Albums to Watch for in February 2018

With February starting tomorrow, it’s hard to believe that we are already one full month into 2018. Aside from the continued cold weather that’s been chilling everyone to the bone for the last two months, the start of a new month also means a whole new roster of releases to get excited about.

A lot of highly anticipated albums are set to be released in February. Justin Timberlake is reinventing himself yet again for his first album in five years. MGMT will be making their comeback this month, as are Franz Ferdinand and The Gaslight Anthem’s Brian Fallon. Veteran rock band Simple Minds will be putting out their 18^th studio album. Dashboard Confessional will be making their Fueled By Ramen debut. Newcomer Vance Joy is looking to expand on his newfound popularity with the release of his sophomore album. We will also be getting some new hard rock from Saxon, Pop Evil and Senses Fail.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has been looking out for the hottest new releases coming out in February. Here are 10 that we think will be worth watching out for in the coming month.

1.       Justin Timberlake, ‘Man of the Woods’: It’s been five years since *NSYNC member-turned-solo artist Justin Timberlake released his last albums, the two part ‘The 20/20 Experience.’ Now he’s back with a brand new album, ‘Man of the Woods,’ which ushers in yet another completely new sound for the singer. Singles like “Filthy” and “Supplies” have a very electronic feel to them, especially “Filthy” which almost sounds robotic. Timberlake as also said that the inspiration for the album came from his family and his background growing up in Tennessee. (2/2)

2.       Simple Minds, ‘Walk Between Worlds’: Simple Minds has been continuously releasing music for nearly four decades. The band returns this month with their 18^th studio album, ‘Walk Between Worlds.’ Early reviews of the album are positive with The Times calling it the band’s best album in decades. (2/2)

3.       Brian Fallon, ‘Sleepwalkers’: The Gaslight Anthem frontman returns with his second solo album, ‘Sleepwalkers,’ this month. While his first album, ‘Painkillers,’ came off as angry and bitter, the singles Fallon has released from ‘Sleepwalkers’ so far feel like he has moved on a bit. However, you still get that pure Americana-punk sound Fallon has become known for with The Gaslight Anthem, so this should be good. (2/9)

4.       Dashboard Confessional, ‘Crooked Shadows’: Dashboard Confessional returns this February with a new album after more than eight years. Known for frontman Chris Carrabba’s incredibly emotional lyrics and equally emotional melodies, ‘Crooked Shadows’ seems to move the band in another direction. Single “We Fight” shows that he’s done crying and ready to fight for himself. With the success that “We Fight” has had on alternative radio, I wouldn’t be surprised if ‘Crooked Shadows’ ended up being Dashboard Confessional’s highest-charting album. (2/9)

5.       Franz Ferdinand, ‘Always Ascending’: Franz Ferdinand will be releasing their fifth studio album this month. The album features a more refined version of their electronic-indie rock sound. Lead single “Always Ascending” finds the band tight as ever, even with new member Julian Corrie on keyboards. “Lazy Boy,” while repetitive, has the same feel as early songs like “Dark of the Matinee” and “Michael.” (2/9)

6.       MGMT, ‘Little Dark Age’: MGMT have been progressively becoming more of a rock band over the last 15 years. While their first two albums were heavily influenced by electronic music, ‘Little Dark Age,’ the band’s first album in five years, is more guitar-heavy. The singles they have released from the album thus far are a bit darker as well, adding to this new vibe. (2/9)

7.       Brandi Carlile, ‘By The Way, I Forgive You’: Singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile will be releasing her sixth studio album, ‘By the Way, I Forgive You,’ this month. The album is already getting high praise from NPR, who is calling lead single “The Joke” her best since “The Story.” The new album is also said to be her most emotional and “risky” yet. (2/16)

8.       Senses Fail, ‘If There Is Light, It Will Find You’: According to a press release, Senses Fail’s upcoming album ‘If There Is Light, It Will Find You’ harkens back to the band’s original sound. Inspired by some dark moments in frontman Buddy Nielsen’s life, this is the first Senses Fail album he wrote completely by himself. Having heard a couple of the singles, it definitely feels like a more personal album with less screaming and more melody. (2/16)

9.       Pop Evil, ‘Pop Evil’: Hard rockers Pop Evil will have a lot to live up to this month when they release their self-titled fifth album. Their last album, 2016’s ‘Up,’ debuted at number one on the Independent Albums chart. Having heard the new album’s singles, the band has nothing to worry about. “Waking Lions” and “Colors Bleed” are among their heaviest and most melodic singles yet. (2/16)

10.   Vance Joy, ‘Nation of Two’: Following the success of his debut album in 2013, Vance Joy returns with ‘Nation of Two’ this month. Described in a press release (quoted by Consequence of Sound), the album “describes a perfectly self-contained couple, their world beginning and ending at the bed they share, the car they ride in or any other place where they’re together…the idea that their love for each other gives them their bearings; a point of reference that makes sense of life.” Joy has another hit on his hands with the single “Lay It On Me,” with acoustic sound and strong imagery. (2/23)

February is gearing up to be a great month for new releases. There are a lot of highly anticipated rock and pop albums coming out in the next month to get excited for. Keep an eye out for these albums and let us know what new releases you can’t wait to get your hands on.

