Week in Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (April 22-28, 2018)

Welcome to the weekend! Time to kick back, relax and catch up on all the important news and culture you may have missed during your busy week. That goes for the latest songs and music videos.

A lot of new songs and music videos have been released over the last week in the area of rock and pop. Bullet For My Valentine and Jason Mraz both released the first official singles from their respective upcoming albums. We also got new videos from the likes of Franz Ferdinand, U2, Mike Shinoda, and Ed Sheeran.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of some of the week’s top new singles and music videos. Here are eight of our favorites that are definitely worth a listen.

1.       Jason Mraz, “Have It All”: You can’t help smile when Jason Mraz sings. “Have It All” melds the best of Mr. A-Z’s early fast-talking wordplay with his more recent melodic work, bringing the song to a new level. It doesn’t have as much of the pop luster as some of his previous singles, but it still holds enough sunshine that it will make you feel good listening to it. (video)

2.       The Longshots, “Love Is For Losers”: Okay, so this song didn’t come out this week, but as we haven’t had one of these lists in a while, it’s worth noting. Last week, Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong surprise released a new album from side project The Longshots. The album’s first single, “Love Is For Losers,” blends classic garage rock with a hybrid of classic and newer Green Day. The sound feels like a logical progression for Armstrong, paying homage to his rock influences and keeping things fun. (video)

3.       Bullet For My Valentine, “Over It”: Bullet For My Valentine released a video for the first official single from their upcoming sixth studio album, ‘Gravity.’ “Over It” blends early 2000s heavy rock with melodic metal intensity. It’s a very current sound and is executed very well here. I’m not usually a fan of unclean vocals, but the ones in this song aren’t so overwhelming that they ruin the song. (video)

4.       Franz Ferdinand, “Glimpse Of Love”: Delving into 1980s new wave territory, Franz Ferdinand’s latest single “Glimpse Of Love” adds a bit more gloss to their usual electronic-influenced indie-rock. This is probably what it would sound like if Depeche Mode made a Franz Ferdinand song. The video is also pretty 80s-style cheesy, with frontman Alex Kapranos singing (and looking very much like Billy Idol) while he and the band pose for pictures in various places. (video)

5.       All Time Low, “Afterglow”: Continuing to release singles from their 2016 album ‘Last Young Renegade,’ All Time Low get deep with “Afterglow,” a song detailing a relationship that seems to be losing its luster as said song progresses. Together with its lyrics, the song’s melody, which gets especially big and lofty around its first and second chorus, makes it feel like a warning to the listener or a cautionary tale. By the time the song ends, so does the relationship in question, leaving the protagonist in the “afterglow.” (video)

6.       Mike Shinoda feat. blackbear, “About You”: Linkin Park rapper Mike Shinoda has released yet another track from his upcoming solo album ‘Post-Traumatic.’ “About You” is a frank and honest song about how ever song ends up being about late bandmate Chester Benning ton, even when it isn’t. The song has both confessional and direct elements, at times feeling like a conversation between two people and at others feeling like Shinoda is trying to come to terms with something. (video)

7.       Machine Gun Kelly, “27”: Machine Gun Kelly gets very reflective in his latest single, “27.” The song deals with death and what kind of legacy he would leave behind if he were to die today. In the wake of Avicii’s passing earlier this week, the song feels very current. The only downside is that at times the song seems like it glorifies dying young, which is usually something that you wouldn’t want to condone. (video)

8.       Ed Sheeran, “Happier”: The latest single from Ed Sheeran’s 2017 album ‘÷,’ “Happier” is a conflicted love song based on a true story about seeing his ex with her new beau. It’s not one of his more stand-out singles, as it has an even more low-key melody than his most somber love songs. But you can still feel the pain in his lyrics and that’s one of the marks of a good song. (video)

The weekend is a great time to catch up on all the new music you may have missed during the week. Check out some of our favorites from the week above and let us know what new songs you’ve enjoyed this week.

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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 online at vinylbay777.com. 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 Bay 777.

