Albums Coming Out in September 2017

Tomorrow is the first day of September, which means we’re coming to the end of the summer music season. With the new month comes a whole new slate of albums to look forward to.

September will be filled with a lot of highly anticipated new albums looking to get in on the tail end of the busy summer season. Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Macklemore, The Killers, The National and the Foo Fighters are all putting out albums that everyone is talking about, as are LCD Soundsystem, who is releasing its first album post-break-up. Neil Young will be releasing an album that hasn’t seen the light of day since he recorded it in the 1970s. September will also see the release of Greg Allman and Leon Russell’s final albums, while it will also see debuts from Rostam Batmanglij and Prophets of Rage.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has been looking out for the latest releases. Here are 16 that we can’t wait to hear.

1.       Motörhead, ‘Under Cover’: It has been a year and a half since frontman Lemmy Kilmister passed away. And although the band is no longer together, they still have unheard material that they want heard by the public. ‘Under Cöver’ is filled with cover tracks Motörhead has recorded throughout their career, as well as three recordings that have never been heard before. (9/1)

2.       LCD Soundsystem, ‘American Dream’: ‘American Dream’ officially marks the return of LCD Soundsystem, who had been on hiatus for nearly five years before reuniting in 2016. It was supposed to be released the same year, but recording got delayed a few months. The band has been releasing some strong singles from the album in the months leading up to its release, so this highly anticipated album might be worth the wait. (9/1)

3.       Gregg Allman, ‘Southern Blood’: Originally supposed to be released in January, Gregg Allman’s now posthumous final album, ‘Southern Blood,’ is finally going to be released this month. Primarily made up of cover songs that held special meaning to Allman, the album is said to be a carefully crafted “final statement” from the singer, who was diagnosed with liver cancer five years prior. (9/8)

4.       Rostam, ‘Half-Light’: Last year, Rostam Batmanglij released a collaborative album with Hamilton Leithauser and it was one of the top releases of the year. Now venturing out on his own, Rostam is getting ready to release his debut solo album. He has been releasing solo music since 2011, when he officially left Vampire Weekend, which has been receiving positive feedback. Between last year’s collab and the positive responses to his solo singles, I have a lot of faith that this will be a great album as well. (9/8)

5.       Neil Young, ‘Hitchhiker’:  Originally recorded in 1976, ‘Hitchhiker’ has gone unreleased for decades, primarily because Young wasn’t satisfied with the recordings. That changes this month when the album gets an official release. While many of the songs have been rerecorded and released on other albums, this is a great piece of Young’s history to have in your collection. (9/8)

6.       The National, ‘Sleep Well Beast’: There are some pretty high expectations for The National’s new album, ‘Sleep Well Beast.’ It’s first single, “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness,” became the band’s first to hit number one. With that lead in, the rest of the tracks might be just as good. (9/8)

7.       Living Colour, ‘Shade’: Living Colour have not released an album together in nearly eight years, although not for a lack of trying. ‘Shade’ was supposed to come out in 2011, just a year after their last release, ‘The Chair in the Doorway.’ But problems kept arising, which meant the release date kept getting delayed. Hopefully the new album will be worth the wait. (9/8)

8.       Foo Fighters, ‘Concrete And Gold’: The Foo Fighters started off the summer by unexpectedly releasing a new single, “Run,” which led to the announcement of ‘Concrete And Gold’ a month later. The album is said to be a bit different than their previous releases and feature a slew of special guests, including Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men, Alison Mosshart of The Kills, Sir Paul McCartney and another guest that has not been revealed yet. From the already released singles, it sounds like the album might be a bit more raw and hardcore, which is something to look forward to. (9/15)

9.       Prophets of Rage, ‘Prophets of Rage’: Prophets of Rage are finally releasing their self-titled debut full length in September. Made up of members of Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy and Cypress Hill, the album will be a melding of rap and rock. First single “Unfuck the World,” sounds a lot like Rage Against the Machine, except with vocals that are much more grounded in traditional hip-hop. (9/15)

10.   Ringo Starr, ‘Give More Love’: Every time Ringo Starr releases a new album, it’s a star-studded affair. We already know that there will be cameos from Joe Walsh (Eagles) and Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) on the album, as well as appearances from former Beatles bandmate Sir Paul McCartney. That reunion will probably be enough to sell a lot of records. (9/15)

11.   Leon Russell, ‘On a Distant Shore’: ‘On a Distant Shore’ is Leon Russell’s final album, written and recorded over the course of the previous year leading up to his death. The album is said to be his most emotional and, according to his wife, “an accurate portrait” of him. (9/22)

12.   Macklemore, ‘Gemini’: Most people know Macklemore as a partner duo with Ryan Lewis. But with ‘Gemini,’ the rapper goes his own way, proving that he can still make great music on his own. The two singles he has released from the album thus far have been very popular with listeners, so this album will probably be one of the most talked about of the year. (9/22)

13.   The Killers, ‘Wonderful Wonderful’: The Killers are returning with their fifth studio album, ‘Wonderful Wonderful,’ in September. They have already released two well-received singles from the album, the boastful 70s-inspired “The Man” and the bounding rock track “Run for Cover.” (9/22)