---

Find music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777, 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 and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location (conveniently located off both the LIE and the Northern State) or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you are looking to discover 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.

Six Songs to Pump Up Your Super Bowl Party Playlist

Super Bowl LII takes place this Sunday, February 4. The biggest draw of football season, people all over the U.S. will be throwing parties for the event, tuning in to watch the Philadelphia Eagles take on the New England Patriots for a shot at the trophy. And while the game will be the main attraction, what kind of party would it be without having some rocking tunes to get you in the game day spirit.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, knows that at any Super Bowl party, one needs the proper tunes to get their guests in the spirit for the big game. That’s why we’ve come up with some suggestions to make your pre-game playlist even better. Here are six songs that are sure to pump you up and get you rocking out and ready for some football.

1.       Carrie Underwood feat. Ludacris, “The Champion”: With both the Super Bowl and the Olympics coming up, a song had to have been written for such an occasion. That song is “The Champion,” an overly boastful pop track about strength and perseverance. It’s a bit cheesy, but so are a lot of songs written to hype you up for the big game. (video)

2.       Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop the Feeling”: It’s practically a given that you should have a track from this year’s halftime performer on your playlist. And of all the Justin Timberlake singles, “Can’t Stop the Feeling” seems the most appropriate for a party meant to rile people up. It’s a boisterous, happy song that gives you a good feeling when you listen to it. (video)

3.       Wiz Khalifa, “Black and Yellow”: This is one of those rare songs about football that actually became a hit. Though the team it pays homage to, the Pittsburgh Steelers, isn’t in this year’s game, “Black and Yellow” manages to transcend team lines. (video)

4.       Papa Roach, “Born for Greatness”: The message of “Born for Greatness” is meant to give hope to everyone who has ever felt defeated in life. However, its hard beat and grandiose presence also make it a great track to pump you, as well as your team of choice, up for the big game. (video)

5.       Fountains of Wayne, “All Kinds of Time”: Fountains of Wayne’s “All Kinds of Time” takes a more thought-provoking route when it comes to songs about football. The song takes you into the head of a player out on the field, taking a moment to think about his loved ones and everything leading up to where he is now.  “All Kinds of Time” doesn’t provide you with the loudness and gigantic fanfare of your typical pump up song, but its indie-rock melody and rock guitars are enough to get you rocking out. (video)

6.       Prince, “Let’s Go Crazy”: With the Super Bowl taking place in Minneapolis this year, Prince is on the minds of a lot of music fans. There is even a rumor that Justin Timberlake will be paying tribute to him during his performance (he’s also throwing a party at Paisley Park). So why not add some Prince to your Super Bowl playlist. “Let’s Go Crazy” is a bouncy, upbeat track, perfect for dancing and / or celebrating your team getting a touchdown. (video)

Celebrate the biggest game of football season right with a playlist that will be just as epic. Add these songs to your Super Bowl party playlist and get pumped for what is sure to be an intense match-up.

---

Find the perfect music for game day and everyday at Vinyl Bay 777, 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 you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Seven Weird Places Artists Have Recorded Music

On Tuesday, NME reported that a London location of fried chicken chain Nando’s built a recording studio in their restaurant. The studio features “pioneering” recording equipment and an in-house engineer to help aspiring artists create the perfect sound. According to the story, the studio is an extension of chain’s “Nando’s Music Exchange” program.

Inspired by this unique recording experience, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has collected a list of other odd places artists can and have recorded music. From coffins and bank vaults to bodegas, electronics stores and record shops, here are seven of the most unique recording spots in the world.

1.       Apple Store: While a handful of Apple store locations have programs where you can learn how to edit photos and audio, it is less common for an artist to record an entire album there. But that is what Brooklyn rapper Prince Harvey did. Upon losing his friend’s apartment and all of his equipment, he decided to set up shop in one of Apple’s NYC stores and complete his debut album.

2.       Record Shop: At most record shops, one can only purchase albums and possibly see an in-store performance. But Nashville’s Third Man Records goes a step further. The shop owned by former White Stripes frontman Jack White gives you the opportunity to record and press it on vinyl, all in one place. There are two options for recording there:  an old-style record booth where you can record on the fly and a “live venue with direct-to-acetate recording capabilities.”

3.       Bodega: In 2015, soda brand Sprite decided to advertise their product and support hip-hop music at the same time with a bodega-style pop-up shop in New York on the Bowery. Besides selling Sprite and Sprite-themed products, the shop also had a stage and recording facility, and held events throughout that summer. Artists that recorded there included Vince Staples and Wale.

4.       Coffin: Sometimes you have to do something drastic to get the sound you want. Such was the case when metal band Sunn O))) were recording the song “Bathory Erzebet” for their album ‘Black One.’ The story goes that when it was time for guest vocalist Malefic of Xasthur to perform his vocals, the band handed him a microphone and made the extremely claustrophobic artist record from inside a coffin.

