Vinyl Bay 777’s Favorite Songs of 2018

2018 was an amazing year for music. From big artists who dominated the year’s musical discourse to up-and-comers who really made an impact, there was no shortage of great tunes out there for our listening pleasure. And now that we only have a few more days until 2019 begins, this is the perfect opportunity to step back and remember the music that really stood out.

As 2018 comes to a close, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of our favorite songs from the past year. From hip-hop and pop to indie and rock, here are eight songs that we hoped you loved as much as we did.

1.       Childish Gambino, “This Is America”: I’m not even a fan of today’s rap style and this is a great song. “This Is America” harnesses the power of words to make a bold, powerful statement about our culture. It makes itself well understood, using pacing to make its message digestible. The song also had one of the best videos this year and really got people talking. (video)

2.       Superorganism, “Everybody Wants To Be Famous”: Low key and unassuming, “Everybody Wants To Be Famous” was a breakout single for Superorganism this year. The song’s mild tempo, minimalist feel and confident-yet-odd lyrics are a testament to the band’s off the beaten path aesthetic and is made for the internet age. (video)

3.       Courtney Barnett, “Nameless, Faceless”: Courtney Barnett isn’t afraid to “tell it like it is” in her lyrics. “Nameless, Faceless” is proof of that. Backed by a psychedelic-ish guitar melody, the song serves out a perfectly worded response to the differences men and women face out in public. During the verses, she doesn’t back down as she nonchalantly reprimands a guy for putting her down and wonders what happened to him to make him say something like that. (video)

4.       Death Cab For Cutie, “Gold Rush”: Everyone can relate to the feeling when everything around you seems to be changing without you. Death Cab For Cutie captures that perfectly in “Gold Rush.” Written by Ben Gibbard about how the neighborhood he grew up in has changed, he paints a vivid picture of his feelings through metaphor and melody. It’s far from the melancholy days of “I Will Follow You Into the Dark,” but just as emotional and grabbing. (video)

5.       The 1975, “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)”: There is a certain cold, 80s electronic element that permeates The 1975’s recent singles like “Love It If We Made It” and “Give Yourself A Try” (though both do have their positive points). But “It’s Not Living” feels different. While still clearly 80s-inspired, it has the bounce of a synth-pop track. It’s upbeat (even if the lyrics aren’t) and catchy. (video)

6.       Dan + Shay, “Tequila”: Country duo Dan + Shay had a ton of success this year, including two number one songs on country radio. The first of these was “Tequila,” a wistful track about the things that make you remember that someone special. It’s pleasantly somber yet joyful at the same time. (video)

7.       Barns Courtney, “99”: It seemed to be a theme this year in music to reminisce about the 1990s. However, none of those songs quite capture the essence of growing up in that decade like Barns Courtney’s “99.” Its nostalgic for the era, but doesn’t’ hit you over the head with references or that “simpler time” feeling. Instead he relates a love story in the lyrics, using a swirling guitar melody to wrap around it and provide a funky, totally unique vibe. (video)

8.       Marshmello feat. Bastille, “Happier”: At this point “Happier” feels a bit played out, as it has been a major crossover radio hit for both EDM DJ Marshmello and rock band Bastille. But its popularity is a function of it being a pretty brilliant collaboration. The song’s mood is decidedly bright for lyrics that depict a guy deciding that he has to leave his significant other in order for that person to be happy. But that melody and infectious beat is what adds to the song’s appeal. (video)

Further listening:

·         Panic! at the Disco, “High Hopes”

·         Florence + the Machine, “Hunger”

·         Dua Lipa, “IDGAF”

·         Stand Atlantic, “Skinny Dipping”

This past year was filled with amazing music from start to finish. Enjoy this look back at some of our favorite songs of 2018 and let us know what songs left an impact on you this year in the comments below.

Happy New Year!

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

More New Years Songs for Your New Year’s Eve Playlist

New Year’s is a time to reflect on the year that was, as well as a time to celebrate the potential of the new one in front of us. Music has always been great at conveying this, as there are many songs that present this sentiment both lyrically and melodically.

Previously, we gave you a list of rock songs to help you ring in the New Year. Now, with 2019 only a week away, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, it back with even more songs to make your New Year’s Eve playlist shine. From party anthems to reflective wishes for “better” days, here are five more songs about the New Year to get you ready for 2019.