14.   Van Morrison, ‘Roll With The Punches’: Van Morrison goes back to his blues roots with his latest album, ‘Roll With The Punches,’ a collection of popular blues covers and a few newly written songs. According to his website, Morrison says that “the songs on ‘Roll With The Punches’ – whether I’ve written them or not – they’re performance oriented. Each song is like a story and I’m performing the story.” (9/22)

15.   David Crosby, ‘Sky Trails’: When David Crosby returned to music in 2014, he didn’t slow down. The singer is about to release his third album in four years, ‘Sky Trails,’ which, according to his website, will bring his sound in a new, more jazz-oriented, direction. (9/29)

16.   Miley Cyrus, ‘Younger Now’: Miley Cyrus reemerged this year hoping to change her party girl image. The singer doing this with the help of a new album, ‘Younger Now,’ which finds her trying out a more singer/songwriter-like vibe. “Malibu” isn’t a terrible song, so I can see there being some interest in hearing more of this highly anticipated album. (9/29)

There are a lot of highly anticipated albums coming out in September. These are just some of the ones we’re excited to hear. Keep an eye out for these and let us know what albums you’re looking forward to hearing this month!

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Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com! Choose from thousands of titles at Long Island’s top new independent record shop. We have a wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more. Whether you’re looking to find something you’ve never heard before or rediscovering the classics, we have you covered. Stop by our Plainview store or visit us online today to check out what’s new at Vinyl Bay 777. 

Michael Jackson: Seven Groundbreaking Singles

On this day in 1958, Michael Jackson was born. The “King of Pop” would have been 59 today.

Michael Jackson led an amazing and prolific life and music career. Starting out at just five years old with his brothers in The Jackson 5, Michael’s career took off. His talent at such a young age stood out and by the time he was 14 made the transition to solo artist. Over the next four decades, he released hit after hit, breaking numerous records and making history. Even after his sudden passing in 2009, his career continued to flourish as continuous praise and several posthumous releases kept him in the public eye.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, would like to honor Michael Jackson’s legacy by taking a look back at his groundbreaking music career. Here are seven singles that changed music, music videos, and popular culture forever.

1.       “Thriller”: “Thriller” is one of Jackson’s most iconic songs and its video is even more iconic. Known for its graphic content, its epic graveyard dance scene and Jackson’s red leather jacket, the short horror film runs 14 minutes, longer than your typical music video. But because of its length and level of detail, it also revolutionized what a music video could be. It is also the only music video to have been selected for inclusion in the National Film Registry. There is still major interest in the video as well, with a 3-D upgrade of the video coming to movie theaters soon.

2.       “Billie Jean”: When MTV launched in 1980, they didn’t really play much music from black artists, usually just the ones that were integrated with white artists. This changed in 1983, after complaints from not only music fans but VJ’s and artists themselves made MTV reevaluate their line-up. Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” was the first video from a black artist that the network deemed appropriate to put in rotation. The song’s inclusion and success opened up a new platform for black artists to get their music heard by a new and wider audience.

3.       “We Are The World”: With large-scale charity singles en vogue in 1985 following the success of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?,” Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie were tasked with writing one for an American audience. What transpired was the hit “We Are The World,” which featured more than 40 performers singing about the famine in Africa. Once released, the song broke records, becoming the fastest-selling American pop song in history and the first single to ever go multi-platinum.

4.       “Love Never Felt So Good”: Michael Jackson has even been breaking records posthumously. In 2014, Jackson’s estate released an 8-song album of unreleased material called ‘Xscape,’ with “Love Never Felt So Good” as its first single. The song ended up peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking two records. The first was for having top 10 singles in five different decades as a solo artist, a record he still holds alone to this day. The other was for the most amount of time spent in the top 10 to more than 42 weeks (this record has since been broken).

5.       “Dirty Diana”: Jackson’s 1987 album ‘Bad’ featured the singles “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Bad,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Man in the Mirror” and “Dirty Diana,” released consecutively and each hitting number one on the Hot 100. This record stands to this day, with the only artist to even tie the record being Katy Perry.

6.       “Black or White”: When Michael Jackson released the video for “Black or White” in 1991, it was a television event. It was the first time a video was shown simultaneously on a global scale, with the MJ website noting that 500 million people tuned in to watch.

7.       “You’re Not Alone”: We all know that Michael Jackson is a number one-selling artist. But he is also the first artist to have a single debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. “You’re Not Alone,” the second single from Jackson’s 1995 album ‘HIStory,’ sold more than 120,000 units in its first week, leading it to take the top spot on the chart, something that hadn’t happened in the 37 years the chart had been around.

Michael Jackson released some of the most important music in pop history. From the contributions he made to the art of the music video to the impact he had on black representation in music, his career has been filled with innovation. His talent landed him countless chart successes that have made him one of (if not THE) the best-selling artists to date. Michael Jackson’s legacy proceeds him, as his continued popularity only shows that his music and cultural impact have gotten stronger.