5.       Bank Vault: Many artists create music in their own home studios. However, not many people have a home with a bank vault in it. Aphex Twin allegedly bought an abandoned bank in the mid-1990s and kept his music equipment set up in its vault.

6.       Science Lab: A lot of artists nowadays like to “go back to basics” when they record. But none have done this quite like They Might Be Giants. In 1996 during the recording of their sixth album ‘Factory Showroom,’ the duo decided to record the track “I Can Hear You” in the most analog way possible: using Thomas Edison’s 1890 wax cylinder recorder. The recording was done at the Edison Laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey in front of a small audience, where, according to a press release, they were “singing and playing acoustic instruments as loud as we could into a pair of enormous metal cones…which fed the sound into a hundred year old non-electrical recording device…The wax cylinder recorder carves a groove into a rotating tube of softened wax with a needle that is vibrating from the sound pressure collected at the small end of the cone.”

7.       Dungeon: Again, a castle doesn’t necessarily sound like that crazy a place for a band to record music. But Black Sabbath isn’t just any band. When they decided to record their album ‘Sabbath Bloody Sabbath’ at the Clearwell Castle in Gloucestershire, they decided to do all their rehearsing in its dungeon. The band’s members claimed to have seen apparitions down there, which inspired some of the albums darker songs, such as the title track.

Artists have recorded music in a lot of strange places. Retail spaces, science labs and coffins don’t seem like locations you would ever think to combine with the recording process. Nando’s restaurant recording studio seems just as outlandish. But who knows, maybe the next breakout star will record a monstrously popular album there while enjoying a chicken sandwich.

---

Find music from these creative artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777, 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 you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week in Review: New Songs / Music Videos Released This Week (January 7-13, 2018)

Another week has come and gone and with it came a whole bunch of new songs and music videos. However, with the stresses the work week might through at you, it can be hard to stay up-to-date on the latest music. Now that the weekend is here, let’s take a look back at some of the best new music released over the last seven days.

This was a big week for new music. Hot artists like Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, The Killers and Fall Out Boy all released new videos this week. Jack White debuted two brand new songs along with the announcement of his new album. Matt & Kim and Black Veil Brides both made their comebacks as well. Franz Ferdinand released another new song from their upcoming album.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has once again been scouring the internet for the best new songs and music videos of the week. Here are eight that we definitely think are worth a listen.

1.       Jack White, “Connected by Love”: This week, former White Stripes frontman Jack White announced that he will be releasing a new album this year. With that announcement came two brand new songs, “Connected by Love” and “Respect Commander.” And while “Respect Commander” is a great song, “Connected by Love” really shines. The song’s mix of bluesy passion and electronic undertones gives it this swirling, frenzied feeling that surrounds you and keeps you interested until the end. (video)

2.       The Killers, “Rut”: “Rut” is an emotional journey of a song about feeling helpless and getting past it. Though it is mostly somber, the song picks up an inspirational, uplifting tone, building as it progresses. It’s another very passionate song with a message that a lot of people really need to hear. (video)

3.       Dua Lipa, “IDGAF”: “IDGAF” has this giant melody and presence that make it feel like a big pop production. The song’s snare hits act like punctuation for the lyrical harshness. It’s kind of mesmerizing. The video, with its big dance number, only expands on this feeling. (video)

4.       Fall Out Boy, “Wilson”: Fall Out Boy tone down their new electronic edge for their latest single “Wilson.” The song feels like an updated version of their old sound, using self-depreciating lyrics, but without the swinging power pop-punk guitars. Moreover, the video for the song is hilarious and needs to be seen. (video)

5.       Black Veil Brides, “Wake Up”: The first single from their new album, “Wake Up” comes out swinging. Bass drum hits and hard-hitting guitars keep the song moving and swirling, supporting its larger-than-life melody and overtly political lyrics. (video)

6.       Franz Ferdinand, “Feel The Love Go”: “Feel The Love Go” finds Franz Ferdinand delving even deeper into electronic mixing. Aside from the band’s normal amount of new wave distortion, synths feel even more prevalent in this track. Then there is this saxophone melody that starts flowing through it about a minute from the end that ends up weaving in with the synths until you can’t tell what’s electronic and what’s real. (video)

7.       Hudson Taylor, “Run With Me”: “Run With Me’s” country-folk-rock vibe is upbeat and jovial, a fun song for a sunny day. The song’s premise of sticking by your friends though good and bad times comes across clearly. (video)

8.       Blitzen Trapper, “Dance With Me”: With elements of Bob Dylan folk rock and Tom Petty Americana, “Dance With Me” takes its influences from the past and brings them into today’s musical landscape seamlessly. The result is a song that sounds just as familiar as the classics it pays tribute to. (video)

This week saw the release of a lot of amazing new songs and music videos. Check out our favorites above and let us know what songs you’ve been listening to this week.

---

Find music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777, 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. Whether you’re 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.

Rock Shows to Check out in New York This Weekend (January 12-14, 2018)

There is nothing like seeing live music in New York. The “city that never sleeps” not only sees huge artists on national tours coming through on a weekly basis, but has one of the most vibrant local music scenes in the country. Such is the reason to check out some live music in New York this weekend.

