday & Saturday, Brooklyn Night Bazaar)

5.       House Of Pain: Don’t feel like giving up the St. Patrick’s Day spirit the next day? House Of Pain will be bringing a bit of the Irish to The Paramount on Saturday to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of their single “Jump Around.” (Saturday, The Paramount)

6.       Senses Fail: Celebrating 15 years as a band, Senses Fail will be in town this weekend on their Quince Años Tour. Supported by Counterparts, Movements and Like Pacific, the band will be playing their 2006 album ‘Still Searching’ at this show, so you won’t want to miss it. Senses Fail released their latest EP, ‘In Your Absence,’ earlier this year. (Saturday, Webster Hall)

7.       Oxymorrons: Chances are you’ve never heard of this hip hop /alternative rock band, but you definitely need to check them out. These guys have a great stage presence and don’t take themselves too seriously in their music. Their hip hop sound will win over any hard core rock fan. Late last year, the band released their fifth album, ‘Complex But Basic.’ (Saturday, Music Hall of Williamsburg)

8.       Eric Clapton: Three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and guitar virtuoso Eric Clapton rarely plays live anymore, but he will be making a few US appearances this year, including Sunday and Monday night at Madison Square Garden. If you can’t make these shows, he will be back in September for two dates. But don’t sleep on it. Aside from these four dates, his only other two 2017 US dates are in California. (Sunday & Monday, Madison Square Garden)

9.       After The Burial: If you’re into metal, After The Burial will be in the area this weekend on their Carry The Flame tour. The band released their latest album ‘Dig Deep,’ last year. Support on the tour comes from Emmure, Fit For A King, Fit For An Autopsy and Invent. Animate. (Sunday, The Marlin Room at Webster Hall)

These are our picks for the top rock shows happening in New York this weekend. Finish your week the right way by rocking out at these or any of the many others going on. Enjoy!

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Before the show, come down to Vinyl Bay 777 or shop vinylbay777.com to pick up music from many of these artists and more. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in store and online. Choose from our large stock of new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and memorabilia. We are always getting more titles in, so any time is the perfect time to come by and see what’s new!

New York City’s Flourishing Yet Declining Music Scene

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top music outlet, takes a look at the state of New York City's music scene

Last week, a report was released by the City of New York on the state of the music industry in New York. The report, commissioned Mayor de Blasio and Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie  Menin and conducted by Boston Consulting Group, discusses the importance of the music scene on the city’s economic growth, as well as its vulnerability to rising costs and gentrification.

New York City has a rich musical history. It has been home to countless music scenes, from Tin Pan Alley to the jazz scene that developed during the Harlem Renaissance and the downtown underground punk scene of the late 1960s and 1970s. Music is still a big part of the city’s culture, fostering even more bands of wildly varying genres than ever before.

And according to the report, the music industry has been heavily important to the city’s economic health as well. As of 2015, the year the report surveyed, there were roughly 60,000 employed in music-related jobs while the industry generated more than $21 Billion in revenue for the city. The amount of people who are looking for work in New York’s music scene “outpaces” other job fields in the city. None of this is overly shocking though, since New York also happens to be a metropolitan city and a hub for commerce that many record companies and big businesses call home.

The report also confirmed something that we’ve feared for a long time: the decline of the local, small-scale live music scene. It found the city’s “local artist communities” to be the most vulnerable part of its economic health, even though it makes up nearly 20 percent of the city’s music industry. In recent years, it seems like more of the once beloved venues that became bastions for local and live music have gone away. In the last week alone, Brooklyn’s Shea Stadium and Don Pedro both announced that they were shutting their doors, while this past December saw the demise of Lower East Side staple Cake Shop after 10 years of business. In fact, 20 percent of the city’s small venues have shut closed down in the last 15 years. The report deemed rising rent for venues, high cost of living for artists and venue owners, the decline of album sales and increased competition for live performance slots as the reasons for this vulnerability.

These findings have led to a proposed plan of action to make sure the city’s musical legacy and economic health thrive. The four points the report feels the city can improve on are helping to provide support for local artists and communities, creating new opportunities for locals artists to perform and hone their skills, working to increase mass music consumption and using digital music services to their advantage. Support would include sponsoring educational programs to help artists become more business-savvy so they have the means to develop themselves as artists within the industry, as well as creating a governmental task force to work with music communities and give them a voice in the execution of said programs. On the city’s end, the report mentions making it easier to secure permits for shows and giving more incentives to companies who bring their industry events here.