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Celebrate iconic artists like Michael Jackson at Long Island’s top new independent record shop, Vinyl Bay 777. We have thousands of titles to choose from in an array of genres. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia. Stop by our Plainview store at 101-14 Dupont Street or check us out online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week In Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need To Check Out (August 20-26, 2017)

Happy weekend! With another week come and gone, it’s time to take a look back at some of the best new songs and music videos that came out over the last seven days.

It’s been a busy week for new music. In pop, Taylor Swift surprised everyone when she dropped her new single “Look What You Made Me Do” and album ‘Reputation,’ while Katy Perry released a star-studded video for her single “Swish Swish.” For rock, the Foo Fighters and The Killers each released new videos from their highly-anticipated upcoming albums, as did The War On Drugs and Mastodon. We also got new singles from Thirty-Seconds To Mars, pop-punk band Seaway and brit-pop band Starsailor. In terms of newcomers, Phoebe Bridgers released an outstanding new single and video.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has once again been searching the internet for the best new songs and music videos of the week. Here are nine that we think you will really enjoy.

1.       Seaway, “Curse Me Out”: “Curse Me Out” is a very catchy pop-punk song. It’s upbeat, bouncy melody make this a shoe-in for audience sing-alongs at live shows, even if its lyrics are about someone being so in love that they like it when their partner yells at them. Then again, self-deprecation is not unusual in pop-punk and “emo.” (video)

2.       John Butler Trio, “Bully”: John Butler Trio get political with their new song and video, “Bully.” “Bully” puts on blast those who take away other people’s freedoms and destroy others’ property. The video takes it one step further, showing powerful images of protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, rallies for Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ rights and other historical imagery. At times it feels a little like a commercial for all the time Butler has spent helping the cause, but in the end the message overpowers it all. (video)

3.       Starsailor, “Take a Little Time”: Starsailor return with a funk-influenced second single, “Take a Little Time,” from their upcoming new album, ‘All This Life.’ It’s opening a capella sets the pace before the bass guitar comes in to lay down the groove. Once the guitars and keyboard come in, everything starts to work in harmony, creating a very memorable track that will have you dancing in your seat. (video)

4.       The War On Drugs, “Pain”: I’ve been hearing a lot about The War On Drugs lately and after hearing “Pain” I know why. “Pain’s” light melody and deep lyrics are powerful and when the distorted guitar noise comes in towards the end, it brings in another layer of texture. (video)

5.       Mastodon, “Steambreather”: The video for “Steambreather” is probably one of the weirdest I’ve seen in a while. It features two metal head ‘Jay & Silent Bob’-types who crash a cult based around noses. The song itself is pretty good though. It’s sound is very rock radio-ready, blending metal riffs with easy-to-follow lyrics and melody. (video)

6.       Phoebe Bridgers, “Motion Sickness”: The combination of Bridgers’ messo-soprano vocals and the song’s slightly pop-y catchiness makes “Motion Sickness” captivating to listen to. It’s not in-your-face, but its softness doesn’t make it drag on either. Plus “emotional motion sickness,” aside from being a fantastic word combination, paints a very vivid picture. (video)

7.       The Killers, “Run For Cover”: Like a lot of The Killers’ songs, it’s the storytelling aspect of “Run For Cover” that really gets you. Wrapped in an upbeat, chugging rock cloak, the song tells of a girl leaving an abusive lover, a story enhanced by its video. It’s a very different mood from the boastful lyrics of previous single “The Man,” which I like about “Run For Cover” as well. (video)

8.       Foo Fighters, “The Sky Is A Neighborhood”: At first I didn’t think I was going to like this song because the sound quality of the vocals during the verses is terrible. But once you get into it, this is a real hard-hitting rock track. Before I knew it I was headbanging along. The video is also pretty notable. It’s the second video Dave Grohl directed himself from their upcoming album and stars his daughter trying to summon aliens. (video)

9.       Tiger Army, “Dark and Lonely Night”:  “Dark and Lonely Night” takes a page from early 50’s rock ‘n’ roll bands like Buddy Holly & the Crickets. It’s slow pace and sweetness would make it perfect for a slow dance at a sock hop. (video)

These were some of our favorite new songs and music videos released this week. Check these out and fill your weekend with great new music.

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Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a wide array of genres. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more both in store and online. More titles are being added to our selection all the time, so whether you’re looking to find something you’ve never heard before or rediscover the classics, Vinyl Bay 777 has you covered.

Ten Shows in New York / New Jersey This Weekend You Need to Check Out

It’s Friday and that means the weekend is almost here. Time to unwind and what better way to do that than with some live music.

There are a lot of big tours coming to the New York and New Jersey area this weekend. Classic rockers such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hank Williams Jr., Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, Edgar Winter Band, Stephen Stills and the Flamin’ Groovies will all be in town, as will new(er) rock bands like Bouncing Souls and Pepper. Whether you like swing or Latin, you can dance the night away at shows from Squirrel Nut Zippers and Marc Anthony. For fans of soul and hip-hop, the Afropunk Festival will be taking over Brooklyn all weekend long.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has been browsing the web for the hottest shows going down in the New York / New Jersey area this weekend. Here are 10 shows we think you will be worth checking out.