Just look at all the shows happening in New York this weekend. The Killers and Walk the Moon will both be in town promoting their latest albums. The APAP Conference will be bringing a diverse amount of talent from all over the world to NYC this weekend. Say Anything will be celebrating the 10^th anniversary of ‘In Defense of the Genre.’ And that’s only the start of it.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves live music. That’s why we’ve once again been searching for the best live shows happening in New York this weekend. Here are eight that we think will be worth checking out.

1.       The Killers: The Killers released their latest album, ‘Wonderful Wonderful,’ this past September, which became their first album to hit number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Yielding strong singles like “The Man” and “Run for Cover,” the new album is sure to be a centerpiece of the show, though we all know you want to hear the classics like “Mr. Brightside.” The band will be joined by up-and-comer Alex Cameron, who released his sophomore album, ‘Forced Witness,’ last year. (Friday, Madison Square Garden)

2.       Chevonne and the Fuzz: Getting her start as a back-up singer for Lady Gaga and honing her solo chops on ‘The Voice,’ Chevonne’s powerful vocals and passionate delivery are well worth checking out. Catch her with her band tonight for what they’re calling a “very special show.” (Friday, Rockwood Music Hall Stage 1)

3.       Plain White T’s: Part of the APAP│NYC Conference (Association for Performing Arts Professionals) that starts this weekend, Plain White T’s, VoicePlay, Eric Hutchinson, Guitar Army and Cyrille Aimee will be playing a brunch showcase on Saturday. These are a very diverse group of artists, which should make for a great show. Bonus, you’ll get to hear “Hey There Delilah” one more time. (Saturday, B.B. King Blues Club)

4.       Streetlight Manifesto: Streetlight Manifesto and Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution frontman Tomas Kalnoky will be bringing his two bands together for a show like you’ve never seen before. Though there isn’t much information about it, it sounds like this could be Streetlight Manifesto playing ska with an orchestra behind them, which sounds pretty cool. (Saturday, Beacon Theatre)

5.       Walk the Moon: Walk the Moon released their third album, ‘What If Nothing,’ this past November and are currently touring behind it on the “Press Restart” tour. Lead single “One Foot” has been all over alternative radio for several months, rivaling “Shut Up and Dance” as their most fun and energetic song. The tour hits New York this weekend with Company of Thieves as main support. (Saturday, Hammerstein Ballroom)

6.       Say Anything: Say Anything are currently in the middle of celebrating the 10^th anniversary of their break-through album, ‘In Defense of the Genre,’ setting out on a tour where they played their first three albums in their entireties. Now the band is back for a second leg, this time coming for the east coast. Catch the songs that started it all, and maybe some new ones thrown in for good measure. Tim Kashir of Cursive and Backwards Dancer will open the show. (Sunday, Irving Plaza)

7.       Cherry Poppin’ Daddies: It’s been more than 20 years since Cherry Poppin’ Daddies released their breakthrough album ‘Zoot Suit Riot.’ Relive the swing revival this weekend when the band hits New York for a one-off show that is sure to have you dancing in the aisles.  (Sunday, Iridium Jazz Club)

8.       Cracker & Camper Van Beethoven: Singer David Lowery has joined his two bands together for a co-headlining tour this winter. The tour makes a stop in New York this weekend before heading to Georgia for their collaborative Camp-In Festival. (Sunday, Highline Ballroom)

New York is always filled with amazing live shows and this weekend is no exception. These are some of the shows we think will be worth spending your hard earned money on. Check these out these or any of the other amazing shows happening in the area and kick off your weekend right with live music.

---

Live music and records go hand-in-hand. That’s why before the show, check out Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top new independent record shop, for music from these and many more artists. We have thousands of titles to choose from in a varied array of genres. Browse our wide 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 you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Spring Music Festivals to Get Excited for in 2018

The cold weather in New York over the last couple of weeks has had all of us pining for spring to come.  And with all the recent line-up announcements for the big spring music festivals, that warmer weather no longer seems so far away.

Like you, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, can’t wait for festival season to start. That’s why we're looking ahead at all the festival line-ups that have been announced so far. Here are 10 recently announced festivals with line-ups you won’t want to miss.