Live Shows to Check Out in New York This Weekend (April 27-29, 2018)

Happy Friday! Now that the weekend is almost here, it’s time to figure out how you’re going to spend that precious free time. If you’re still not sure what to do, why not check out some live music?

New York has one of the most vibrant music scenes in the world. There is always something going on and this weekend is no exception. With the B.B. King Blues Club closing, blues and funk greats like George Clinton and Buddy Guy will be helping the venue say goodbye. Minus the Bear and Protest the Hero will both be bringing their 10 year anniversary tours to the area. Dweezil Zappa will be bringing new life to his father’s music on his latest tour.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves live music. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the biggest shows happening in New York this weekend. Here are nine shows that will have you rocking out all weekend long.

1.       Minus the Bear: It has been 10 years since indie rockers Minus the Bear released their breakthrough album ‘Planet of Ice.’ To celebrate, the band is touring the country playing the album in its entirety. Support for the tour comes from The Coathangers and The New Trust. (Friday, Irving Plaza)

2.       Protest the Hero: Speaking of anniversaries, metal band Protest the Hero are marking 10 years of their breakthrough sophomore album ‘Fortress.’ The band is currently finishing up a 10^th anniversary tour for the album, playing said album in its entirety. Opening this weekend’s sold out show are Good Tiger and Destrage. (Friday, Gramercy Theatre)

3.       Dweezil Zappa: Celebrating the music of father Frank Zappa, Dweezil Zappa brings his “Choice Cuts! 2018 World Tour” to Long Island this weekend. According to a post on the musician’s Facebook page, the setlist will feature “a collection of the meatiest tracks, with which he plans to satiate the appetite of Zappa fans, old and new.” (Friday, The Paramount Huntington)

4.       Steel Panther: Steel Panther will be bringing the laughs when their Sunset Strip Live! tour rolls through to Long Island this weekend. The band released their fourth album, ‘Lower the Bar,’ last year, peaking in the top spot of the Billboard Comedy Albums chart. (Friday, The Space at Westbury)

5.       Echosmith: Originally scheduled for last fall, family band Echosmith kick off their North American tour this weekend. The tour follows the release of the band’s ‘Inside A Dream’ EP last year and will also feature the band debuting some new songs from their upcoming, as-yet-untitled sophomore full-length. The Score and Jena Rose will be opening on the tour. (Saturday, Irving Plaza)

6.       George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic: After 18 years in business, B.B. King Blues Club announced last week that it will be closing its doors this weekend. As a proper send-off, the venue curated a full week of top-notch blues, funk, R&B and hip-hop shows. George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, who released their first new song in nearly four decades this year, will be playing the venue’s second-to-last show. (Saturday, B.B. King Blues Club)

7.       Matt and Kim: Indie-duo Matt and Kim returned this past January with their first new single in three years. Since then they have released three more singles and announced the release of their upcoming sixth album, ‘Almost Everyday,’ slated to hit shelves in May. The duo will be playing two shows in New York this weekend with Tokyo Police Club and Future Feats opening. (Saturday [sold out] & Sunday, Brooklyn Steel)

8.       Buddy Guy: Legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy has spent more than five decades in the music industry and shows no signs of slowing down. He released his latest album, ‘Born to Play Guitar,’ in 2015 and has been putting out singles since then. Guy is currently touring North America with his band The Damn Right Blues Band, hitting Long Island Saturday and playing the final show at B.B. King Blues Club on Sunday. (Saturday, Theatre at Westbury; Sunday, B.B. King Blues Club)

9.       Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness: Following the release of his second solo album, ‘Zombies on Broadway,’ last year, Andrew McMahon is slowing things down a bit. His latest tour, dubbed “The Pen & The Piano Tour,” will feature the singer playing an acoustic set, just him and his piano. “Friends” joining him on the tour, which hits New York this weekend for two sold out shows, include Allen Stone, Zac Clark and Bob Oxblood. (Saturday, Warsaw; Sunday, Irving Plaza)

If you’re still looking for something to do this weekend, this is the perfect time to dive into New York’s bustling live music scene and take in a show. Check out one of the shows above or any of the other amazing small club shows that happen around the area on a daily basis.