Two things are made abundantly clear from this report on the state of New York City’s music industry: the music industry in New York is booming and adding greatly to its economic health and that it needs to take better care of the music communities that have been its bread and butter for decades. New York has always been a great place to discover new music and without the necessary aid to the artists that make it so great, the city’s declining music scene becomes more real than ever.

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Music is alive and well at Long Island’s top new independent record shop, Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com. Boasting a wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, memorabilia and more, we have one of the largest collections on the island. Choose from the thousands of titles we have in store and online. More titles are being added all the time, so now is the perfect time to stop by and see what’s new.

Week in Review: New Music Videos/ Songs You Need to Check Out (March 5 – March 11, 2017)

Miss out on any of the new music that came out this week? Well, the weekend is here once more and it’s time to take a look back at some of the new music and music videos that came out in the last seven days.  

This past week saw a lot of new tracks from some of our favorite rock and pop artists, as well as great tracks and videos from some very talented up-and-comers. Imagine Dragons came further out of their year-long hiatus with a bold new track, while New Kids on the Block returned after four years with a new song steeped in boy band nostalgia. Lorde also continued her comeback, showing a side of her that she hasn’t shown before. Newer artists made themselves present too, as DJ Unlike Pluto and singer/songwriter Julia Michaels both made strong entrances this week.

As always, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top music outlet, has had their ear to the internet to find all of the best new music and music videos to come out this week. Here are eight of our favorites that we think you need to check out right now.

1.       Unlike Pluto feat. Mike Taylor, “Everything Black”: Mixing heavily plodding beats with Mike Taylor’s soulful vocals, “Everything Black” combines EDM and R&B very efficiently. Even though the song takes its time bringing you in and creating that soulful groove that initially gets your attention, the movement created by the beat and melody will keep you invested in the song the entire way through. (video)

2.       Imagine Dragons, “Believer”: Imagine Dragons came back in a big way this week with “Believer,” a track that gives their other highly dramatic rock songs a run for their money. Written about singer Dan Reynolds’ pain and recovery from ankylosing spondylitis, the song is led by a foot-stomping cadence set by the bass drum, making it feel like a military march. It’s a sentiment that seems to be factored into the video as well, which features Reynolds boxing actor and professional fighter Dolph Lundgren. (video)

3.       Lorde, “Liability”: Comparing “Liability” to “Green Light,” I actually think I like this song better. It’s a much more low-key track, driven by piano instead of synths and finger snaps. The song is way more vulnerable too, with lyrics that really break down her thoughts and leave her heart open for the world to see. This song shows that there is more to her than just the upbeat tracks of ‘Pure Heroine’ and “Green Light.” (video)

4.       New Kids on the Block, “One More Night”: When NKOTB came to James Cordon earlier this week, they premiered “One More Night,” and it was the most amazingly boy band-y performance in recent memory. From the matching outfits to the sexual dance moves and hand gestures, it just brings back so many memories. This funky dance-pop tune proves that the group can still hit those high notes and make the girls swoon. (video)

5.       Portugal. The Man, “Feel It Still”: Try NOT to move when you’re listening to this song. You can’t help it, the groove is too infectious. With minimal superfluous instrumentation and one heck of a sax groove, this will definitely put a bit of pep in your step when you hear it. (video)

6.       Plaid Brixx, “The Greener Side”: Plaid Brixx is one of my favorite new bands out there right now and deserve a mention here, even though this song came out this past summer. The band released a new, animated video for “The Greener Side” this week, which was drawn by Yoyo The Ricecorpse. The video follows a man dreaming about becoming a bunny and making friends with the creatures in the woods. The song itself refines the electronic-based indie-pop-punk of their first EP, moving their sound in a slightly more electronic-pop direction. (video)

7.       The xx, “Say Something Loving”: Though the latest single from The xx’s ‘I See You,’ premiered in January, the band finally released a video for “Say Something Loving” this week. The song’s lyrics contain the same kind of conversational tone as their last single, “On Hold,” albeit with a more, upbeat, optimistic outlook. It is a song about being in love, and the video reflects that as well. The clip celebrates love of all kinds, displaying couples showing affection to one another, washed in an 80s fuzzed out film effect. (video)

8.       Julia Michaels, “Issues”: This is another one of those songs that I could definitely hear being played on pop radio, if it isn’t being played already. It has a very familiar feel to it that I can’t quite put my finger on. But the catchiness of the end of its chorus will get stuck in your head. (video)

If you missed any of the amazing new music that came out this week, we have you covered. These are just some of our favorite new songs and music videos from the past week that we definitely think you should check out. Take a listen and start your weekend right with new music.

