Upcoming Shows in New York/New Jersey to Check Out This July 4 Weekend (June 30-July 4)

July 4 weekend is almost upon us. As you’re working on finalizing your weekend plans, why not add a little live music to the festivities.

There are a handful of big shows happening in the New York/New Jersey area just in time for Independence Day weekend. Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Nickelback, Daughtry, New Kids On The Block, Boyz II Men and Paula Abdul will all be passing through. There are also a number of opportunities to take in some classic New York rock sounds and culture by checking out Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes or The Smithereens. If you’d prefer to dance your way through Independence Day, Tiesto will also be playing a special show in the area.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has once again collected some of this weekend’s hottest shows. Here are seven shows spanning the entire holiday weekend (Friday through Tuesday) that we think would be worth checking out.

1.       Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes: I had the experience of seeing Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes a few weeks ago and they are phenomenal. They know how to play to the crowd and draw people in to their music. It’s no wonder they’ve been a local favorite for years. (Friday @ NYCB Theatre)

2.       Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull: This is your opportunity to see two of the hottest Latin superstars of the last 20 years touring together. Combined, the two artists have enough hits to keep you on your feet the entire show. Iglesias is currently working on a new album, while Pitbull released his new album, ‘Climate Change,’ in March. If you’re lucky, the two might even collaborate on stage, perhaps for a performance of Pitbull’s ‘Climate Change’ single “Messin’ Around.” (Friday & Saturday @ Madison Square Garden)

3.       Nickelback & Daughtry: Why not start your Independence Day weekend off by seeing a Canadian band. The often maligned Nickelback will be bringing their Feed The Machine Tour to the area this weekend for two nights with soft-rock radio darlings Daughtry. (Saturday @ Jones Beach; Sunday @ PNC Bank Arts Center)

4.       New Kids On The Block, Boyz II Men & Paula Abdul: The latest incarnation of New Kids On The Block’s Total Package Tour is set to bring an extra dose of 80’s pop nostalgia to the area this Sunday. Bringing along R&B trio Boyz II Men and pop songstress-turned-TV talent judge Paula Abdul, the tour also doubles as an EP release tour, as NKOTB released the ‘Thankful’ EP in May, their first new release in four years. (Sunday @ Prudential Center)

5.       Rocks Off Walking Tour: Now that its summer, concert promoter Rocks Off has started up their Walking Tour series again. They are currently offering the History of Art, Crime, Drugs and Punk Rock on the Lower East Side tour with New York hardcore stalwart John Joseph (frontman of Cro-Mags). Whether you know the city or not, it’s an interesting tour with a host that has been a part of the punk scene since the 1970s. (Sunday)

6.       Smithereens: Synth-pop rockers the Smithereens are back on the road for a few east coast shows this summer. These will be special shows, as original bass player Mike Mesaros will be reuniting with the band for some of it. That includes Sunday and Monday’s shows in New Jersey. (Sunday & Monday @ Wonder Bar)

7.       Tiesto: Celebrate America’s independence with loud, thumping EDM as Tiesto takes the stage for a special show at Governors Island. With fireworks the fireworks show going on across the river and the light show the DJ is almost certain to provide, this sold-out show will surely be a something to experience. (Tuesday @ Governors Island)

Celebrate July 4 weekend by taking in a live show. Check out these shows or one of the many small shows that happen around the city all year round, and have a great holiday.

---

Before the show, shop Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com to find music from many of these artists and more. Whether you’re into rock, pop, jazz, R&B, dance, classical or any other genre, , Long Island’s top new independent record shop has you covered. We have thousands of titles to choose from in a vast array of genres. Choose from our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more. With more titles being added all the time, there is always something new to discover at Vinyl Bay 777.

Richard Rodgers at 115: Seven Popular Broadway Musicals

Today marks composer Richard Rodgers 115^th birthday. Best known for creating some of the most iconic musicals in history, many of his works continue to be performed to this day.

One of the first people to ever be awarded Emmys, Tonys, Oscars and Grammys for his compositions, Rodgers’ career lasted nearly six decades. Since getting his start in the early 1920s, he has written over 900 songs and 43 musicals. He has had successful partnerships with Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II. His influence on Broadway was so great that after his passing in 1979, the 46^th Street Theatre was renamed the Richard Rodgers Theatre in his honor.

In honor of Richard Rodgers’ 115^th birthday, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of his most iconic works. Here are seven shows that earned Rodgers his place in music history.

1.       Babes In Arms: One of many collaborations with Lorenz Hart, ‘Babes in Arms’ told the story of a group of kids who stage a play in order to avoid being sent to a work farm while their parents are away. Originally staged in 1937, the show went on to become a movie two years later with Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, and garner several hit songs, including “My Funny Valentine” and “The Lady is a Tramp.” It also started the trope of children putting on shows to earn money.

2.       Pal Joey: Based on the 1940 novel of the same name by John O’Hara, Rodgers and Hart composed the music and lyrics for the Broadway staging of the show that same year. With songs like “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” and “I Could Write A Book,” which became standards in the American Songbook, the show was turned into a movie nearly 17 years later with Frank Sinatra and has had various revivals, the most recent of which was performed from 2008-2009.

3.       Oklahoma!: While Rodgers had a lot of success with Hart, it was his work with Oscar Hammerstein II that really took off. The duo’s first collaboration, ‘Oklahoma!,’ became one of the longest running shows on Broadway (It’s currently 31^st on the list). Spurring hits like “Oklahoma” and “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” the show earned the duo a Pulitzer Prize and a Special Tony on its 50^th anniversary.

4.       SouthPacific: In 1949, Rodgers and Hammerstein had another hit on their hands with their adaptation of ‘Tales of the South Pacific,’ shortened to just ‘South Pacific.’ The show received 10 Tony Awards that year, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score, and earned the duo another Pulitzer.