1.       Daft Punk, “One More Time”: Though not really about the coming of the New Year, “One More Time” is an iconic 1990s dance club banger about celebrating what you have. Like the song says, “don’t wait” until its “too late,” just dance and celebrate one more time. Make this party count. (video)

2.       Goo Goo Dolls, “Better Days”: The New Year is often thought of as a time when people can get a fresh start in life. The Goo Goo Dolls’ “Better Days” speaks to this, wishing that those who need it will come up on better times in the coming year. Take that clean slate and make life better, because as the song says, “Tonight’s the night the world begins again.” (video)

3.       Bon Jovi, “New Year’s Day”: “New Year’s Day” encompasses every feeling one has about the New Year in one song. It laments the passage of time, it looks ahead to happy days and how we live life. But most importantly, it toasts to the coming year and its promise of a new beginning. Amen to that. (video)

4.       Counting Crows, “A Long December”: “A Long December” finds Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz reflectively looking back at a hectic year that seems to have been filled with heartache and pain. He hopes that the next year will be “better than the last,” which is something we can all relate to at this time of year. (video)

5.       ABBA, “Happy New Year”: Much of “Happy New Year” is about New Year’s Day itself once the pomp and circumstance of New Year’s Eve is over. This new day feels different and unknown in both good and bad ways. However, the important thing to take from the song comes from its chorus, which wishes that the New Year will bring unity and that our hopes and dreams will be closer to fulfilled. (video)

Whether the mood is melancholy and reflective or joyous and celebratory, there are a lot of great songs to get you ready for the New Year. Check out the songs above and let us know what songs you're listening to in order to get psyched for 2019 in the comments below.

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Celebrate 2019 with music from Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island's favorite 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, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

New Year's Eve Musical Television Specials to Ring in 2019

Watching the ball drop on New Year’s Eve is a time-honored tradition in New York. Times Square is filled with revelers who come down just to witness the LED-lit orb usher in the coming year. However, many people dislike the chaos of it all, making it as much a tradition to stay home and watch the event unfurl on television.

Music is often a deciding factor in which New Year’s Eve program you tune into. Over the last month, news has been creeping out about which programs will get which performers. And from what we know so far, between all the specials, a lot of this year’s hottest artists will be present to ring in 2019.

With New Year’s Eve only a week-and-a-half away, Vinyl Bay777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at some of the musical specials ushering in 2019. From pop and R&B to country and rock, here are the biggest television options to help you make the best New Year’s Eve choice possible.

1.       ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’: Ryan Seacrest fills the shoes of Dick Clark for a 12^th year to ring in the New Year. The special takes the celebration national with musical acts taking the stage in three different time zones. Christina Aguilera is the big headliner this year with additional performances by Bastille, Dan + Shay, New Kids on the Block and more taking place in New York City, Camila Cabello, The Chainsmokers, Halsey and more in California, and Florida Georgia Line in New Orleans. (8PM, ABC)

2.       ‘New Year’s with Steve Harvey’: After the success of last year’s broadcast, Steve Harvey and Maria Menounos return for a second year as hosts of Fox’s New Year’s Eve celebration. The special will include performances from Sting, Florence & the Machine, Jason Aldean, Robin Thicke, Juanes and Why Don’t We, among others, as well as appearances by comedians Ken Jeong and  Kenan Thompson and Fox’s NFL Sunday commentators. (8PM, Fox)

3.       ‘New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly’: Learning from last year’s New Years programming flub, NBC is bringing back their Carson Daly-hosted holiday eve program.  Joining Daly as co-hosts will be ‘SNL’s’ Leslie Jones and Chrissy Teigen. The event will have performances from Kelly Clarkson, Andy Grammer, John Legend, Blake Shelton and headliner Diana Ross. Also performing are Keith Urban and Brett Young, though their sets will be telecast from Nashville’s ‘Music City Midnight’ event. (10PM, NBC)

4.       ‘New Year’s Eve Live’: Anderson Cooper takes you into the New Year for his 16^th time and second with co-host Andy Cohen. The straight-man/funny-man nature of their relationship made last year’s broadcast the network’s most watched NYE of all time. No music announced yet, but there are sure to be a lot of celebrities dropping by. (8PM, CNN)

This year’s New Years Eve programming line-ups are filled with some of the hottest artists in music today. Whichever you watch, there are sure to be some great performances leading up to the midnight ball drop.