1.       Air + Style: Organized by snowboarder Shaun White, Air + Style comes back to Los Angeles for a fourth year in 2018. The festival, which brings together extreme sports and music, announced its first round of artists yesterday, including headliners Zedd, Phoenix and Gucci Mane. Other artists playing the festival include Phantogram, Tinashe, Washed Out, Cloud Nothings, Cut Copy, BADBADNOTGOOD and more. (March 3-4)

2.       SXSW:  The largest music conference in the United States has been announcing artists since November, and today they added over 500 more names to that list. Some of the performers announced today for the Austin, TX festival include Kosha Dillz, Superorganism, Skinny Lister, Rival Sons, Frank Turner, Ezra Furman, Copeland, A Place to Bury Strangers, as well as the debut of composer Max Richter’s 8-hour composition “SLEEP.” These bands join the likes of Andrew W.K., Hollis Brown, Porches, Foxtrax, MC Lars and pronoun, as well as speakers like Ted Leo, Kim Deal and Steve Albini. (March 12-18)

3.       Coachella: Set in the California desert, Coachella has become one of the biggest spring festivals in the country. This year’s line-up is flanked by huge headliners The Weeknd, Beyoncé (who was supposed to play last year but had to pull out due to doctor’s orders) and Eminem, with the rest of the line-up being a veritable who’s who of the year’s biggest acts. Friday will feature the likes of SZA, Jamiroquai, St. Vincent, The War on Drugs, Vince Staples, The Neighbourhood and Bleachers. On Saturday you’ll see Haim, Tyler, the Creator, David Byrne, alt-J, Post Malone, Fleet Foxes and Chic with Nile Rodgers. Then on Sunday, the festival will feature Portugal. the Man, Migos, A Perfect Circle, Cardi B and Vance Joy. These lists don’t even crack the surface, as there are over 100 artists playing on both weekends. (April 13-15, April 20-22)

4.       Homecoming Festival: The National have teamed up with MusicNOW to create their own festival this spring in their hometown of Cincinnati, OH. Aside from the band headlining both nights with two very different setlists, artists playing the festival include Father John Misty, Feist, Future Islands and The Breeders with more to come. The festivities won’t be confined to just the main festival either. Other cultural events and shows have also been set up around the city to coincide with Homecoming.  (April 28-29)

5.       Shaky Knees: If you’re looking for an all-out rock festival, than Atlanta, GA’s Shaky Knees Festival should be the destination for you. The show is being headlined by Jack White of The White Stripes, Queens of the Stone Age and The National, and will also feature performances by The War on Drugs, Manchester Orchestra, Jimmy Eat World, David Byrne, Tenacious D, Courtney Barnett, Franz Ferdinand and The Distillers, who will be playing their first show together in 12 years. (May 4-6)

6.       Hangout Fest: Located on the beach in Gulf Shores, AL, Hangout Fest gives you today’s best music as well as beach views (which seem a whole lot better than snow everywhere). Friday will be headlined by The Killers with sets from Zedd, Portugal. the Man, Cold War Kids, Oh Wonder, and a rare US appearance by Russian punk band Pussy Riot. The Chainsmokers will be headlining the Saturday date with more sets from Halsey, St. Vincent, Bleachers and Manchester Orchestra. Sunday festival goers will get a headlining set from Kendrick Lamar, as well as sets by Foster the People, Awolnation, Slightly Stoopid, The Struts, Alice Merton, AJR and more. (May 18-20)

7.       Boston Calling: Heading up to the north east, Boston Calling will be taking over Harvard’s Athletic Complex Memorial Day weekend. Headliners include Eminem, The Killers and Jack White, with performances by Queens of the Stone Age, The National, Portugal. the Man, Bryson Tiller, Paramore, Dirty Projectors and many more. The festival is more than just music, also featuring comedy and visual arts components. (May 25-27)

8.       Bottlerock: The west coast will be having its own festival Memorial Day weekend, Bottlerock. Situated in California’s Napa Valley, the festival pairs together great food from the world’s best chefs with great music from legendary artists. Headliners for the festival include Bruno Mars, The Killers and Muse, with The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Snoop Dogg, Incubus, Earth Wind & Fire, Billy Idol and Beastie Boy Mike D all playing as well.  (May 25-27)

9.       Governors Ball: If you can wait until June, New York’s own Governors Ball announced their line-up. Eminem, Jack White, Travis Scott and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs will be headlining the three-day festival with a special performance by The Gaslight Anthem (who are reuniting to play  “59 Sound’ in its entirety) and the premiere of Diplo and Mark Ronson’s collaboration Silk City. Other artists playing the festival include Post Malone, Lil Uzi Vert, Damian Marley, Sylvan Esso, 2 Chains, Manchester Orchestra, Third Eye Blind, The Menzingers and more. (June 1-3)

10.   Bonnaroo: Finally, we have Bonnaroo The four-day Manchester, TN music and arts festival blend’s food, art, wellness, camping and, of course, music. Eminem, The Killers and Muse will be headlining with more performances from Future, Paramore, Dua Lipa, Sturgill Simpson, T-Pain, Old Crow Medicine Show, Mavis Staples, Chic & Nile Rodgers, Broken Social Scene and a whole lot more. (June 7-10)

With all these music festivals to look forward to, spring can’t come soon enough! Get your tents ready and book your trip soon, because tickets for these events will sell out quickly. Then, you can daydream and count down the days to warmer weather and good times ahead!

---

Find music from these festival-bound artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777, 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 and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or shop 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.

Vinyl Sales, Streaming Rise in 2017

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, takes a brief look at 2017 music sales

Late last week, both Nielsen and Buzzangle released their year-end reports on music sales in 2017. According to these services, music consumption has increased over the last year, benefitting mainly from audio streaming and vinyl sales.