5.       The King and I: ‘The King and I’ earned Rodgers and Hammerstein another Best Musical Tony, as well as another hit song, “Getting to Know You.” It remains one of the duos most well-known shows and shot Yul Brynner to stardom.  The show was last revived in 2015, winning a Tony for Best Revival that year and proving that Rodgers and Hammerstein’s music doesn’t go out of style.

6.       Cinderella: Written for CBS in 1957, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s adaptation of ‘Cinderella’ was one of the most successful versions of the classic fairytale outside of the squeaky clean Disney version. The production earned the duo an Emmy nomination, Rodgers’ second nod. The production has been revived many times in film and on stage.

7.       The Sound of Music: Arguably Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most renowned work, ‘The Sound of Music’ was based on a film about the real life story of the von Trapp family. Tapped by stage director Vincent J. Donehue to write a soundtrack for his show, Rodgers and Hammerstein came up with some of the most beloved songs ever released. Hits from the musical include “The Sound of Music,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” “So Long, Farewell” and “Edelweiss.” The show has had many successful revivals, including a televised production starring Carrie Underwood that led to the popularization of live musical television events.

Richard Rodgers had left an indelible mark on musical theater. For nearly six decades, his music has been the soundtrack to Broadway’s most important and classic shows. His songs have taken on lives of their own, becoming classics in and of themselves. As his musicals continue to be performed year after year, the influence of Rodgers will continue to live on from generation to generation.

---

Whether you’re into musicals or music in general, Vinyl Bay 777 has you covered. Find thousands of titles in a variety of genres at Long Island’s top new independent record shop. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store, as well as online at vinylbay777.com. More titles are being added all the time, so it’s always a great time to stop by or shop online to see what’s new.

Six Biggest Benefit Concerts of the Last 35 Years

Over the years, there have been many large-scale benefit concerts held to raise awareness for various causes. From 1971, when George Harrison organized the Concert for Bangladesh in an effort to raise money and awareness for refugees in that area, to today with events like One Love Manchester, these global events have been effective at getting people to support those in need.

‘Give a Home’ is the latest of these large-scale concerts. Organized by Amnesty International and Sofar Sounds, the event will find indie artists playing intimate house gigs in more than 60 countries to raise awareness of the refugee crisis. Some of the artists already associated with the event include The National, Local Natives, Frightened Rabbit, Hot Chip, Billy Bragg and more. Some of the events will be live streamed on Facebook Live and VICE.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of the biggest benefit shows that have taken place in the last 40 years. From raising money in the face of tragedy to raising awareness for injustice in the world, here are six events that have brought people together with music on a global scale.

1.       One Love Manchester: The most recent of the big benefit events was One Love Manchester. Organized by Ariana Grande in under two weeks following the bombing of her show at an arena in Manchester, England on May 22 where 22 people were killed and 100 more were injured, the one-night event raised approximately $13 Million for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund. The show boasted big-name performers, including Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Coldplay and Oasis’ Liam Gallagher, among many others, and was both broadcast live on television and streamed all over the world.

2.       America: A Tribute to Heroes / The Concert for New York City: Grande wasn’t the only celebrity to raise money to help those who were affected by an act of terror. Back in 2001 following the 9/11 attacks, the people of New York came together to show support for victims and their families. Two shows were organized and broadcast live; America: ‘A Tribute to Heroes’ and ‘The Concert for New York City.’ ‘America’ was a joint effort instigated by the four big broadcast networks to raise money for victims who were lost that day. A month later, ‘The Concert for New York City’ was held at Madison Square Garden to raise money for the Robin Hood Foundation, money which went to the families of police officers, firefighters and other first-responders who lost their lives trying to save others. The show was organized by Beatle Paul McCartney and featured musical performances and short films from New York based directors.

3.       12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief: In 2012, the North Eastern United States, Mid-Atlantic and Caribbean were hit with one of the worst storms in its history. Many people lost their homes due to flooding, causing more than $60 million in damage. The 12-12-12 concert took place at Madison Square Garden and was organized by the same people as The Concert for New York. Through the Robin Hood Relief Fund and ticket sales, the event raised more than $30 million for the victims.

4.       Live Aid: One of the first and largest-scale benefit concerts of its time, Live Aid was created by Boomtown Rats frontman Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in 1985 as a way to raise awareness of the famine in Ethiopia. The concert had two main hubs, one in London and one in Philadelphia, where live performances took place and both were broadcast live around the globe on television commercial-free.

5.       Live 8: A sort of sequel to Live Aid, Live 8 took place nearly 20 years later with the purpose of bring awareness to global poverty. The event attempted to push the hand of the G8 summit, which was happening only weeks later, to do something about the perceived crisis. This time there were 10 concerts happening simultaneously all over the world, with television networks broadcasting highlights from each show.

6.       Live Earth: Another global benefit show was organized just two years later, this time as a way to raise awareness about climate change. Spearheaded by former vice president Al Gore and producer Kevin Wall, Live Earth took “global” a step further with performances being broadcast via satellite from eleven shows across all seven continents, including Antarctica. It was the first real attempt at getting people to realize that global warming is a problem and was instrumental at getting countries to start changing their ways in an effort to reduce their carbon footprints.

These six events are proof that large-scale concerts can be an effective tool in raising awareness. Music has the power to bring people together, regardless of who they are or where they are. Whether they support those affected by tragedy or injustice, benefit shows make people stand up and take notice and remind people that we are all one. ‘Give a Home’ will continue that global unity ideal, taking the concept to a new level by bringing it straight to the people.

---

Find music from socially conscious musicians and more at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com. Long Island’s top new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres. Choose from our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store and online. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, it always a great time stop by and see what’s new. 

Week in Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (June 18-24, 2017)

Happy Saturday and welcome to the first official weekend of summer! Now that the week is officially over, it’s time to take a look back at some of the best new songs and music videos that have been released over the past seven days.