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Ring in the New Year with Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in an array of genres to satisfy most music lovers’ tastes. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for holiday gifts or the perfect song to usher in 2019, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week in Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (December 9-15, 2018)

The weekend is officially here! Now that the week is over, it is once again time to take a look back at all the new music released over the past seven days.

Even with the year almost at its end, there were still a lot of new songs and music videos released over the last week, especially when it came to rock and pop. We had yet another new song from Ariana Grande. Avril Lavigne released her second comeback single. One Direction’s Zayn Malik put out a new single to go with his newly released sophomore album. In metal and hard rock, In Flames, Papa Roach and Breaking Benjamin released new music from their respective upcoming albums. Gerard Way released his third one-off single in two months. We also got some great new tracks from up-and-comers like gnash and The Stolen.

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

1.       gnash, “T-Shirt”: “T-Shirt” is an intriguing song. The melody falls somewhere between hip-hop, singer-songwriter and pop-punk, with a hook that grows on you as the song progresses. What drew me in at first, though, was the music video, which spoofs a range of early pop-punk videos from the likes of My Chemical Romance, Panic! At The Disco, Good Charlotte, Blink-182, All Time Low and Paramore. (video)

2.       Avril Lavigne, “Tell Me It’s Over”: Since reemerging with “Head Above Water,” Avril Lavigne has been toning things down a bit with her music. Case in point her latest single “Tell Me It’s Over.” The song takes a pretty standard blues progression, sets it to waltz time and turns it into a song about the complicated place between breaking up and staying together. It’s a melody that feels both familiar and new at the same time. Not to mention that the passion with which she sings is great. Like with “Head Above Water,” you can feel the pain in her voice. (video)

3.       In Flames, “This Is Our House”: In Flames released the first two singles from their just announced 13^th studio album this week. “I Am Above” is more of the band’s traditional, black metal sound, which is a little hard to get into if you’re not already into that kind of music (though the video is hypnotizing). But “This Is Our House” is a bit more melodic and anthemic. The song’s lyrics are a rallying cry, demanding people fight for what is important to them. I like the added group chanting at the beginning and end, which adds a sense of immediacy and unity to the song’s message. ( “Above” and “House”)

4.       Gerard Way feat. Lydia Night, “Dasher”: Not your normal holiday song, My Chemical Romance’s Gerard Way’s “Dasher” is a down-tempo track about a girl who is in love with a reindeer. The song has a dreamy quality that is light, beautiful and fits the fanciful story well. (video)

5.       The Stolen, “Stuck”:  A simple pop-punk ballad, “Stuck” hits on some of the more pop-y aspects of the genre. The song’s low-key melody has this almost swirling effect that make you feel like you’re spinning slowly under twinkle lights. It’s actually a good effect for the song’s contemplative lyrics, which has the narrator looking back at holidays past and realizing that he needs a change. (video)

6.       Papa Roach, “Elevate”: Papa Roach continue with their new rap-rock sound on their new single “Elevate,” the latest from their upcoming album ‘Who Do You Trust?’ The band goes for rapped verses and a melodic chorus that unfolds like a less pop-y Imagine Dragons track. (video)

With the weekend upon us, now is a great opportunity to take a look back at all of the new songs and music videos released over the last week. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new songs you’ve been digging this week in the comments below.

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

Frank Sinatra at 103: Looking Back at Some of the Iconic Crooner’s Biggest Hits

Legendary crooner Frank Sinatra would have been 103 today. Known for such iconic songs as “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” “Fly Me To The Moon” and “Come Fly With Me,” among many others, his work spanned more than five decades with an indelible impact that lasted far beyond his living years.

One of the first teen idols, Sinatra’s popularity exceeded that of any artist that came before him. By the time he went solo in 1942, he had throngs of hysterically screaming girls at his shows and he hadn’t even released his first solo album yet. He would go on to release 59 studio albums, plus countless compilations, live albums and more. That popularity would also translate into film and television. He has appeared in more than 60 films and television shows, as well as had his music featured in hundreds more.

In honor of Frank Sinatra’s birthday, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of the crooner’s biggest hit singles. Here are six that impacted the charts and changed the music industry forever.