1.       Lynyrd Skynyrd & Hank Williams Jr.: How about a little bit of southern rock and country to get your weekend started? Best known for their single “Sweet Home Alabama,” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s sound has been influencing rock and country music for decades. Hank Williams Jr. is one of the most prolific country crooners alive, releasing more than 56 studio albums over the course of six decades. If these legends weren’t enough, Staind frontman-turned-country crooner Aaron Lewis will be opening up. (Friday, Jones Beach Theater)

2.       Squirrel Nut Zippers: Enjoy swing music? Squirrel Nut Zippers has been bringing swing back for the last two decades. The band is currently finishing up their summer tour with a week of east coast dates that include shows on Long Island tonight and in Manhattan Wednesday. Be prepared to get out of your seat and dance the night away. (Friday, Tilles Center)

3.       Bouncing Souls: The Bouncing Souls come back to the area tonight after finishing up their recent tour with Rancid and the Dropkick Murphys for their “Stoked For The Summer” show in New Jersey. Joining the punk band are Lucero, The Menzingers, Mickey Rickshaw and Timeshares. This is guaranteed to be a raucous night of music you won’t want to miss. (Friday, Stone Pony Summer Stage)

4.       Flamin’ Groovies: If you’re interested in 1960s-1970s psychedelic rock, the Flamin’ Groovies will be playing at Rough Trade NYC tonight. Parts of the show will be filmed for the band’s upcoming documentary too, so you’ll also get to witness a piece of Groovies history. Opening the show will be local, all-female band Baby Shakes. (Friday, Rough Trade NYC)

5.       Deep Purple, Alice Cooper & Edgar Winter Band: Even more legendary artists will be coming to Jones Beach on Saturday. New Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Deep Purple, shock rocker Alice Cooper and blues rockers the Edgar Winter Band. Both Deep Purple and Alice Cooper released new music this year, so be prepared to hear some new tunes mixed in with the classics. (Saturday, Jones Beach Theater)

6.       Marc Anthony: World’s best-selling Latin artist Marc Anthony will be bringing his Full Circle tour to New York on Saturday. Again, be prepared for a lot of dancing in the aisles, as his salsa groves will overtake you. (Saturday, Madison Square Garden)

7.       Stephen Stills & Judy Collins: Stephen Stills and Judy Collins have been touring together all summer leading up to the release of their upcoming collaborative album. The tour wraps up this week with two shows in New York Saturday in Westbury and Monday in Binghampton before heading back to California. (Saturday, NYCB Theatre at Westbury)

8.       Pepper: Reggae-rock band Pepper have been going strong since getting their start in the 1990s. One of the most recognizable names in the genre, the band released their latest album, ‘Ohana,’ last year. If you missed them when they played The Paramount yesterday, fear not! The band will be playing in New Jersey on Saturday along with Tribal Seeds, Fortunate Youth and Darenots. (Saturday, Wellmont Theater)

9.       Afropunk Festival: The annual Afropunk Festival hits Brooklyn this weekend to celebrate diversity in music. Saturday’s line-up includes headlining sets from Solange, SZA, Macy Gray and Willow Smith while Sunday will feature headlining sets from Raphael Saadiq, Anderson .Paak, Gary Clark Jr. and Unlocking The Truth. (Saturday & Sunday, Various venues across Brooklyn)

10.   Anthony Hamilton: Looking to wind down your weekend with a little soul? Anthony Hamilton released his latest album, What I’m Feelin’,’ last year and is currently touring behind it. The album is his best-selling to date, giving him his highest debut on the R&B charts yet. His tour will be hitting New York City on Sunday. (Sunday, B.B. King Blues Club)

These are some of the biggest shows happening in the New York / New Jersey area this weekend. From rock and reggae to R&B and hip-hop, the next few days will be filled with a lot of amazing shows. Check out these or any of the many other shows going on in the area and make great live music part of your weekend.

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Live and recorded music go hand in hand. That’s why you should come down to Vinyl Bay 777 before you hit the venues this weekend 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 an array of genres. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store or on our website at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

The Village Voice and Its Influence on Music

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, takes a look back at the impact The Village Voice has had on music.

On Tuesday, it was announced that The Village Voice would be ending their free weekly print publication. Though The Voice will be keeping their website alive to continue their work reporting on politics and culture, the impending absence of the print edition marks the end of an era in New York City’s culture scene.

Over it’s more than six decades of publication, The Village Voice has been home to some of pop culture’s most prominent reporters, including music critics Robert Christgau and Lester Bangs and writers Ezra Pound, James Baldwin, e.e. cummings, Allen Ginsberg and more. Even though it has changed hands numerous times over that period, its quality has not suffered, leading to three Pulitzer Prizes, a National Press Foundation Award and a George Polk Award.

From its beginnings as a way for the citizens of Greenwich Village to find out about news, cultural events and other important area information to it’s now national and global span, The Village Voice has been and continues to be a big part of music and culture. From concerts to album rankings, the publication has left its mark on the music scene both locally and globally.