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Come down to Vinyl Bay 777 this weekend and discover something new. Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from spanning a wealth of genres. We have a wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and memorabilia both in-store and online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added all the time, it’s always a good time to check out what’s new. Hey, you might even find your new favorite album! 

International Women’s Day: Seven Ground-Breaking Female Artists Who Changed Music History

Today is International Women’s Day, a day where we celebrate the achievements of women around the world and recognize their importance in society. First observed in 1909, it was started as a way to promote and stand in solidarity with women’s rights.

Whether you are wearing red in support of the occasion or not, it is hard to ignore the significance of women in our culture, particularly music. While at times it might seem like a “man’s game,” there have been countless female musicians who have paved the way for others to be taken seriously in the field.

Because women are such a vital part of music and cultural history, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top music outlet, has chosen to highlight seven of our favorite female musicians. These artists have had a strong impact on the industry and have proven to be outstanding musical role models for generations of women to come.

1.       Carole King: One of the top songwriters of our time, King has written some of the most well-known songs in our musical lexicon. Starting her career writing music for other artists, she amassed many hits early in her career through artists like Little Eva, The Monkees, Tony Orlando, Bobby Vee, Aretha Franklyn, James Taylor, and The Shirelles. Her influence only skyrocketed after the release of her solo album, ‘Tapestry,’ in 1971. The album led her to become the first female singer/songwriter to win multiple Grammy awards in one night. In 2013, President Obama awarded her with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, making her the first female artist to receive the honor.

2.       Joan Jett: With two successful punk bands under her belt, Joan Jett proves that girls can rock just as hard as boys. Her gritty vocals and no-nonsense attitude have made her a house-hold name, slamming through hits like The Runaways’ “Cherry Bomb” and The Blackhearts’ “I Hate Myself for Loving You” and “Bad Reputation” with unparalleled power.

3.       Patti Smith: Ever since the release of her debut album, ‘Horses,’ Patti Smith became a legend in the punk rock community. Dubbed the “punk poet laureate,” her mixture of poetry, art and music provided the groundwork for much of the CBGB scene of the 1970s. Her music has inspired other immensely influential artists too, such as R.E.M., Courtney Love, Shirley Manson, U2 and even Madonna.

4.       Patsy Cline: When it comes to country-pop crossover artists, Patsy Cline paved the way. Her single “Walkin’ After Midnight” gained her a notable following outside of country music. She became an advocate for women starting out in the music industry, giving her blessing to stars like Loretta Lynn and Brenda Lee. Her work and spirit led her to become the first female solo artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

5.       Madonna: As pop artists go, no one has been more prolific than Madonna. She has had hits in every decade since her career began in the early 1980s, challenging cultural norms and giving a voice to the voiceless every step of the way. Her influence can be seen in just about every one of today’s pop diva’s stage shows, including those of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Britney Spears, just to name a few.

6.       Janis Joplin: Before there were rocking women like Joan Jett or Patti Smith to lead the punk rock charge, there was Janis Joplin. A fashion and musical icon for the counterculture, she was a big presence at Monterey Pop Fest and Woodstock, winning over crowds with her stage presence. As lead singer of The Holding Company, she gave the band their biggest hit with “Piece of My Heart,” success they would never find again after her departure. Solo, she racked up even more hits until her untimely death in 1970, leading her to posthumously be named one of the greatest artists of all time.

7.       Nina Simone: Simone paved the way for black, female artists in the music industry. Her pioneering fusion of jazz, blues and classical styles gave audiences something they had never heard before, while her no-holds-barred lyrical content gave a voice to the looming civil rights conflicts of the 1960s.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we remember the contributions women have had on our society and culture throughout time. Even in the small realm of music, there are so many ladies who have taken it upon themselves to pave the way for other women to follow in their footsteps and find success. While there is still work to be done in terms of equality, these artists have provided a good place to start.

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Find music from these groundbreaking female artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in store, as well as online at vinylbay777.com. Our wide selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and memorabilia is beyond comparison, spanning many genres and decades. With more titles being added all the time, it’s always a great time to stop by and see what’s new.