1.       “Love And Marriage”: Most well known for its use as the theme song to the 1987 sitcom ‘Married…With Children,’ Sinatra first recorded “Love And Marriage” in 1955 for a television production of ‘Our Town.’ The song became a hit for him that same year, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the UK charts.

2.       “High Hopes”: Now a popular children’s song, “High Hopes” was initially made popular by Sinatra. The 1959 song, which featured a children’s choir backing up the crooner, didn’t fare as well on the charts as some of his other hits, though it still managed to rank at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.

3.       “Strangers In The Night”: A number one hit all around, “Strangers In The Night” was Sinatra’s biggest hit by far. It was also one of his least favorites, having referred to it in the past as “the worst f***ing song I’ve ever heard” and never performing it live.

4.       “Somethin’ Stupid”: Like father like daughter, Sinatra’s daughter Nancy was also a singer with her own string of hits in the 1960s and 1970s.  The two collaborated in 1967 on a cover of the song “Somethin’ Stupid,” giving them a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also the first time a father-daughter duo reached number one on the chart and remains the only song to have done that.

5.       “My Way”: A Sinatra classic (and another song he disliked), “My Way” became a hit for the crooner in 1969, one of the last before he attempted to retire two years later. The song has since become one of the most covered songs of all time with some of the most popular versions sung by Sid Vicious, Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.

6.       “Theme from ‘New York, New York’”: Though mostly associated with Sinatra nowadays, “Theme from ‘New York, New York’” was actually originally recorded by Liza Minnelli in 1977. Minnelli’s version, however, never reached the top 100. Sinatra’s version reached number 32 on the chart and number 10 at adult contemporary, making it a bona-fide hit and cementing it as one of his most well-known recordings.

Frank Sinatra has had a prolific career, releasing more than 60 albums, hundreds of singles and appearing in many television and film roles. His hits, like the ones above, have stood the test of time and are still being enjoyed by fans all over the world to this day.

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

New Christmas Albums for 2018

Christmas is only a couple of weeks away. And in case you missed it, a lot of this year’s holiday new album releases have already hit shelves. That means it’s time to delve into some of the new holiday albums that came out this year.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is gearing up for the holiday season with a look at some of this year’s Christmas album releases. From the highly popular to ones off the beaten path, here are seven holiday releases that might be worth checking out.

(Note: This list does not reflect which albums we have or do not have in store.)

1.       William Shatner, ‘Shatner Claus’: Though his musical career often times feels like the punchline of a joke, William Shatner’s debut Christmas album, ‘Shatner Claus,’ sounds interesting. The album features reworkings of holiday classics, a handful of which are performed as duets with rock music heavy-hitters. These include “Silent Night” with Iggy Pop, two versions of “Jingle Bells” with Black Flag’s Henry Rollins, “Silver Bells” with Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and more.

2.       Eric Clapton, ‘Happy Xmas’: Over the course of his more than five decade career, Eric Clapton had never released a Christmas album until this year. The album features 14 holiday songs both well-known and obscure, all rearranged to fit his bluesy rock style. There is also , as well as an original tune written by Clapton and producer Simon Climie. In addition to the album, Clapton also released a special video to YouTube with interview footage about the making of the album and acoustic performances of some of the songs.

3.       Monkees, ‘Christmas Party’: Just like Clapton, this is the first time the Monkees have released a Christmas album. Filled with classics and originals, the remaining members of the band teamed up with the collaborators from their 2016 album ‘Good Times!’ for the new release. Davy Jones wasn’t left out, however. His vocals were used on two of the album’s tracks.

4.       John Legend, ‘A Legendary Christmas’: One of the most anticipated holiday albums of the year, John Legend brings some soul to the Christmas season with ‘A Legendary Christmas.’ The singer accompanied the album with a primetime television special of the same name earlier this year, securing his hold on this year’s yuletide season.

5.       Mike Love, ‘Reason For The Season’: Despite all the Christmas music he put out with the Beach Boys back in the day, Mike Love has now released his own album of holiday songs. ‘Reason For The Season’ features even more classics and originals, including a re-recording of Beach Boys hit “Little Saint Nick” and a duet with 1990s brotherly trio Hanson.

6.       August Burns Red, ‘Winter Wilderness’: A bit different than the typical holiday fare, metalcore band August Burns Red released a Christmas EP this year. Another mixture of covers and originals, including an entirely instrumental track, this is sure to be the most aggressive you’ll hear this season.