This week saw the release of many great songs and music videos. First off, we saw the final, powerful video from Chris Cornell. We also got a new 360-degree video from Depeche Mode, as well as an unsettling new one from Radiohead. Haim and New Politics both put out videos for previously released singles this week. Then, we got new songs from Fall Out Boy, Olly Murs and TLC from each of their upcoming albums.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has been keeping track of this week’s hottest new songs and videos. Here are nine of our favorites that we think you need to check out this weekend.

1.       Chris Cornell, “I Promise”: The final music video from former Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell is a bit of a dozy. It features Cornell singing amidst images of bombings and refuges getting out of war-torn countries. It can be a lot to watch, but its purpose is clear: bring awareness to these situations. “I Promise,” with its grave tone, is the perfect soundtrack to a video like this. With this video, Cornell goes out making an even bigger impact on the world by helping others. Proceeds from the song are being donated to support refuges and children. (video)

2.       Depeche Mode, “Going Backwards”: Depeche Mode released a new video for their track, “Going Backwards,” utilizing 360-degree cameras to shoot them performing the track. The video is pretty basic for the most part, featuring the band performing the song in a room filled with equipment and LCD screens. It gets more interesting towards the end, when the lights go out and all you see are the screens and the red light going across the room. (video)

3.       Radiohead, “Man Of War”: I was more entranced by this video than I was by the song, although that’s not bad either. What I like about the video is the transitions from light to dark. It shows different perceptions of the main character’s situations during the day and night, switching from calm (light) to unsettled (dark) from frame to frame. When the two perceptions become the one, the video takes this crazy turn, giving a sense of paranoia exaggerated by the shaky camera and dizzying angles. (video)

4.       Haim, “Want You Back”: Haim has released an official video for their previously-released track “Want You Back.” In the video, the sister trio is shown confidently walking and dancing down the middle of a street. The attitude the sisters portray matches the feel of the song well. (video)

5.       Olly Murs and Louisa Johnson, “Unpredictable”: “Unpredictable” is an upbeat, pop-y tune about loving the ups and downs of love. The song is adorable, though a bit hokey at times. The video is meant to be just as cute, featuring the two singers facing off in a tennis match that is supposed to look like it was filmed in the 1980s. (video)

6.       Fall Out Boy, “Champion”: Sometimes Fall Out Boy’s music (post-reunion) can be a bit on the cocky side. “Champion” comes close to that, but is more filled with positivity than anything else. The line “If I could live through this, I can do anything” is repeated over and over like an affirmation to oneself that things will get better. There’s nothing wrong with that. (video)

7.       TLC, “Haters”: In a way, “Haters” is a lot like their single, “Unpretty,” telling people that other’s opinions about them don’t matter. However, this song is way more direct and not as melodic. It’s still an important message, though, one that the duo portrays really well in both the song and video. Having a very diverse group of people singing along to the song together in ‘Brady Bunch’-style boxes with them is very effective. (video)

8.       Jacob Jeffries, “Hometowns”: The best things about Jacob Jeffries’ music are the catchy melodies and incredible vocals. “Hometowns,” Jeffries’ latest single, has both of these in spades. The song has this great hook that really sticks with you. Combined with his slightly raspy vocals, this song is one of his best. (video)

9.       New Politics, “One Of Us”: I reviewed this song before when it came out, but there is now an official video for it and it’s just amazing. The video puts the band’s members into scenes reminiscent of iconic movies and music videos. From oversized heads to “Bohemian Rhapsody” floating heads to smearing paint on their faces to standing in front of a wall wearing the same pattern as the wallpaper, the video shows a fun side to the band. (video)

These are some of our favorite new songs and music videos from the past week. Check them out and fill your summer with great new music.

---

Discover music new and old at Long Island’s top new independent record shop, Vinyl Bay 777. We have thousands of titles to choose from in store, as well as online at vinylbay777.com. We have a wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia to choose from. More titles are being added to our selection all the time, so whether you’re looking to rediscover the classics or are on the hunt for something new, there is always something new to find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Ten Live Shows Happening in the New York / New Jersey Area this Weekend (June 23-June 25, 2017)

The first official weekend of summer is almost upon us. Whether you’re looking to lie around in the sun or stay indoors, you are going to want to hear some great music at some point over the course of the weekend. Why not indulge that yen by taking in a live show?

Like always, there is a lot of great music happening in the New York / New Jersey area this weekend. From country to alternative and hard rock to cover bands, there’s something out there for everyone.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves live music. That is why we have gathered ten of the hottest shows happening this weekend. If you’re still trying to determine you weekend plans, consider checking out one of these shows.

1.       Hunter Hayes: One of the hottest young country artists on the scene today, Hayes’ crossover hits can make any young girl swoon. The singer is currently working on his fourth studio album, the follow-up to 2015’s ‘The 21 Project,’ releasing three singles from the album late last year.  This show is being sponsored by My Country 96.1 and will feature Jillian Steele as support. (Friday, The Paramount Huntington)

2.       Third Eye Blind / Silversun Pickups: Third Eye Blind is celebrating the 20^th anniversary of their debut album this year. In celebration, the band kicked off their Summer Gods Tour earlier this month with support from Silversun Pickups. The tour reaches New York and New Jersey this weekend with shows at the PNC Bank Arts Center and the Jones Beach Theater this Friday and Saturday, respectively. Both bands released new albums in 2015. (Friday, PNC Bank Arts Center; Saturday, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater)

3.       Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit: Isbell and his band released their third album, ‘The Nashville Sound,’ earlier this month to rave reviews. Now, the band is touring behind the album, bringing their alt-country sound to the Beacon Theatre on Friday and Saturday, sponsored by WFUV. (Friday & Saturday, Beacon Theatre)

4.       LCD Soundsystem: LCD Soundsystem has made their triumphant return to the music scene this year, announcing the upcoming release of their fourth studio album, ‘American Dream,’ and playing a slew of sold-out shows to open Brooklyn Steel in April. The band has since announced more Brooklyn Steel dates; a June residency that ends this weekend and a 10-show run in mid-December. (Friday & Saturday, Brooklyn Steel)