Despite what the music industry might have you think, music consumption is on the rise. Buzzangle reports that total album consumption in 2017 is up 12.8% from 2016. Song consumption was even higher, rising 25.9% over the previous year. Ed Sheeran had the most-consumed album of the year with ‘÷,’ followed closely by Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation,’ which was the best-selling album of the year.

While consumption has increased, album sales were not the main factor for it. Album and song sales both continued to decline in 2017. According to Buzzangle, the decline was 14.6% for albums and 23.2% for song downloads over 2016. That especially goes for CD sales. Though they continue to make up the bulk of physical music sales, CDs were the only physical medium to show a decline over the last year.

There is a silver lining though. While physical album sales did decrease, the drop wasn’t as bad as it was in 2016. While there was an 11% decrease in 2016, 2017 only saw a 7% decrease in physical album sales according to Buzzangle. This could be due in part to the continued increase in vinyl sales. According to Nielsen, vinyl saw its 12^th consecutive year of sales growth, rising 9% over 2016. The medium made up 14% of all physical album sales in 2017, the highest Nielson has recorded it at since they started keeping records in 1991, and 8.5% of album sales in total. Buzzangle was even more generous, reporting that vinyl made a 20% leap over the previous year.

Vinyl wasn’t the only physical medium to grow in 2017. Surprisingly, cassette sales are at a high as well. Though they still make up a negligible part of album sales, only 0.1% according to Buzzangle, Nielsen reported that cassette sales had a 35% increase over 2016, putting them at a nine-year high.

When it came to physical album sales in 2017, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ came out on top. The film franchise’s first soundtrack came in at number one on Buzzangle’s list of top-selling vinyl albums and took the number 3 spot on Nielsen’s, just behind The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ reissue and their ‘Abbey Road’ album. As for cassettes, ‘Guardians’ holds the top three spots with the ‘Stranger Things’ soundtrack and Eminem’s ‘The Eminem Show’ reissue rounding out the top five.

While vinyl and cassettes had an outstanding year, the main reason for 2017’s increase in music consumption was audio streaming. Both Nielsen and Buzzangle recorded more than 50% increases in on-demand streaming between 2016 and 2017. And that’s not just free streams, but paid subscriptions as well. In fact, paid subscriptions eclipse ad-supported streams exponentially, proving that people are still paying to listen to music, just in a different way.

The music industry saw a lot of growth in 2017. Music consumption has been on the rise over the last year, due in large part to audio streaming hitting an all-time high. Even album sales didn’t fare too badly in 2017 especially if you look at the continuing increase in vinyl and cassette sales. Here’s to hoping 2018 is just as successful.

---

Keep physical music mediums aliveby shopping Vinyl Bay 777 in 2018. Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from in a wide variety of genres. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassette, 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 you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week in Review: New Songs / Music Videos Released This Week (December 31, 2017-January 6, 2018)

The New Year may have come in with lots of cold weather and snow, but it also brought with it a lot of great new music. Now that the first almost full week of 2018 is over, let’s take a look at all the new songs and music videos that were released over the last seven days.

Music releases have started to pick up again this week after the holiday season lull, and some big names even joined the party. Justin Timberlake announced a new album for this year, which he previewed with the release of its first single. Judas Priest did the same thing with the release of their latest single. Tonight Alive, Charlie Puth, MGMT, A Perfect Circle and First Aid Kit all released more music from their respective upcoming albums.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve been searching the internet to find the best new songs and music videos of the week. Here are eight that we think you need to check out this weekend.

1.       First Aid Kit, “Fireworks”: Combining country crooning with 50’s rockabilly pacing, First Aid Kit’s “Fireworks” sounds like an instant indie classic. Sisters Klara and Joanna Soderberg’s voices meld beautifully together within the gentle waltz pace of the melody. It’s perfect for slow dancing with that special someone. (video)

2.       Superorganism, “Everybody Wants to Be Famous”: This song is odd, but in a good way. Singer Orono’s deadpan delivery comes together with the song’s simple lyrics and melody to create an intriguing low-key jam you can’t turn off once it starts. (video)

3.       Charlie Puth ft. Boyz II Men, “If You Leave Me Now”: “If You Leave Me Now” is a sweet, a capella slow jam that shows off Charlie Puth’s smooth vocals perfectly. The song is absolutely swoon-worthy, complimented by the fantastic, soulful harmonies of Boyz II Men. (video)

4.       Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B, “Finesse (Remix)”: I’m not really a fan of the song’s lyrics, which feel a little clunky to me at times, but “Finesse” has a cool retro vibe about it that sort of make up for it. The song’s 90s hip-hop snare beats, which you hear throughout, are enough to bring you back to the days of The Fresh Prince and ‘In Living Color’ (the inspiration for the very 90s-centric video). Mars’ vocal melody brings the song back to the contemporary world, creating the perfect melding of new and old sounds. (video)