7.       Ingrid Michaelson, ‘Songs For The Season’: Singer / songwriter Ingrid Michaelson put her own spin on some holiday and winter classics this year for her first Christmas album, ‘Songs For The Season.’ She adds one original to the mix as well; “Happy, Happy Christmas” is a melancholy track written around the time her mother passed away in 2014.

A lot of highly-anticipated and some not-so anticipated holiday albums were released this year. From pop and R&B to rock, there seems to be something new for everyone. Check out our album picks above and let us know what new holiday albums you’re listening to this season in the comments below.

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

Week in Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need To Check Out (December 2-8, 2018)

Another week has come to a close and with it came a slew of new music for our enjoyment. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to catch all of it when it comes out. But with the weekend here, now is a great chance to catch up on all the new songs and music videos you may have missed.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again compiled a list of some of our favorite new songs and music videos from the past week. Here are six tracks you need to check out.

1.       Keuning, “Boat Accident”: The third single from The Killers guitarist Dave Keuning upcoming debut solo album, ‘Prismism,’ “Boat Accident” is a heavily 80s-inspired track pulling from the pop-ier reaches of the new wave sound. The grittiness of the recording and the Cars-like melody will transport you back in time. (video)

2.       Broken Bells, “Shelter”: Broken Bells, the duo of The Shins frontman James Mercer and producer Danger Mouse, are back with their first new song in three years, “Shelter.” The song is the perfect mix of electronic groove and indie dreaminess, making it both airy and grounded at the same time. It’s a nice track to just kick back and relax to. (video)

3.       Mike Shinoda, “Can’t Hear You Now”: I love the message of “Can’t Hear You Now.” The song talks about ignoring the voices that try to bring you down and being positive to yourself. Those powerful lyrics are supported by a thumping beat and simple but catchy melody that grow in intensity that will have you grooving along and having fun, presumably like Shinoda is in the video. (video)

4.       Guided By Voices, “My Future In Barcelona”: “My Future In Barcelona” is a pretty straight-forwardly indie-rock track. The song brings together clean guitars and consistent drum beat into a slowly swirling melody that will have you grooving along. (video)

5.       Tullycraft, “Passing Observations”: After six years, Tullycraft announced they will be releasing a new album next year, as well as gave fans a taste with its first single, “Passing Observations.” The song is a fun, upbeat track that combines the wit of They Might Be Giants with a sound reminiscent of Guster. It’s also has a very catchy melody and hook, so it will be tough to get out of your head after listening. (video)

6.       J.S. Ondara, “Saying Goodbye”: J.S. Ondara’s latest single “Saying Goodbye” shows off the up-and-coming blues/R&B singer’s smooth voice. The slow cadence and harmonious vocals together build a sort of sincerity for the story-like lyrics of the song. It’s more bluesy than soulful, highlighting it’s sad and contemplative nature. (video)

This week saw the release of a lot of great new songs and music videos. And with the weekend here, this is a great chance to catch up on what you may have missed. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what songs you’ve been digging this week in the comments below.

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

Albums Coming Out in December 2018

December is here! As the year begins to draw to a close, there is still much to look forward to in the coming weeks. That includes new album releases.

Even with the holiday slow down, there are still some hot new releases coming before we hit 2019. Zayn Malik’s long-awaited new album will be hitting shelves. In hip-hop, Ice Cube makes his solo return after nearly a decade away while up-and-comer XXXTentacion drops his first posthumous album. Established rockers like Van Morrison, John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen all have albums coming out. This month will also see new pop punk releases from AFI and Reel Big Fish.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of December 2018’s most anticipated new album releases. Here are seven we can’t wait to get our hands on.

(Note: This list does not reflect what we have or will get in store.)