5.       Sevendust: It has been 20 years since Sevendust released their debut self-titled album. The band has been celebrating the occasion on the road, playing the album in its entirety on a string of US tour dates. The tour hits Long Island on Saturday with support from The Hard Way.  (Saturday, The Space @ Westbury)

6.       Dead & Company: John Mayer is once again teaming up with members of The Grateful Dead, performing some of the iconic band’s most beloved songs. The band is currently on a US summer tour. They hit the stage in New York this weekend, playing Citi Field on Saturday. (Saturday, Citi Field)

7.       O El Amor: If you love hearing cover songs while simultaneously watching a band of guys wearing masks, then you’ll enjoy O El Amor. The Long Island band mixes shtick with straight up covers of 80s and 90s songs. According to the band’s Facebook page, their show this Saturday at The Paramount will be their final one with bass player Bongo El Mongo. Support comes from fellow cover band, Dude Ranch & the Girl at the Rock Show, playing all your favorite Blink-182 songs. (Saturday, The Paramount Huntington)

8.       Rammstein: Rammstein do not play the United States very often. That’s why this Sunday’s show at Jones Beach is so special; it’s their only show on the east coast this year. The show is sold out, so it might be hard to find last-minute tickets, but if you do snag some, it should be well worth it. (Sunday, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater)

9.       Reel Big Fish: Reel Big Fish are doing something a little different with their current Beer Run tour. At certain stops, the band will be holding mini beer festivals, where concert-goers can sample suds from local breweries and participate in festivities like lectures and drinking games. This Sunday’s show at The Stone Pony will not be one of these, but if you can’t make it out to New Jersey this weekend or want local beer as part of your ticket, Tuesday’s show at The Paramount will be. (Sunday, The Stone Pony)

10.   Parkway Drive: Australian Metalcore band Parkway Drive is a band on the rise. Their latest album, ‘Ire,’ released in 2015, gave them their first number one in their native country. They are currently wrapping up a short string of North American tour dates, which include a stop at The Paramount on Sunday with The Word Alive and Wage War. These are the band’s only North American dates for this year, so you should definitely get out and see them. (Sunday, The Paramount Huntington)

These are some of the top shows happening in the New York / New Jersey area this weekend. Check these or any of the other amazing artists playing in the area and make sure to fill your first official weekend of summer with music.

---

Live music and records go hand in hand. That’s why you should check out Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com before the show to pick up music from many of these artists and more. Long Island’s top new independent record shop has thousands of titles in stock ranging in genre from country, rock, pop and metal to dance, R&B, rap and even classical. Browse a wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store and online. With more items being added to our selection all the time, it pays to stop by and see what’s new at Vinyl Bay 777.

Seven Songs about Summer to Blast This Solstice

Happy summer solstice! It’s the first day of summer, which means we can start looking forward to three months of sun, trips to the beach, vacation and hot summer days and nights filled with good music and friends.

There are a lot of songs that try to capture this summer feeling. The best summer songs are the ones make you feel like you’ve been drenched in sunlight and that leave you with a heightened sense of happiness and pleasure after listening. It’s these songs that are the perfect soundtrack to the season.

We here at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, are gearing up for the summer sun by taking a look at some of our favorite summer songs. If you’re having trouble coming up with the perfect songs for your summer playlist, check out these seven tracks and get ready for some fun in the sun.

1.       Len, “Steal My Sunshine”: The only hit by Canadian hip-hop/electronic/pop group Len, “Steal My Sunshine” became the song of the summer in 1999. Its light beat, taken from Andrea True Connection’s “More, More, More” and put on an endless loop, was inescapable that year. But once you hear it, you can’t help but to be transported to a sunny summer day. (video)

2.       The Ataris, “Boys of Summer”: The original “Boys of Summer, written by Don Henley, is a summertime classic. But if you like a little more rock in your summer playlist, pop-punk band The Ataris does an amazing cover. The band speeds the song up and gives it a rock edge that really stands out. (video)

3.       Beatles, “Here Comes the Sun”: A classic song from a classic band. “Here Comes the Sun’s” lyrics are literally an ode to the sun returning after a long winter. The song itself is like watching the sun rise for the day, bringing forth a smile to your face as it starts to make its way across the sky and light up the world. (video)

4.       Weezer, “Island In The Sun”: One of the most popular songs on Weezer’s green album, “Island In The Sun” is a slow jam about forgetting your troubles and relaxing in the sun. The Spike Jonze-version of the video for this song also has the band playing with animals in a field, which gives the song extra points. Weezer has since tried to bring back the summer vibes with their latest single “Feels Like Summer,” but it just doesn’t have the same kind of sunshine factor. (video)

5.       Ramones, “Rockaway Beach”: The New York punk rockers devoted an entire song to going down to Rockaway Beach and taking in some sun. “Rockaway Beach” is about going out and having some fun, the best way to spend a summer day. (video)

6.       Beach Boys, “Surfin’ U.S.A.”: A list of summer songs wouldn’t be complete without the Beach Boys. Surf rock is summer music and there is no other band that has derived so much inspiration from the beach than this band. “Surfin’ U.S.A.” in particular captures that vibe really well, pairing and upbeat melodies with light, easy harmonies and lyrics that promote taking in the surf wherever you may be. (video)

7.       Wavves, “King Of The Beach”: The title track from Wavves’ third album, “King Of The Beach” is a summer-y garage-rock track about hanging out at the beach. Its part Violent Femmes “Blister In The Sun,” part 60’s surf-rock, a pleasant and rocking combination for a wild summer party. (video)

These are some of our favorite summer songs of all time. If you’re still looking for the perfect soundtrack to your summer, check these out and let the sunshine wash over you this solstice.