Take the Pazz & Jop Poll, for example. Robert Christgau created the Pazz & Jop year end music poll in 1971 for The Village Voice as a way to tabulate the best albums and singles of the year. Hundreds of music critics would send their weighted top ten lists to the publication for compilation resulting in the final ranking. Even after Christgau was unexpectedly fired from the publication in 1996, the Pazz & Jop poll continued on, with 2016’s list coming out this past January (David Bowie’s ‘Blackstar’ took the number one album spot while Beyonce’s “Formation” took top single). It is still the most respected year end music list available.

The Village Voice has also been deeply involved in live music. For years the publication has served as a source to find out about upcoming shows in the Greenwich Village area. But starting in 2001, the publication decided to get into putting on its own live shows with the launch of the Siren Music Festival. The free Coney Island music festival ran for 10 years and featured some of the biggest bands in indie-rock, including Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, M.I.A, Spoon, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Shins, Modest Mouse, Death Cab For Cutie, Cursive, Broken Social Scene, Matt & Kim and more. In 2011, the festival changed its location to South Street Seaport and its name to 4Knots, but continued to promote the same influential indie-rock bands its predecessor did.

Between its reputation for outstanding news and cultural coverage and its influence in the local and national music scene, The Village Voice has been a cornerstone of New York’s culture scene for decades. With the end of its print publication, another piece of the city’s history fades away, only to be overtaken by the “new technology” of the internet. 

  

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

Seven Songs Featuring the Sun for After the Solar Eclipse

Yesterday, the United States was treated to a total solar eclipse, the first of its kind in the area in nearly a century. While Long Island was not in the path of totality (we only got about 71% coverage), many still looked towards the skies to catch a glimpse of the event. Those who were not able to see it will have to wait another seven years for another total eclipse.

Still in awe of the eclipse and want to continue your celebration into today? Tired of hearing Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” ad nauseam? Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has you covered. Here is a list of seven punk and alternative songs about the sun, perfect for your post-eclipse party, or just sitting out at the beach soaking in the last few weeks of warm summer sun we have left.

1.       Smash Mouth, “Walking on the Sun”: “Walking on the Sun” has this over the top 60’s psychedelic vibe straight out of an ‘Austin Powers’ movie. Despite its serious lyrics, this is one of those songs that you can easily find yourself lounging around to on a sunny day. (video)

2.       The Offspring, “Staring at the Sun”: “Staring At The Sun” is a song about trying to remain positive while everyone around you is trying to change you. It’s angry and defiant, and is a perfect reminder that changing yourself, like staring at the sun, hurts. (video)

3.       Violent Femmes, “Blister in the Sun”: This 1983 classic’s loud-quiet-loud dynamics and easy, minimalist style make “Blister in the Sun” a staple of any sunny summer day. Just imagine sitting out, listening to this song and basking in the sun’s rays that you can now see again. (video)

4.       Our Lady Peace, “Bring Back the Sun”: Like it was in the path of totality, it’s really dark without the sun. For those dark times, you just wish the sunshine and happy times would come back. Our Lady Peace brilliantly evokes those feelings with their ballad “Bring Back the Sun.” The song is solemn yet hopeful at the same time. (video)

5.       Weezer, “Island in the Sun”: Hands down one of the best sunshine songs of the late 1990s, “Island in the Sun” feels like lounging around in the sun. It just makes you happy. (video)

6.       Aqualung, “Brighter than Sunshine”: If sunshine is the baseline for love, than brighter than sunshine must be even better. Just re-listening to this song after 12 years is making me smile while writing this. (video)

7.       Len, “Steal My Sunshine”: Don’t let an eclipse, or the upcoming fall season steal your sunshine. Len’s only hit is the epitome of summer fun and enjoyment, and a song you need to blast every single day of the summer. (video)

Whether you are still reeling from the excitement of yesterday’s eclipse or have moved beyond it and just want to enjoy the summer sun, these punk and alternative rock songs will keep you rocking out long past eclipse chatter dies out. Check these songs out and enjoy the sun in all its power.

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Take a break from the summer sun to see what’s new at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com. Find music from many of the artists listed above at Long Island’s top new independent record shop. We have thousands of titles to choose from. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week in Review: New Songs/Music Videos You Need To Check Out (August 13-19, 2017)

Happy Weekend! It’s once again time to take a look back at some of the best new songs and music videos that came out over the last week.

A lot of new pop and rock music came out this week. P!nk gave us a taste of her just announced seventh studio album, as did Our Lady Piece with their ninth studio album. Weezer, Echosmith and Miley Cyrus also released new singles from their recently announced new albums. We also got a highly danceable new stand-alone single from Neon Trees, as well as from Cher, who released a song for a new children’s program. This week also saw new videos from LCD Soundsystem and Bouncing Souls from their recently released albums.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has been searching for the best new music and videos of the week. Here are nine that we think you should check out right now.