1.       XXXTentacion, ‘Skins’: Controversial rapper XXXTentacion releases his third album today, the first following his death in June. The artist had been lauded as one of the best new voices in the hip-hop game, amassing a large following within a short period of time. (12/7)

2.       Van Morrison, ‘The Prophet Speaks’: The next installment in Van Morrison’s string of cover / original albums hits shelves today. This time, the singer takes on vocal jazz and R&B, paying homage to greats like Sam Cooke, WillieDixon and John Lee Hooker. (12/7)

3.       AFI, ‘The Missing Man’ EP: Following a string of teaser photos with only a silhouette of frontman Davey Havok present, dark pop-punk band AFI announced the release of a brand new EP, ‘The Missing Man.’ From the singles released thus far, it feels like the band is going back to their roots with the dark, pop-y sound of their early albums. (12/7)

4.       Ice Cube, ‘Everythang’s Corrupt’: After focusing on his successful NWA biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton,’ Ice Cube is back with his first solo album in eight years, ‘Everythang’s Corrupt.’ Not one to shy away from politics, the album is filled with tracks that challenging authority and making you think. (12/7)

5.       ZAYN, ‘Icarus Falls’: Former One Direction singer Zayn Malik returns with his sophomore solo album this month. More than a year in the making, the singer has released seven singles from the 27-track album so far, many of which have been charting around the world. (12/14)

6.       Bruce Springsteen, ‘Springsteen on Broadway’: For those who didn’t have a chance to see Bruce Springsteen’s one-man Broadway show before it closes this month (or those who want to relive it), The Boss is releasing a soundtrack album from the show. Featuring songs and commentary, it’s a companion piece to the Netflix special that also drops this month. (12/14)

7.       Reel Big Fish, ‘Life Sucks…Let’s Dance!’: It has been six years, but ska punks Reel Big Fish are finally releasing a new album, ‘Life Sucks…Let’s Dance,’ this month. According to an interview with AltPress, frontman Aaron Barrett said of the album, “There’s a little pissed off-ness in there and some sarcastic, funny lyrics as usual. Also, I just got married, so there might be a few sappy love songs on the album, too.” He continued, “We all get along really well these days, and everybody was excited to make a new record. Everybody had lots of great ideas and really got creative with everything, and I really think it shows.” (12/21)

Despite being at the end of the year, December still has some highly anticipated new albums hitting shelves. Check out some of our picks above and let us know what albums you’re looking forward to snagging in the comments below.

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

Week in Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (November 25 – December 1, 2018)

A lot of new music is released over any given week. So much so that it’s hard to keep track of every new release. Now that the weekend is here, it’s time to take a look back at all the new songs and music videos released over the last seven days.

This week saw a lot of big song and video releases. Ariana Grande released her much-anticipated “Thank U, Next” video. Mark Ronson released his collaboration with Miley Cyrus. Grimes released her first new song in nearly three years. We got some new pop punk tracks from SWMRS, Say Anything and AFI. There were also some amazing new tracks from up-and-coming artists like Mary Bragg, Alec Benjamin, Durand Jones, Rina Sawayama and more.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again scoured the internet for the week’s best new songs and music videos. Here are seven we know you’ll love as much as we do.

1.       Mary Bragg, “Fixed”: Mary Bragg gets very intimate with her latest single “Fixed.” The singer / songwriter gives girls everywhere a personal message that despite what they see in the media, they “don’t need to be fixed.” Bragg lets the lyrics and vocals do the talking, opting for a minimalist string instrumental that doesn’t overshadow the song’s gravity. (video)

2.       Mark Ronson feat. Miley Cyrus, “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart”: “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” has the potential to become Mark Ronson’s next hit. Like with “Uptown Funk,” the song plays to its vocalist’s strengths, namely Miley Cyrus’ deeply rooted country twang. The song puts that against a thumping bass beat to create something catchy, genre-bending and aurally interesting. (video)

3.       Grimes, “We Appreciate Power”: Grimes goes for a more industrial, futuristic vibe on “We Appreciate Power,” her first new single since 2015. The sound marries Muse’s grandiose 80s futuristic melodies with Nine Inch Nails’ cold, tough aesthetic. Punctuated by hard downbeats and Grimes’ straight-forward delivery of the song’s pro-A.I. lyrics, the song exudes a certain power and confidence that keep you mesmerized. (video)

4.       SWMRS, “April In Houston”: Blending punk vocals and a low-key, new wave-y melody, “April In Houston” proves that SWMRS is more than just a pop-punk band. Cole Becker’s vocals are raspy yet melodic. There is also a very David Byrne / Talking Heads-vibe from both the song and video that you have to see and hear. (video)