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Live music and records go hand-in-hand. That’s why you should head down to Vinyl Bay 777 before the show to find music from your favorite touring artists and more. Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop has 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 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.

Twenty Years Later: *NSYNC’s Boy Band Domination of the Late 1990s

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, takes a brief look at the lasting impact the boy band had on pop music

*NSYNC Logo. Found on Wikimedia Commons.

It’s been two decades since *NSYNC took over the global music scene with their R&B-tinged bubblegum pop, sleek dance moves and coordinated outfits. Now, the infamous boy band, made up of Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick and Lance Bass, is in the spotlight again as they prepare to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this Monday, April 30.

Of course boy bands were around way before *NSYNC was ever a thought. Menudo has gone through several iterations since the 1970s. New Edition and New Kids on the Block had all the tweenage girls falling head-over-heels in the 1980s. Go back even further and you have The Jackson 5 and The Osmonds creating those sweet harmonies.

However, pop music lost some steam in the mid-1990s. From about 1993 until 1997, grunge and alternative rock took over the top 40. Pop made its resurgence in 1998 with boy bands, notably the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, and starlets like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera leading the way.

But it is *NSYNC that really made a name for themselves above the others during that boy band explosion. Following a supercharged start in Germany in 1996 (where many American pop artists got their start at the time), the group came back to the states to release their self-titled debut, which after much publicity, was certified diamond. Their second album, ‘No Strings Attached,’ would prove to be even more successful, spawning the mega hit “Bye Bye Bye,” debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and breaking the record for most albums sold in its first week, a record that would stand until 2015. The group kept up with the momentum for their third album, ‘Celebrity,’ which also debuted at number one and nearly broke their first week sales record. At their height, the band’s name was being marketed everywhere with marionettes, notebooks, keychains, video games and more displaying their likeness.

Unlike a lot of other boy bands, *NSYNC had a fairly well-rounded sound. The group consisted of singers that filled high and mid-tenor, baritone and bass vocals to create pleasing harmonies. And harmonize they did, taking nearly every opportunity to sing a cappella for fans all over the world. Their sound also evolved over time, going from innocent pop love songs that really showed off their vocal chops to more dance-centric tunes with catchy choruses to a sound with more electronic elements to keep up with where pop music was heading.

*NSYNC still has a massive hold on pop culture and pop music. Even though the band broke up in 2002, the group’s eight years together was enough to elicit a collective nostalgia that never really let them fade into obscurity. Some of this is due to Justin Timberlake’s solo success, which continued the band’s legacy, keeping hopes of a reunion looming every time he gets a prestigious honor or headlines the Super Bowl. The other part is due to their musical influence. Without *NSYNC, pop music wouldn’t sound like it does. You can hear it in the way newer boy bands like One Direction, The Wanted and Why Don’t We play off each other. Artists as varied as Meghan Trainer, Kelsea Ballerini and Paramore’s Hayley Williams all cite the group as being influential on them as musicians.

Twenty years after the release of their debut album, *NSYNC continues to be an influential force in pop music. Though not the first boy band in recording history, their brand of harmony-filled, R&B-tinged bubble gum pop helped usher in a new sound that had not been too prevalent in the US pop music scene before 1998. With the group’s star ceremony coming up in less than a week, fans will once again be reminded why *NSYNC are so deserving of their place in pop culture history.

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Celebrate the music of *NSYNC and more influential artists at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from. 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. Whether you’re looking for pop, rock, jazz, R&B, classical or dance, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what kind of gem you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Tribeca Film Festival 2018 Music Documentaries

The 2018 Tribeca Film Festival is in full swing. Running from April 18 through the 29, brings the best of independent cinema to the city for two weeks of non-stop screenings and panels.

Every year, the festival includes a bevy of music documentaries in its schedule. This year’s festival is no different, supporting a full list of thought-provoking musical films and documentaries. These films bring new and interesting perspectives to the stories behind the music. And even though the festival is half over, there are plenty of these films you still have a chance to see.