5.       Justin Timberlake, “Filthy”: Justin Timberlake kicked off the New Year with the announcement of a new album and the release of its first single. “Filthy” is a complete 180 degree turn from the music on his last album, 2014’s ‘20/20 Experience.’ While those songs were inspired by big bands and jazz, “Filthy” is far more electronic. The song’s lyrics are delivered in short spurts (sometimes unintelligibly), relying far less on melody than any of his work thus far. (video)

6.       Tonight Alive ft. Lynn Gunn, “Disappear”: “Disappear” is the most melodic of Tonight Alive’s new songs yet. Combining a 90s alt-rock, Breeders-like melody with hard rock guitars that give it more of an edge, the song has a particular clarity to it that you don’t always hear in hardcore tracks. (video)

7.       Judas Priest, “Lightning Strike”: The first single from Judas Priest’s first new album in four years, “Lightning Strike” comes at you with full force. It’s soaring guitars are its source of power, their sound hitting against invisible metal walls and filling it with sound. The lyrics feel like the band was trying a little too hard to make them rhyme, but the song’s power overshadows that. (video)

8.       A Perfect Circle, “Disillusioned”: Following the release of “The Doomed” last year, A Perfect Circle released another new song, “Disillusioned,” this week. Encased in a sort of melodic glaze, the song’s bleakness is audible both lyrically and instrumentally. The blast of guitar in the beginning is meant to wake you up to what’s going on while the piano interlude acts as a somber slow down, contemplative and earnest. Both fight it out at the end, trying to come to some sort of resolution. (video)

These are some of our picks for this week’s best new songs and music videos. Check these out and let us know what songs you were digging this week.

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s top new independent record shop has 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 and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or shop online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking to discover 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.

Shows to Check Out this Wintery Weekend in New York and New Jersey (January 5-7, 2018)

This first week of 2018 has been a blustery one filled with lots of snow and freezing temperatures. If the weather has had you cooped up in your house under piles of blankets for the last few days, why take a chance this weekend and get out of the house for some live music.

While the winter touring season isn’t completely back in full swing just yet, New York and New Jersey still have some pretty interesting shows going on this weekend. The A Concert for Island Relief benefit will be bringing artists together to raise money for islands destroyed by this summer’s hurricanes. Wu Tang will be celebrating the release of their new rolling papers, while Balance and Composure celebrate their 10^th anniversary together. There will also be rock shows from the legendary Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone and metal band Eyehategod.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has been searching the internet for this weekend’s top shows in the New York and New Jersey area. Here are eight shows we think will be worth braving the cold to check out.

1.       RZA: Wu Tang Clan released its own rolling papers this week. To celebrate the launch, Wu Tang’s RZA, Inspectah Deck and affiliates Killa Bees will be having a release party tonight at the intimate City Winery. (Friday, City Winery)

2.       A Concert for Island Relief: Following the devastating hurricanes that hit Florida and Puerto Rico this summer, a lot has been done to raise money and send necessities to these areas. The good will efforts continue this weekend with the Concert for Island Relief. Artists who will be performing during the benefit show include Dave Matthews, Trey Anastasio Band, Aaron Neville and Hurray For The Riff Raff. All proceeds from the show, as well as donations made on the show’s website, will go to cleaning up after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the US and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. (Saturday, Radio City Music Hall)

3.       Herman’s Hermits w/ Peter Noone: Go back in time with Herman’s Hermits this weekend. Peter Noone, the band’s former lead singer, reformed the Hermits last year to bring the band’s hits back to the stage.  (Saturday, B.B. King Blues Club)

4.       The Locksmiths & Nick Horner Family: If you like alt-country, there will be a barnburner of a show happening at Pianos this weekend. The line-up includes local favorites The Locksmiths, The Nick Horner Family, Lords of Liechtenstein, Pete Mancini and Dougmore. (Saturday, Pianos)

5.       Mike Delguidice and Big Shot: Mike Delguidice and Big Shot is the next best thing to actually seeing Billy Joel. Delguidice has earned a reputation around Long Island for his covers of the Piano Man, a reputation that has led him to share the stage with Joel numerous times. (Saturday, Mulcahy’s)

6.       Balance and Composure: Balance and Composure is celebrating their 10^th anniversary this year. To kick things off, the band is playing three shows this weekend to kick things off. The New York show will feature Queen of Jeans as support. If the anniversary weren’t enough for you to want to buy tickets, this might also be one of your last chances to see Balance and Composure live, as they have announced that they will be breaking up after their anniversary tour. (Saturday, Bowery Ballroom)

7.       Eyehategod: Metal band Eyehategod will be headlining two shows Saturday at Saint Vitus in Brooklyn. Joining them will be Low Estate and Neolithic. The evening show is sold out, but there are still tickets left for the matinee if you feel like some afternoon rock. (Saturday, Saint Vitus Bar)

8.       Sci-Fi Spectacular: If you’re a fan of sci-fi theme music, the latest performance by the New Jersey Symphony will be right up your alley. In conjunction with the Paper Mill Playhouse, the symphony will be playing music from ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Star Trek,’ ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still,’ ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ and more. ‘Star Trek’s Marina Sirtis will be hosting both Saturday and Sunday’s events. (Saturday, New Jersey Performing Arts Center; Sunday, State Theatre New Jersey)

Take a break from the cold weather in New York and New Jersey to catch some live music this weekend.   Whether you’re into hip-hop, rock, metal, oldies, country or sci-fi movie soundtracks, there is something for just about everyone. Check out one of the shows listed above or any of the other shows happening around the area and rock away those winter blues.