5.       Alec Benjamin, “Boy In The Bubble”: There is a strange eeriness to Alec Benjamin’s latest single “Boy In The Bubble.” The melody has an ominous feel stemming from the string-like instrumentals and spaced-out beats. It’s very fitting to the song’s purpose though. The song tells a story about a boy who is being bullied, capturing the gravity of the song’s subject in the supporting melody and staccato lyrical delivery. Along with its video, the song is very captivating. (video)

6.       Durand Jones & The Indications, “Don’t Know You”: “Don’t Know You” has a classic R&B / soul feel that takes it back to the Motown days. The light horn section and easy, soulful vocals of both Jones and featured artist Aaron Frazer make the song give it that old-time, classic sound. It’s a sound that is sure to warm you up on the coldest of days. (video)

7.       Rina Sawayama, “Flicker”: “Flicker” sets confidence-boosting lyrics against a 90s dance beat with Sawayama’s big voice bringing everything together. The end result is this big, serious yet positive and upbeat dance track that will make you feel good and get you on the dance floor. (video)

With so much amazing new music coming out over the last week, it can be hard to keep track of it all. The weekend is a great chance to catch up on the best of it. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new songs and music videos you’ve been digging this week in the comments below.

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

Shows to Check Out in New York this Weekend (November 30-December 2, 2018)

New York has one of the most vibrant music scenes in the world. From large venues with nationally touring artists to smaller clubs giving up-and-comers their big breaks, there is never a dull moment. There is usually something going on every night of the week. With the weekend almost here, this is the perfect time to check out just what the music scene has to offer.

There is a lot going on in the New York area this weekend, particularly when it comes to rock shows. Bob Dylan is finishing up his seven show Beacon Theatre run. The Hold Steady and Yo La Tengo have holiday residencies that will be anything but predictable. We also have some big shows from Dave Matthews Band, O.A.R. and Peter Bjorn and John.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves live music. That’s why we’ve once again compiled a list of our picks for this weekend’s hottest shows in the New York area. Here are eight we know will be worth checking out.

1.       Peter Bjorn and John: Swedish indie rockers Peter Bjorn and John released their new album ‘Darker Days’ last month. The album brought them back to their original style of writing and producing songs themselves. Catch the band promote the album on tour this weekend. Georgi Kay opens tonight’s show, while Talos opens Saturday.  (Friday, Rough Trade; Saturday, Bowery Ballroom)

2.       The Hold Steady: The Hold Steady is in the middle of their third-annual ‘Massive Nights’ holiday run. So far, the band has played their album ‘Stay Positive’ in its entirety, as well as had surprise opening sets from Ted Leo (night one) and Laura Stevenson and Bomb the Music Industry!/Antarctigo Vespucci’s Jeff Rosenstock (night two). Tonight’s opener was reviled earlier today as Bad Moves, but there is still no word yet on who will be opening Saturday’s show. (Friday & Saturday, Brooklyn Bowl)

3.       Bob Dylan: There are only two more shows in Bob Dylan’s epic seven night Beacon Theatre residency! Catch the legendary folk-rock singer/songwriter and Nobel Laureate as he performs some of his most iconic songs (Friday & Saturday, Beacon Theatre)

4.       Dave Matthews Band: Dave Matthews Band released their latest album, ‘Come Tomorrow,’ in June, their first studio effort in six years. The band kicked off a short fall tour behind the album, playing the first of two Madison Square Garden shows last night. The band plays the second sold out show tonight. (Friday, Madison Square Garden)

5.       O.A.R.: O.A.R. is slated to release their new album, ‘The Mighty,’ this spring. In the meantime, the band is out on the road with their ‘Just Like Paradise’ headlining tour with Huntertones and Lumin as openers. (Saturday, St. George Theatre; Sunday, The Paramount)

6.       Jesse Malin: New York punk icon Jesse Malin will be headlining this year’s ‘Rock the Night’ fundraiser, happening this weekend. The event raises money and awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis Research. Also on the bill are Trapper Schoepp and comedians Bill Burr and Dean DelRay. (Saturday, Highline Ballroom)

7.       Yo La Tengo: Yo La Tengo are back for another year of Hanukkah shows. Starting Sunday night (Hanukkah night one) and lasting all eight nights, the band will be playing their hits, music from their new album, ‘There’s a Riot Going On’, and covers. The band also usually has some super secret special guests, so there are sure to be some surprises. Note: All nights are sold out. (Sunday - 12/9, Bowery Ballroom)

8.       Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp: It has been a little over two decades since Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal starred in the Broadway production of ‘Rent’ playing Mark Cohen and Roger Davis, respectively. And though the two have moved on to other roles, they have maintained their friendship throughout the years. The two share the stage again this weekend for an intimate show celebrating that friendship. (Sunday, Sony Hall)

With a plethora of hot shows happening around the New York area this weekend, this is a great chance to see just what the music scene has to offer. Check out one of the shows above or any of the many others peppering the area and let us know what shows you’re excited to see live.