With the Tribeca Film Festival still in town for the next week, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at some of the festival’s most interesting music documentaries. From stories about New York’s musical history to those pinpointing awe-inspiring artists of all genres, here are 10 festival films you can still catch that will leave you with a fresh perspective on music.

(Note: There was a Patti Smith documentary this year, but it is no longer being shown during the festival, so it was not included.)

1.       ‘Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes’: When Blue Note Records was founded in 1939, it became the foundation of the New York jazz scene, building up the careers of some of the most important and popular artists of the genre. ‘Beyond the Notes’ documents the label’s history and importance, as well as what keeps it so relevant in today’s musical landscape, through archival photos and performance footage and interviews with label artists past and present. (Site)

2.       ‘Cosmic Debris’: ‘Cosmic Debris’ is a short that, according to the Tribeca website, details “the friendship between animator Gabor Csupo and musician Frank Zappa.” (Site)

3.        ‘Mr. Soul!’: ‘Mr. Soul!’ takes a look at the late 1960-early 1970s variety show ‘SOUL!,’ which acted as a home for black voices in “literature, poetry, music and politics” at a time where those voices were nearly silenced. The film uses interviews with participants as well as archival clips of the show to showcase its importance and lasting impact. (Site)

4.        ‘Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda’: Composer Ryuichi Sakamoto has led a musical career that has spanned multiple genres and earned him several awards. Director Nomura Schible followed Sakamoto for the last five years documenting the process of the artist’s latest work, an album inspired by the Fukushima nuclear disaster and his cancer diagnosis. Since the film has not premiered as of writing this, there is also still a chance to see a Q & A on Wednesday with both Sakamoto and Schible. (Site)

5.       ‘Satan & Adam’: Compiled using two decades-worth of archival footage, ‘Satan & Adam’ tells the story of the collaboration between harmonica player Adam Gussow and blues guitarist Sterling “Satan” Magee. The two musicians formed a bond in 1986 that transcended race at a time when New York City’s neighborhoods were still very segregated. (Site)

6.       ‘Songwriter’: Ed Sheeran collaborator and music video director Murray Cummings makes his feature film directing debut with ‘Songwriter,’ a documentary that follows the creation of Sheeran’s 2016 album ‘÷.’ While the film mainly focuses on the collaborative spirit of the album and Sheeran as a songwriter, it also goes into depth on how the singer got to where he is, using family home movies to give the viewer perspective on his childhood leading up to his massive stardom. (Site)

7.       ‘Studio 54’: A documentary about the rise and fall of Studio 54, this film uses “never-before-seen footage, period music” and interviews with co-owner Ian Schrager and former regulars and staff to tell the story of New York’s most infamous nightclub. This film gives the viewer an exclusive look at what made Studio 54 the place to be in the late 1970s and why its time ended so abruptly. (Site)

8.       ‘The Velvet Underground Played at My High School’: Running only eight minutes, ‘The Velvet Undergound Played at My School’ tells the story of the pre-punk pioneers’ first show. Taking place at a high school in New Jersey, the show preceded their work with Andy Warhol and Nico, showcasing what it was like to first hear the band’s groundbreaking rock sound. (Site)

9.        ‘Nico 1988’: Speaking of The Velvet Underground, ‘Nico 1988’ details the story of Warhol superstar Nico’s final years. The biopic, written and directed by Susanna Nicchiarelli, follows a drug-addicted Nico as she embarks on a European tour while trying to regain custody of her child. (Site)

10.   ‘Lambchild Superstar: Making Music In The Menagerie of the Holy Cow’: More performance art than film, ‘Lambchild Superstar’ finds Chris Milk and Damian Kulash (OK Go) taking pairs of participants on a collaborative musical experience. Participants get to experience what it is like to make a song within a fantasy world “replete with magical music-making contraptions, friendly animals and robots.” (Site)

Music documentaries give viewers a chance to see music and its creation in a whole new light. As the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival continues to bring quality independent film to New York City for the rest of the week, there is still a chance to see many new music documentaries and films, such as the ones above.

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Find music from some of these documentary subjects 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 array of genres to choose from. Browse our ever-growing 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.