---

Stop by Vinyl Bay 777 this summer to find your perfect summer soundtrack. Long Island’s top new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from in-store, as well as online at vinylbay777.com. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia. More titles are being added all the time, so whether your summer is filled with the classics or new discoveries, Vinyl Bay 777 has you covered.

Happy Birthday Brian Wilson: His Five Highest-Charting Beach Boys Songs

Today marks singer/songwriter Brian Wilson’s 75^th birthday. As one of the main songwriter for the Beach Boys, his work has had a huge impact on music culture, helping to popularize the surf-rock sound of the 1960s.

Wilson has been credited with writing some of the most iconic songs of all time. Known for his experimental approach to songwriting, his compositions range from bright and cheery to intricate and arty, sometimes all in one song.

Now, a new retrospective album spanning Brian Wilson’s entire career has been announced. ‘Playback’ will feature 18 songs written over the course of his career, focusing mostly on his solo work. The album will also feature two brand new songs, a track titled “Run James Run,” written specifically for the release, and one titled “Some Sweet Day,” written in the early 1990s for an album that was never released. ‘Playback is set for release on September 22.

In honor of Wilson’s 75^th birthday, Vinyl Bay777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at some of the most popular songs written by the iconic musician. Here are his five highest-charting contributions to the Beach Boys.  

1.       “Good Vibrations”: One of the Beach Boys’ most important and critically acclaimed songs of their career, Brian Wilson wrote “Good Vibrations” in the midst of creating his magnum opus, ‘Pet Sounds.’ Wilson tinkered with the song after the album’s release, experimenting with different instruments and arrangements. The song was putting it out as a stand-alone single and became the band’s biggest hit. Going platinum in the US, the single reached number one in the US, the UK and Australia, and the top 10 in various other countries.

2.       “I Get Around”: While “Good Vibrations” was the band’s biggest single, it wasn’t their first brush with topping the charts. In 1964, the band released “I Get Around,” which was their first single to reach number one in the US. The song features classic surf-rock harmonies, which honor Wilson’s love of 50’s vocal groups.

3.       “Help Me Rhonda”: Though the track was originally released on the band’s eighth album, ‘The Beach Boys Today!,’ in the spring of 1965, it was actually the re-written version that was released as a single. Doing so was a good idea, as the single gave the band their second number one hit in two years.

4.       “Surfin’ U.S.A.”: “Surfin’ U.S.A.” is one of the Beach Boys’ most iconic songs. Taking the melody of Chuck Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen,” Wilson combined that with completely original lyrics about the best places to surf in the United States, mostly in California. The song reached number 3 on the Billboard Charts, making it the band’s first song to crack the top ten.

5.       “California Girls”: Another one of the Beach Boys’ most iconic songs, “California Girls” was written as a care-free ode to girls and the California sun. Written under the influence of LSD (Wilson’s first experience with the drug) over the course of one day, it became an instant classic. The song went to number three on the Billboard charts and became an anthem for the band and the surf-rock sound in general.

Brian Wilson has written some of the most well-known songs of the early-mid 1960s, popularizing the surf-rock sound and pushing it past its boundaries. His compositions have gone on to top the charts several times, helping the Beach Boys earn their place as rock icons.

---

Catch the “Good Vibrations” at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com. Find music from the Beach Boys and more at Long Island’s top new independent record shop. We have thousands of titles to choose from in an array of genres ranging from rock and pop to hip hop, R&B, jazz and classical. Visit us in store or check us out online to browse a wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia. More titles are being added to our selection all the time, so check back often to see what’s new at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week in Review: New Songs/Music Videos You Need to Check Out (June 11 – June 17, 2017)

Happy Saturday! Now that the week is officially over and the weekend is finally here, it’s time to take a look back at some of the new songs and music videos released over the last seven days.

If you are a fan of pop and hip-hop, two highly talked about videos were released this week, Selena Gomez’s “Bad Liar” and Jaden Smith’s “Batman.” But if you’re like me and struggled getting though the music, there were plenty of other great song and music videos released as well. Green Day hit on some major nostalgia with their surprise new video for “Revolution Radio.” Arcade Fire and The Killers both made strong returns to the music scene with their respective new singles, while Coldplay released another new single from their upcoming EP. In pop-punk, PVRIS released a stand-out video for their single “What’s Wrong,” while Patent Pending debuted a fun mash-up from their upcoming covers album. Rapper Macklemore also released a new track, reminding everyone that his solo work is just as poignant as his collaborations.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has been keeping an eye out for the best new songs and music videos of the week. Here are nine of our favorites that we think you need to check out this weekend.

1.       Green Day, “Revolution Radio”: The title track from their latest album, released in October, the video is more of a trip back in time than anything else. The video weaves together clips of Green Day performing now with clips of some of their early performances at clubs like Gilman Street.  It’s a very well done video with great transitions. However, the concept really doesn’t match that well with the song. What it does feel like is an extension of the documentary on the East Bay punk scene they have been working on. (video)

2.       Patent Pending, “Wasted/Wake Me Up (Mash-up)”: Patent Pending is a great Long Island pop-punk band. They have so much fun when they play, which makes their music so much fun to listen to. A bouncy mash-up from their upcoming covers album ‘Other People’s Greatest Hits, the track effortlessly blends together Tiesto’s “Wasted” and Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” into a cohesive work that sounds like the two songs belonged together all along. The video is as fun as the band’s music, featuring singer Joe Ragosta destroying a bedroom setup with various items and lots and lots of paint. (video)

3.       Macklemore feat. Skylar Grey, “Glorious”: Macklemore has most recently been known for his collaborations with Ryan Lewis, releasing their most recent album, ‘This Unruly Mess I’ve Made,’ early last year. But Macklemore was a rapper long before he met Lewis and has lately been releasing solo tracks. His latest single, “Glorious,” which features Skylar Grey singing on the chorus, continues his streak of hard-driving beats and honest lyricism. It follows a similar cadence to most of his other tracks, albeit with a slightly gentler tone. (video)