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

Surprising (and Not-So Surprising) Musicians Who Contributed to ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’

Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of long-running cartoon ‘SpongeBob SquarePants,’ has passed away. The animator and marine biologist lost his battle with ALS on Tuesday. He was 57.

Over the last two decades, Hillenburg’s ‘Spongebob’ has become one of the most popular characters in cartoon history, appealing to both kids and the adults who grew up with it. The show became so popular that it has attracted many celebrity guests to become involved. That includes top-name musicians, who have lent their talents to the television show, as well as its first movie and subsequent Broadway production.

In honor of Stephen Hillenburg’s work, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at some of the big name musical artists who have been a part of the ‘SpongeBob’ universe. Here are seven artists that have either voiced characters or written music for the show and its properties.

1.       David Bowie: David Bowie, who’s children were fans of the show, is one of the only artists to have both voiced a character on an episode of the ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ TV series as well as contribute a song to the Broadway show. The episode in question was an hour-long musical called “Atlantis SquarePantis” which featured Bowie as Lord Royal Highness, the ruler of Atlantis. As for Broadway, his 1995 collaboration with Brian Eno, “No Control” was chosen after the singer gave director Tina Landau permission to use something from his catalog.

2.       The Flaming Lips:  When it came time to make the first ‘SpongeBob’ movie, Hillenburg was adamant about having off-beat artists on the soundtrack. Artists like Wilco and Ween made the cut, as well as The Flaming Lips, who provided the song “SpongeBob and Patrick Confront the Psychic Wall of Energy.” Because of the film contribution, the band was also asked to write a song for the Broadway musical, which became “Tomorrow Is.”

3.       Ween: As mentioned above, Hillenburg liked off-beat bands and Ween seems to have been an early favorite. According to an old Ween message board, the band was asked by Hillenburg, who was inspired by their album ‘The Mollusk,’ to write and record a song about tying shoes (“Loop de Loop”) for the show before the cartoon ever aired. The band ended up working with ‘SpongeBob’ again, this time providing their song “Ocean Man” (from ‘The Mollusk’) for the first movie’s soundtrack.

4.       Pantera: Another early ‘SpongeBob’ inclusion, Pantera rearranged one of their songs for the show’s second season. The song was “Death Rattle,” which was turned into “Pre-Hibernation,” and was included in a montage of scenes where Sandy and SpongeBob were getting ready for Sandy’s hibernation.

5.       Gene Simmons: Another famous metal face, Kiss frontman Gene Simmons, also contributed to the show. Simmons lent his voice to the character of Sea Monster during the show’s fifth season. Announcing the part on the Kiss website in 2007, he said “I was born for this part. I've been waiting all my life to be a Sea Monster. It's in my blood. It's what I do. It's my job.”

6.       Dee Snider: Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider is apparently a big fan of ‘SpongeBob.’ Like Simmons, he provided a voice for the show’s sixth season, playing a snail shell salesman named Angry Jack who was far from angry (you know, until “stuff” happens). The fandom must have been mutual, as original movie track “Goofy Goober Rock” was supposed to be a parody of Twisted Sister’s “I Wanna Rock.”

7.       Mötorhead: Mötorhead also had one of their tracks parodied for the first ‘SpongeBob’ movie, except the band actually recorded the track themselves. “You Better Swim” is a reworking of “You Better Run” from ‘March ör Die.’

 ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ has been providing inspiration to fans both young and young at heart with its wacky, off-beat nature. Such is why there have been many musical artists (like the ones above) and actors who have jumped at the opportunity to voice characters or contribute music to the franchise. As long as people continue to be inspired by the show, Stephen Hillenburg’s characters will continue to live on in television (and music) history.

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