---

Before heading out to the show this weekend, stop by Vinyl Bay 777 to pick up music from some of these and many other artists. Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from in a plethora of genres. Browse our wide 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 you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Albums to Watch for in January 2018

Happy 2018! It’s a brand new year, which means there is a whole slate of new albums to look forward to in the coming months. That includes a lot of great albums coming out in January to kick off the year.

January is looking to be a promising month for new music. Former Fifth Harmony member Camila Cabello will be making her highly anticipated solo debut. We will also be seeing some highly anticipated albums from Charlie Puth and Fall Out Boy. Long-time hitmakers like Joe Satriani, Rick Springfield and They Might Be Giants are releasing new music this month as well.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve been keeping track of this month’s hottest upcoming releases. Here are nine albums coming out in January that we think will be worth a listen.

1.       Camila Cabello, ‘Camila’: After parting ways with Fifth Harmony in 2016, Camila Cabello had one of the hottest singles of 2017 with her debut solo track “Havana.” The songstress takes it a step further this month with the release of her full-length solo debut, ‘Camila.’ If any of the other songs on the album have the same kind of Latin flare mixed with pop catchiness of “Havana,” we could see Cabello really break out this year. (1/12)

2.       Joe Satriani, ‘What Happens Next’: Guitarist Joe Satriani will be releasing his 16^th studio album, ‘What Happens Next,’ this month. The album finds Satriani stepping away from his alien personas and writing about himself for a change. Accompanying him on the album are Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and Deep Purple bassist Glenn Hughes.(1/12)

3.       Black Veil Brides, ‘Vale’: Following hard rock band Black Veil Brides’ 2014 self-titled album, frontman Andy Biersack decided to test out his solo chops, releasing an album and touring under the name Andy Black. But now the band is back and getting ready to release their fifth studio album, ‘Vale.’ Taking the time to perfect the album, Biersack told Rock Sound in August that its sound combines the band’s many eras. (1/12)

4.       Charlie Puth, ‘Voicenotes’: YouTuber-turned-pop-sensation Charlie Puth will be releasing his sophomore album, ‘Voicenotes,’ this month. The singer already released two singles from the album with first single “Attention” getting a lot of radio airplay over the last year and debuting at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. With hype like that, there will be a lot of anticipation for the album to drop. (1/19)

5.       Fall Out Boy, ‘M A N I A’: Ever since returning from their hiatus in 2012, Fall Out Boy have taken their music in a more radio-rock direction that has been getting more and more experimental as the years have progressed. Their upcoming seventh studio album, ‘M A N I A,’ is no exception. The album’s singles show a progression towards a more electronic sound than 2015’s ‘American Beauty / American Psycho.’ Originally slated for release in September, the album’s release was pushed back to January because the band wasn’t completely satisfied with how it came out. (1/19)

6.       The Shins, ‘The Worms Heart’: The Shins announced last month that they would be releasing a “flipped” version of their latest album, 2017’s ‘Heartworms.’ ‘The Worms Heart’ will feature all the songs on the ‘Heartworms’ album with flipped tempos (Songs that were originally fast will now be slow and vice versa). The album will also have a reversed tracklist.  (1/19)

7.       They Might Be Giants, ‘I Like Fun’: Alt-rockers They Might Be Giants are releasing their 20^th studio album, ‘I Like Fun,’ this month. According to an interview with Rolling Stone, the band says that this is a much simpler album than some of their most recent releases, with John Flansburgh saying “This album is kind of under-produced for us and certainly by 2017 standards," he says. "It’s more like a 1960s psychedelic production with a featured sound or instrument, maybe a vocal double, but not a ton of overdubs or processing.” (1/19)

8.       Rick Springfield, ‘The Snake King’: Rick Springfield may be best known for his 1980s hit “Jessie’s Girl,” but the 1980s singer / actor / heartthrob has been making music straight through the last three decades. His latest album, ‘The Snake King,’ drops this month and will supposedly have a bluesy-er sound than his previous recordings. (1/26)

9.       Waterparks, ‘Entertainment’: Following their well-received 2016 debut ‘Double Dare,’ pop-punk band Waterparks is back with their sophomore album, the Benji Madden (Good Charlotte)-produced ‘Entertainment.’ The band has already released two singles from the album, the fast-paced, pop-y “Blonde” and the acoustic ballad “Lucky People.” With songs like these, this album could be their breakout. (1/26)

So far, 2018 is gearing up to be a great year for music. January alone is set to see the release of some highly-anticipated new music from heavy-hitters in pop and rock. Watch out for the albums above and let us know what albums you’re excited for in 2018.

---

Find music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s favorite 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 and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or shop online at vinylbay777.com from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re looking to discover something new or rediscover the classics, we’ve got you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay777.