4.       PVRIS, “What’s Wrong”: “What’s Wrong” is a powerful showing from female-fronted rock trio PVRIS. It features a strong vocal from singer Lyndsey Gunnulfsen and a hard-hitting guitar melody that drives the song’s forward momentum. The video, a black and white masterpiece with tight dancing that compliments every bit of the song, is mesmerizing.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the band become huge on rock radio with this track. (video)

5.       The Killers, “The Man”: Fans of The Killers have been waiting five years for new music from the band and they finally got that this week with the release of “The Man,” the first single from their recently announced new album, ‘Wonderful, Wonderful.’ Its lyrics are a bit cocky on the surface, as the disco-influenced jam boasts about being “the man.” However, I wouldn’t put it past the band that this song is meant to be tongue-in-cheek, as the melody feels a bit like a “Shaft” parody. (video)

6.       Arcade Fire, “Creature Comfort”: The lyrics of “Creature Comfort” tackle some pretty heavy subject matter for the song’s upbeat attitude. If you weren’t reading the words scrolling along with the video, you would have no idea that Win Butler is singing about suicide and self-medicating. But that doesn’t take away from the song’s catchiness and dance-ability. (video)

7.       With Confidence, “Archers”: “Archers” has a clean pop-punk sound that falls somewhere between All Time Low and Bayside. The song is an up-beat toe-tapper that will make you headbang in your seat as you listen to it. (video)

8.       Coldplay, “All I Can Think About Is You”: “All I Can Think About Is You” is an atmospheric track that isn’t what you would expect from Coldplay given their recent releases. The song is piano-driven, opting for a dynamically softer start before slowly starting to float higher and get incrementally louder. There is no detectable guitar until close to the end when the song reaches its climax. But just as quickly as the guitar comes in, it’s gone again into the atmosphere. (video)

9.       Owl City, “Not All Heroes Wear Capes”: Just in time for Father’s Day, Owl City, the electronic pop project of Adam Young, has crafted a beautiful ode to his with “Not All Heroes Wear Capes.” The song is sincere, sweet and personal, the perfect way to tell someone that you love and appreciate them. (video)

These are just some of our favorite songs and music videos that came out this week that we think you need to check out. Make these a part of your weekend listening and a starting point in your music discovery.

---

Discover music new and old at Long Island’s top new independent record shop, Vinyl Bay 777. We have thousands of titles to choose from in store, as well as online at vinylbay777.com. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia spanning a vast array of genres. Come down to find the perfect gift for dad this Father’s Day or shop for yourself. With more titles being added all the time, you never know what you will discover at Vinyl Bay 777.

Monterey International Pop Festival - Remembering the Iconic Festival 50 Years Later

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, takes a look back at the festival’s history, career-launching performances and lasting legacy

It has been 50 years since the Monterey International Pop Festival took over the Monterey County Fairgrounds, bringing together more than 30 bands and artists for three days of “music, love and flowers.” The event, which ran from June 16 through June 18, 1967, would become one of the most influential and iconic cultural events in history, kicking off what would be deemed the “summer of love” and laying the groundwork for countless music festivals to be created in its wake.

 Spearheaded by Mamas and the Papas singer John Phillips and producer Lou Adler, Monterey Pop was created to give validity to the emerging rock scene of the time. Phillips and Adler, along with the help of Alan Pariser and Derek Taylor, saw the way the Monterey Jazz Festival succeeded in bringing together the jazz community and decided that such an event could do the same for rock. In just seven weeks, the team put together a massive, three-day festival that attracted nearly 8,500 people.

The event would lead to some very iconic, career-launching performances. A then-unknown Janis Joplin would rocket to fame after her performance with Big Brother and the Holding Company led to the band getting signed to Columbia Records. Ravi Shankar made his US debut at the festival, playing for four hours and introducing the US to the sitar and raga music. Otis Redding’s performance, one of his first outside of the black community, opened his music and appeal up to a wider audience. The Who, bringing their wild UK stage show to the US, stunned everyone when Pete Townshend infamously smashed his guitar on stage during “My Generation.” The destruction didn’t end there as Jimi Hendrix, who was still relatively unknown in the US, ended his Sunday set with a performance of “Wild Thing” in which he lit his guitar on fire.

The festival also resulted in a critically acclaimed concert film. Directed by D.A. Pennebaker, ‘Monterey Pop’ documented the event for the world to see, capturing every iconic moment for posterity. Released a year-and-a-half after the festival, the film reignited the appeal and excitement of the concert. ‘Monterey Pop’ ended up becoming the standard by which concert documentaries would be compared going forward.

In its wake, the Monterey Pop Festival set the framework for other music festivals to take place. Two years after Monterey, the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival would bring the large-scale music festival concept to the east coast, with the disastrous Altamont Festival following shortly after. Today, the large-scale multi-day festival has become commonplace with several occurring annually and new ones springing up every year.

There are two official ways fans and revelers can celebrate the 50^th anniversary of this groundbreaking festival. In an effort to preserve the legacy of the Monterey Pop Festival and further extend its message of music and peace to a new generation, the ‘Monterey International Pop Festival - Celebrates 50 Years’ festival is happening this weekend. The event features current artists who embody the same spirit that the festival was founded on, as well as a few artists who played the original festival. Revelers not looking to spend hundreds of dollars on tickets to go to California can celebrate the festival’s anniversary by seeing the ‘Monterey Pop’ film on the big screen. For one-week-only, the film, which was recently given a 4K restoration, is back in select theaters around the country (including the IFC Center in New York City).

The Monterey International Pop Festival has remained a stunning example of the power of music for five decades. It launched the careers of some of rock’s most influential artists and gave rise to a new counterculture based on the tenets of music, peace and love. As the first large-scale multi-day festival of its kind, it paved the way for the massive festival culture we know today. After 50 years, the festival continues to hold a special place in music culture that can and will never be replicated.