1.       Neck Deep, “In Bloom”: UK pop-punk band Neck Deep released a video for their new single, “In Bloom,” this week, just days ahead of the release of their third album, ‘The Peace and The Panic’ which hit shelves yesterday. Neck Deep have been putting out a lot of really good songs in the lead-up to the album’s release, but “In Bloom” is probably the most memorable yet. The clarity of the melody and lyrics is refreshing. With the quality of the singles being so high, I’m really excited to hear this album in full. (Video)

2.       Our Lady Peace, “Drop Me in the Water”: Our Lady Peace is finally coming out with a new album and they just released the audio for its first single, “Drop Me in the Water.” It’s a straight-up rock song without a lot of frills and falsettos. While it isn’t their most interesting song, it does stick with you and make you excited to hear more. (Video)

3.       Neon Trees, “Feel Good”: “Feel Good” does exactly what its title says, that is making you “feel good.” It’s a happy, bouncy track that makes you want to dance. There are less electronic elements to it and it doesn’t quite have that edge that some of their other hits have had, but that really doesn’t make a difference here. (Video)

4.       LCD Soundsystem, “tonite”: I’m a little intrigued by “tonite,’ as I’m not really a fan of LCD Soundsystem. But the way James Mercer phrases the lyrics and the way he gets them across is almost like an aside in a play. He’s talking directly to the listener about something that is on his mind. It’s very reminiscent of the Talking Heads’ “Once In A Lifetime.” (Video)

5.       Weezer, “Mexican Summer”: Along with the announcement of their upcoming album, ‘Pacific Daydream,’ Weezer released the album’s second single, “Mexican Fender.” “Mexican Fender” doesn’t go in the same electronic direction first single “Feels Like Summer” does, instead going for a more mid-career Weezer feel. (Video)

6.       James Blunt, “Someone Singing Along”: A lot of James Blunt’s music sounds like he is trying to recreate the popularity he once had. But with “Someone Singing Along,” Blunt doesn’t seem to be worried about sounding a certain way. This is a good thing because “Someone Singing Along” is a well-written and very powerful song. The sincerity in his voice mirrors that of the song, making his message of uniting to help others resonate that much more. (Video)

7.       P!nk, “What About Us”: P!nk announced that she will be releasing a new album, ‘Beautiful Trauma,’ later this year and gave everyone a taste of what it will be like with a video for the album’s first single, “What About Us.” Never one to hold back what is on her mind, P!nk gets really political, both in the song and in its video. There is an urgency and chaos in her words and vocals that demands to be heard. The intensity of the dancing amplifies these feelings as well. (Video)

8.       Miley Cyrus, “Younger Now”: On the heels of announcing her new album, ‘Younger Now,’ Miley Cyrus has released a video for the album’s title track. The song itself is not that compelling to me, but the video is interesting. In it, Cyrus delves into 1950s country and rock and roll nostalgia, most notably recreating some of Elvis Presley’s most iconic looks. She also surrounds herself with elderly dancers, perhaps trying to acquaint herself part of that time period even further (?). It’s a far cry from her outlandish, over-sexualized performances from five years ago, or even the more demure white outfits she wore in her “Malibu” video just a few months ago. (Video)

9.       The Bouncing Souls, “Satellite”: What I love about “Satellite” is that it doesn’t beat you over the head with punk grit. It’s melodic enough to sing along to and hits hard enough that you can’t help but feel compelled to rock out to it. (Video)

This week saw the release of a lot of great rock and pop songs and music videos. These are just some of our favorites that we think you will enjoy. Check these out and kick your weekend off right with new music.

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

Live Shows in New York/New Jersey This Weekend (August 18-20, 2017)

The weekend is almost upon us once more. If the events of the last week have been getting you outraged and leaving you with a sense of lost hope, perhaps you should take out some of that energy at a live show.

There are a lot of big shows happening in New York and New Jersey this weekend. Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey are making up for their cancelled tour dates. Dave Chappelle continues his month-long run at Radio City Music Hall with guests like Trevor Noah, Ms. Lauryn Hill and Childish Gambino. Billboard will be holding their annual Hot 100 Festival with all the biggest names in the music game today.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has rounded up a list of some of the biggest shows happening in New York and New Jersey this weekend. Here are 10 that we think you will enjoy.

1.       Snoop Dogg: This is your chance to see Snoop Dogg up close and personal. He will be foregoing the usual pomp of his rap shows for an intimate DJ set at B.B. King Blues Club under the name “Snoopadelic.” This will also be your only chance to see him in New York before he goes on a west coast tour in October behind his new album, ‘Neva Left,’ released in May. (Friday, B.B. King Blues Club)

2.       Mary J. Blige: Blige will be taking her ‘Strength Of A Woman’ tour to New York this weekend for two shows. The tour is in promotion of her new album of the same name, which was released in April. (Friday, Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island; Saturday, Theater at Madison Square Garden)

3.       Lionel Richie & Mariah Carey: Earlier this year, Lionel Richie had to cancel his tour with Mariah Carey due to a procedure he had done on his knee. But now the singer is back in action and back on tour. Hear all the hits and fan favorites from two of R&B’s most prolific artists on one stage. (Friday, Prudential Center; Saturday, Madison Square Garden)

4.       Blondie: NYC radio station CBS-FM will be holding their annual Saturday in the Park concert this weekend and they got none other than Blondie to perform. The band released their outstanding new album, ‘ Polinator,’ in May and had recently been touring with 90’s rock band Garbage. The show is free to attend and, considering the reach Blondie has, will be extremely packed. But it will be well worth it to hear these punk legends on the outdoor stage. (Saturday. Eisenhower Park Lakeside Theater)