---

Find music from Monterey Pop Festival’s most iconic artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles from classic and new rock and pop artists, as well as heavy-hitters and newcomers from the worlds of jazz, hip-hop, R&B, classical, dance and more. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store and online. More titles are being added all the time, so it’s always a great time to see what’s new.

New Grammy Rule Amendments Announced - What’s Changing?

The Grammy Awards are back in the news today as the annual music event has announced some amendments to their voting and nomination rules. Effective immediately, these amendments aim to update the nomination and voting process and make it fairer for everyone involved.

There are five basic fixes the Recording Academy has announced: 1. the implementation of online voting, 2. including songwriters in the Album of the Year category, 3. adding more review committees, 4. expanding the definition of an album and 5. letting alternative versions of songs be nominated for visual media.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has decided to take a closer look at these Grammy changes. Here is what our blogger thinks about the amended rules and whether they will make any difference in this year’s process.

1.       Online Voting: This makes sense for 2017, to be quite honest. Aside from making it easier for touring artists to cast their ballots, as was one of the academy’s intentions, it will also make it easier to keep track of votes. As for whether this will stop block voting, the academy’s other intention, will remain to be seen. I personally do not think it will help because people will vote with whatever allegiances they have either way.

2.       Songwriters Being Recognized for Album of the Year: With this rule change, songwriters who are credited on at least a third of the album will also earn the award, giving them their due. Given that it is not usually one person who writes an album, especially if you take a look at a lot of the pop music that comes out, this is a good idea. Credit should be given where it is due. 

3.       More Review Committees: This amendment creates committees to review who gets nominated in the categories of rap, contemporary instrumental and new age music so they do not become “popularity contests.” This is something the academy has been doing for the last 25 years in various other categories to even things out. Such is probably why you see that one indie artist nominated for Album of the Year every year that makes much of the public scratch their heads. But while this might give a slight boost to underground artists who deserve to be nominated, it doesn’t really seem to make much of a difference in the end. After all, the other four nominees for Album of the Year are almost invariably those that had the most popular selling albums of the year, not necessarily the best.

4.       What Defines an Album: Aimed at making it easier for classical, jazz and dance albums to be nominated, the academy is expanding what constitutes an album. Before this year, an album had to be at least 15 minutes long and feature at least five songs, which would mean a five-song rock EP would count as an album but a single-opus classical album would not. The new rule takes this into account, expanding the definition of an album to include something with a 30-minute play time, even if it only has one song on it. This seems fair, as more artists will have the opportunity to be nominated because of it.

5.       Visual Media: The first part of this amendment says that “the film version of a track” can be entered in the Best Song Written for Visual Media category, “even if a different version of the track is submitted in other categories.” This seems a little inconsequential; however such a change means that the academy is making a distinction between soundtracks and albums, saying that the soundtrack version of a song is its own entity.  The second part requires that a compilation soundtrack for a documentary or biopic needs to be more than 51 percent newly recorded music to qualify for a Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media nomination. This makes sense, since the Grammys are about new music.

While I do have mixed feelings about some of these changes, they are steps in the right direction to making the Grammys a fairer platform for honoring music and artists. Extra input from experts and an easier, more streamlined voting system, while not a panacea, will help to get more voices included in the discussion. The only way to know how well these changes work will be when Grammy nominations are announced on November 28 and winners are revealed on January 28, 2018 at Madison Square Garden.

---

Find music from Grammy-winning and nominated artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com. Long Island’s top new independent record shop has thousands of genre-spanning titles to choose from. Visit our Plainview store or shop online to find a wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia. With more titles being added all the time, there is always something new to find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Five Artists Who Released Popular Posthumous Albums

On Monday, it was announced that Alan Vega, former frontman of pioneering punk band Suicide, would be releasing his first posthumous album. ‘IT’ has been in the works since 2010 and was recorded with his wife and music partner Liz Lamere, who continued working on it following his death in 2016. This is Vega’s 19^th studio album.

There have been a lot of artists who were in the process of creating an album when they unexpectedly passed away. These albums often get released posthumously, either by the label or the artist’s estate, leaving the world with one last glimpse into the artist’s world. Sometimes, a posthumously released album can do really well in sales, as fans mourn the artist by purchasing their final works.

Inspired by the news of Vega’s upcoming album, Vinyl Bay777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at other artists whose albums were released posthumously. Here are five popular albums that were released after their artist’s untimely demise.

1.       Notorious B.I.G., ‘Life After Death’: The follow-up to Biggie’s debut album, ‘Ready to Die,’ in 1994, ‘Life After Death’ was meant to be a continuation of the prior album’s story. He started working on the album in 1995 with the goal of releasing it in the fall of 1996, but the album’s recording took longer than expected and its release was pushed back to the spring of 1997. Backed by two massive hit singles, “Hypnotize” and “Mo Money Mo Problems,” this album made Biggie one of the biggest rappers ever. Unfortunately, Biggie never got to see the album succeed; he was shot two weeks before its release.

2.       Marvin Gaye, ‘Vulnerable’: It took 20 years for Marvin Gaye’s ‘Vulnerable’ to see the light of day. After the success of singles like “What’s Going On” and “Let’s Get It On,” Gaye was worried that the album wasn’t pop-y enough and wouldn’t sell, shelving the project many times. When ‘Vulnerable’ came out in 1997, Gaye had already been deceased for 13 years.

3.       Roy Orbison, ‘Mystery Girl’: Orbison’s career had gotten a second wind when he started recording ‘Mystery Girl’ in 1988, with covers of his songs giving more exposure to his originals and the Traveling Wilburys debut album doing so well. Unfortunately, with all the renewed success, Orbison didn’t take very good care of himself and passed away from a heart attack that same year. The album being complete before his passing, it was released two months later. It was his first charting album in decades.