5.       Jesse Malin: New York punk legend Jesse Malin (D Generation) will be headlining this year’s Strummer Fest, which honors the music and memory of late Clash vocalist Joe Strummer, taking place in New Jersey this Saturday. The show will feature other local artists as well, including the Gaslight Anthem’s Brian Fallon, The Hold Steady’s Craig Finn and Tad Kubler and Titus Andronicus’ Patrick Stickles. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Joe Strummer Foundation to help give musicians more opportunities and support projects that empower people through music. (Saturday, Stone Pony)

6.       John Mayer: John Mayer will be all over the New York area this week in support of his new album, ‘The Search For Everything,’ released in April. Mayer is an amazing guitarist and artist, so this show should be really good. If you don’t want to travel to New Jersey this weekend, the tour will make a stop at Jones Beach this Wednesday. (Saturday, PNC Bank Arts Center)

7.       Stabbing Westward: Best known for their single “Save Yourself,” Stabbing Westward reunited last year for their 30^th anniversary. Now the band is on a full-blown US tour, marking their first tour together in nearly 15 years. (Saturday, Gramercy Theatre)

8.       Air Supply: After writing music for a new Off-Broadway show earlier this year, Graham Russell and the rest of Air Supply are back on the road bringing 70s nostalgia to the masses. The band will be playing a show this Saturday on Long Island, but don’t worry if you can’t make it. Air Supply will be back in New York in October playing two shows at B.B. King Blues Club. (Saturday, NYCB Theatre at Westbury)

9.       Gavin DeGraw: DeGraw will be bringing his ‘Raw Tour’ to Long Island this weekend for a sold-out show. The singer released his latest album, ‘Something Worth Saving,’ last year. (Saturday, Space at Westbury)

10.   Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival: Billed as one of the biggest music events of the year, the Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival will bring today’s hottest artists to Long Island for two days of non-stop music this weekend. Saturday’s show will feature the likes of We The Kings, Capitol Cities, Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, Demi Lovado, Zedd and Big Sean, while Sunday’s line-up will feature the likes of Cash Cash, Waka Flocka Flame, T-Pain, Young Thug, Echosmith, DJ Khaled, Camila Cabello (ex-Fifth Harmony), Marshmello and Major Lazer. If pop music is your thing, you will not want to miss this show. (Saturday & Sunday, Jones Beach Theater)

The New York / New Jersey area will be packed with amazing live music this weekend. Check out these shows or any of the great local bands playing around the area and make your weekend rock.

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Before you head out to the venues this weekend, drop by Vinyl Bay 777 to find 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 a wide array of genres. Browse our growing selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store and online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our collection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

40 Years Later: How Elvis Presley Changed Music Culture Forever

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, takes a brief look back at “The King’s” cultural impact

 Today marks the 40^th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s untimely passing. It was on this day in 1977 that Presley was found in his Graceland home after having died from a heart attack presumably caused by a drug overdose. He was just 42 years old.

Presley led a remarkable career in the music industry, becoming one of the most popular singers in music history. He had 18 number one singles in the US and countless others place in the top 100. During his lifetime, he had nine number one albums. Even after his death his popularity continued, earning another number one album in 2002.

There were two things in particular that made Elvis Presley stand out in American culture: his music and his stage presence. Much of his music was influenced by the black artists he grew up listening to. A fan of early blues singers like B.B. King and Arthur “Big Boy Crudup, Presley wanted to share that music with the world. And he did. His first single was a cover of Crudup’s “That’s All Right,” which he had recorded after starting to sing it during a break at his first recording session for Sun Records. Much of his original songs were also written with those same blues progressions in mind. This bothered people because of race relations at the time. Black DJs didn’t want to play Presley’s music because he was white and when DJs did play his music, people often thought he was black.

Elvis was also known for his trademark dance moves, most importantly the way he shook his hips. Debuting his infamous pelvic moves during his performance of “Hound Dog” on ‘The Milton Berle Show,’ Presley made young girls swoon and adults wag their fingers. Many found his performance to be over-sexualized and obscene. Following television performances were quick to censor his pelvic thrusts by filming him from the waist up.

Despite his critics, who called him the “dangerous” embodiment of rock and roll and rebellion, Presley’s popularity exceeded the hate. His combination of “black music” and lively performances were crucial in helping to start a new counter-cultural revolution, one that attempted to break down color barriers and awaken the youth to influences outside of what was deemed “safe.” Presley’s status as a cultural icon grew, leading to a rabid fan base that would only be rivaled by Beatlemania five years later.

Presley’s cultural influence can still be felt to this day. His music is still highly respected and popular, with new compilations flying off the shelves, one of which is currently vying for the top spot on the UK album charts. He currently ranks number five in artists with the most singles on the Billboard 100 even though he has not released new music in four decades. Presley’s Graceland home continues to be a tourist destination with fans of all ages coming to pay respects to the singer.

Elvis Presley’s iconic music and presence made him a cultural phenomenon with a legacy that remains unmatched. A symbol of the counter-culture, his music helped bring what was traditionally considered “black music” to the masses in the form of rock and roll. His hip-shaking, though seemingly harmless now, was a symbol of rebellion. Now 40 years after his passing, new generations are continuing to discover his music, letting “the King’s” legacy live on.

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Find music from Elvis Presley and more iconic artists at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s top new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from spanning a wide array of genres. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store and online at vinylbay777.com. More titles are being added all the time, so there’s always something new to find.

Nine Rock Cruises Happening in 2017-2018

Music cruises have been gaining ground over the last few years. The combination of fresh ocean air, stunning exotic views, loud music and the prospect of hobnobbing with your favorite artists seems really hard to pass up.

There are a lot of rock music cruises with outstanding line-ups that have already been set up for the end of the year and into 2018. And since most of these cruises are in the fall, winter and spring, they will also prove to be a rocking getaway from the cold New York weather.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, wants to get you into the vacation spirit. That’s why we’ve created this list of upcoming rock music cruises. Ranging from punk and metal to pop-rock and oldies, here are 9 that will make you forget about the snowy weather back home and get you rocking out.

1.       Warped Rewind at Sea: If you’re a fan of the punk summer festival, Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman is doing it all over again this fall, but on the high seas. Some of the tour’s most popular bands from throughout its history will be there, including Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, The Starting Line, Reel Big Fish, Story of the Year, Less Than Jake and a lot more. Emo Nite will be on hand to create amazing dance parties every night and there is currently a contest for three unsigned bands to join the cruise. (Website, October 28-November 1, 2017)

2.       Kiss Kruise VII: Kiss are great at marketing themselves, so a cruise seems like a perfect fit for them. This is the seventh year they have been setting sail and there will not be any shortage of ways to meet the band, such as participating in game shows like “Are You Smarter Than A Rock God” with Gene Simmons and cooking with Paul Stanley. Extreme and Steel Panther are also on the bill for the cruise, as are a couple of cover bands, newer bands and former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick and his brother. (Website, November 5-10, 2017)

3.       The Rock Boat XVIII: Rock Boat is billed as a floating music festival, boasting bands both new and established. Hosted by Sister Hazel, the festival is being headlined by Barenaked Ladies and Needtobreathe, and will also feature performances from the likes of Colony House, Drew Holcomb, Cowboy Mouth and more. They are still adding bands, so this line-up could get even better. (Website, January 30-February 4, 2018)

4.       70000 Tons of Metal: 70000 Tons of Metal has only announced a third of the bands that will be performing on the 2018 edition of the cruise, but it’s already looking like a metal head’s paradise. Cruisers can look forward to sets from Cannibal Corpse, Meshuggah, Sepultura, Alestorm, Enslaved and more. (Website, February 1-5, 2018)

5.       Monsters of Rock: Still looking for more metal on the open seas? If you still have the money, the Monsters of Rock cruise will be setting sail a week later with another massive line-up. It’s being headlined by Tesla, Queensryche, Lita Ford and Winger with performances by Steve Harris of Iron Maiden, LA Guns, Lynch Mob, Loudness and Faster Pussycat. ‘That Metal Show’s’ Eddie Trunk and Don Jamieson will host. (Website, February 11-16, 2018)

6.       Rock Legends Cruise VI: The name says it all. This cruise will be filled with some of the biggest rock legends on the planet. Sammy Hagar, Bad Company, Blue Oyster Cult, Steppenwolf, Molly Hatchet, Todd Rundgren, Uriah Heap, Vanilla Fudge and Quiet Riot will all be there. (Website, February 15-19, 2018)

7.       ‘70s Rock & Romance: Looking for some 70’s nostalgia? The Rock & Romance cruise has you covered. For 2018, the cruise has booked Styx, Michael McDonald, The Guess Who, America, Air Supply, Badfinger and more. On top of that, you can mix and mingle with cast members of the hit ‘70s comedy ‘Three’s Company’ Jenilee Harrison and Richard Kline. (Website, March 3-7, 2018)

8.       Sail Across the Sun: Love good-natured pop-rock? The Sail Across The Sun music and wine festival is back for a fifth year with Train as host. Bands announced for the 2018 cruise include Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Gym Class Heroes, Magic!, Christopher Cross and Lisa Loeb, among others. (Website, March 7-11, 2018)

9.       The 80’s Cruise: Perhaps you’re missing the ‘80s instead of the ‘70s.There just so happens to be an ‘80s cruise too. The 2018 edition of the tour is being hosted by Rick Springfield and will feature performances from Loverboy, Mike + the Mechanics, Billy Ocean, Berlin, Thomas Dolby and more alongside cover bands and original MTV VJs Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman and Alan Hunter. Between concerts, theme night parties and other events, this will be an immersive ‘80s experience. (Website, March 17-24, 2018)

The concept of the rock cruise has been gaining in popularity over the last few years with bands of all genres getting involved. These are just some of the many rock cruises that will be setting sail in the next year. Extend your vacation plans into the cooler months and check out one of these cruises.

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Find music from many of these cruising bands 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 store and online. Whether you’re into rock, pop, metal, R&B, hip-hop or classical, we have you covered. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.