4.       Janis Joplin, ‘Pearl’: Joplin’s most well known and highest-charting album, ‘Pearl’ was recorded at the height of her career, as well as the height of her drug and alcohol addiction. One month into the recording of the album, the singer overdosed on heroin at the age of 27. ‘Pearl’ was released four months later, earning rave reviews from critics and becoming an instant classic.

5.       Elliott Smith, ‘From a Basement on the Hill”: Intended to be a double album during the recording process, it became a single album upon release. That’s because Smith passed away during the album’s recording with only half of it finished. ‘From a Basement on the Hill’ was released in 2004 at his family’s request, having hired former producer Rob Schnapf and ex-girlfriend Joanna Bolme to finish it. The album ended up being his most successful and highest-charting, hitting number 1 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart and 19 on the Billboard 200.

When an artist passes away, there is often an inclination to release their final work into the world, especially when that work was being created at the time of their death. Artists like Elliott Smith, Janis Joplin, Notorious B.I.G, Roy Orbison and Marvin Gaye have all put out albums posthumously that have achieved massive success in sales and popularity. Alan Vega now joins that list of artists with posthumously released albums. Hopefully its release will put Vega and Suicide back in the spotlight.

---

  Find music from these artists and more at Long Island’s top new independent record shop, Vinyl Bay 777. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more. Shop in-store and online at vinylbay777.com, to find thousands of titles in an array of genres spanning rock, metal and pop to R&B, rap, dance, classical and more. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, there is always something new to discover at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week in Review: New Songs/Music Videos You Need to Check Out (June 4 – June 10, 2017)

The weekend is upon us once again. That means it’s once again time to take a look back at some of this past week’s best new songs and music videos.

This week saw a lot of new videos from our favorite established and newer artists. Iggy Pop’s anticipated collaboration with newcomer Oneohtrix Point Never was finally released this week. Iron & Wine and Manchester Orchestra both made their returns this week, putting out new videos and announcing new albums. Royal Blood, Papa Roach and Blink-182 all released new music videos as well, as did Gorillaz, who after releasing a new album a couple of months ago surprised fans by releasing a video for a song that wasn’t on it. X Ambassadors are also on the cusp of making their grand return, putting out their third one-off song release in four months. We also got a very nostalgic video from TLC, as well as a very emotional video from pop-punk band This Wild Life.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has been keeping an eye out for new music and videos. Here are nine of our favorites from the past week that we think you should put on blast this weekend.

1.       Oneohtrix Point Never feat. Iggy Pop, “The Pure and the Damned”: Iggy Pop gives a haunting performance in this collaborative track for Oneohtrix Point Never’s upcoming album. The spoken word portions of the song are a bit unsettling, but with the low mix on the instrumentals, that was most likely the desired effect. (video)

2.       This Wild Life, “Break Me”: I think part of what drew my attention to this song was the video. The amount of passion in this acoustic-led track is reflected even more so in the girl’s acting. You can feel the mental anguish that is starting to take over. As the song swells, she starts breaking things. It’s really well done. (video)

3.       X Ambassadors, “The Devil You Know”: “The Devil You Know” has the potential to be another hit for X Ambassadors. Mixing an Imagine Dragons-esque heavy beat with a much lighter garage rock melody. As a result, the song swings while at the pace of a freight train. It’s also just catchy enough for adult contemporary radio to pick it up. (video)

4.       Iron & Wine, “Call It Dreaming”: This is a nice, mellow song, somewhere between alt-country and acoustic indie-rock. It’s perfect for laying out in the sun and reflecting on life. (video)

5.       Gorillaz, “Sleeping Powder”: “Sleeping Powder” sounds nothing like the songs on the Gorillaz’s latest album, which is perhaps the reason why it wasn’t included on it. The song reminds me more of early Gorillaz, where Damon Albarn’s and his guests’ vocals can actually be heard over all of the effects he uses. The video, however, is just as trippy as the rest of their recent videos. With “Sleeping Powder,” a computer animated 3-D 2D is layered over 2-D film that’s been put through some sort of image filter. The effect is a bit fuzzy and at certain points the layers conflict with one another, which gets a little wonky. (video)

6.       Royal Blood, “I Only Lie When I Love You”: I really like what I’m hearing from Royal Blood lately. “I Only Lie When I Love You” is a great bit of garage rock that really gets you moving. The minimal combination of guitar and drum really lets the melody and lyrics shine. (video)

7.       Papa Roach feat. Skylar Grey, “Periscope”: Papa Roach have been experimenting a lot with their new album, turning out some unexpected and interesting songs. “Periscope” is one of those. It leans far more pop than most of their work and is missing the hard guitars that characterize much of their sound, even their slower songs. With that being said, the song has a decent melody and is easy to grasp lyrically and emotionally. (video)

8.       TLC, “Way Back”: The video for “Way Back” is like a time machine. Everything in this video, from the way everyone is dressed to the way everyone is dancing, looks to be straight out of the 1990s. I don’t mind when artists look back at where they came from, but even I, a big 90s nostalgia fan, can admit that this video toes the line of being a little too much nostalgia. As for the song, T-Boz and Chili haven’t really lost anything on vocal quality. Lisa “Left-Eye” is missed on the track and Snoop Dogg doesn’t really make up for it, but the song is catchy. (video)

9.       Blink-182, “Home Is Such A Lonely Place”: This is one of the best songs I’ve heard from Blink in a while. It has the down-tempo, honest feel of some of the band’s sadder songs, but the lyrics are much sweeter. The video also adds a layer of sweetness, showing each band member spending time with their families before heading off on tour. (video)

These are some of our favorite new songs and music videos from this past week. Give these tracks a listen and use them as a gateway to discovering more great music.

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s top new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from spanning a wide range of genres. Whatever you’re into, we have one of the largest selections of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia on the island. More titles are being added to our collection all the time, so it’s always a great time to stop by the store or shop our website, vinylbay777.com and discover something new.