Record Store Day 2018 Highlight: Jerry Garcia & the Grateful Dead

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, takes a look at Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia reissues hitting shelves for Record Store Day

Jerry Garcia has become one of the most recognizable names in rock music. Between fronting the inimitable Grateful Dead and releasing his own solo albums and various other side projects, his reputation precedes him. Even after his death in 1995, the singer’s work continues to find its way into the hands of new listeners, especially through reissues, like the ones coming out this Record Store Day.

For the 2018 edition of Record Store Day this Saturday, ATO and Round Records will be reissuing Garcia’s 1982 final studio album, ‘Run for the Roses.’ Pressed on limited edition black and orange marbled vinyl and individually numbered, only 5000 of these albums will be pressed for Record Store Day. The album features some of Garcia’s most beloved songs, including “Midnight Getaway,” “Valerie” and “Run for the Roses,” as well as covers of Bob Dylan (“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”) and Beatles (“I Saw Her Standing There”) classics.

If one Jerry Garcia album doesn’t cover you, there will be two Grateful Dead releases coming your way for Record Store Day as well. First, the band will be releasing a four LPs set of their February 27, 1969 show at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, CA. Initially released in 2005 as part of their ‘Fillmore West 1969: The Complete Recordings’ CD box set, this show will be getting its own limited vinyl release, which will feature a special etching on its eighth side. Only 9000 copies will be made available worldwide.

Then, the Grateful Dead’s 1987 collaboration with Bob Dylan, ‘Dylan & The Dead,’ will be getting a special vinyl reissue. Featuring Dylan playing frontman to The Dead, the album contains a mix of both artists’ hits. This new edition will be pressed on red and blue tie-dye vinyl and limited to 5000 copies.

Fans of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead will have ample reason to celebrate this Record Store Day with these three limited edition releases to look forward to. These releases are sure to be highly sought after, so head out early to make sure you get your copy.

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Celebrate Record Store Day 2018 at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop, this Saturday! The store will be opening at 8 AM with exclusives from Def Leppard and more. Then while you’re here, check out the rest of our newly revamped store! Find thousands of titles on new and used vinyl, CD and cassette, as well as music DVDs and memorabilia. Can't make it to the store? Check us out online at vinylbay777.com! From rare and hard-to-find albums to classics, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Record Store Day 2018 Highlight: Def Leppard

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, takes a look at Def Leppard’s never-before-heard Record Store Day release

Def Leppard has had an extensive career with 11 studio albums to their name. Having celebrated their 40^th anniversary last year, the band continues to celebrate this year with a new tour and a Record Store Day release that has never been heard before.

In 2008, Def Leppard checked into the famed Abbey Road studios to rerecord some of their biggest hits. These recordings have gone unreleased for the last ten years. That changes this Saturday when the band releases the three-track single ‘Live at Abbey Road’ for Record Store Day. The release features versions of 2008 single, “C’mon C’mon” and 2006 single “Rock On,” as well as the 1989 single “Rocket.” Be quick though, as there are only 4000 copies of these recordings being pressed for the event.

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Celebrate Record Store Day 2018 at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop, this Saturday! The store will be opening at 8 AM with exclusives from Def Leppard and more. Then while you’re here, check out the rest of our newly revamped store! Find thousands of titles on new and used vinyl, CD and cassette, as well as music DVDs and memorabilia.Can't make it to the store? Check us out online at vinylbay777.com! From rare and hard-to-find albums to classics, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Record Store Day 2018 Highlight: Madonna

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, takes a look at Madonna’s career defining Record Store Day releases

Madonna has been wowing audiences for nearly 35 years, keeping the music industry on its toes with every successive release. This Record Store Day, the world will be reminded of where the iconic singer came from with two breakout releases that show who she is as an artist.

Released in 1982, Madonna’s self-titled debut album became an instant hit all over the world. Spawning an impressive five hits (“Lucky Star,” “Borderline,” “Holiday,” “Burning Up” and “Everybody”) from the eight-track album, her voice and compositions stood out from all the other pop music of the era. Fans will once again get to experience the wonder of the singer’s first album, as Sire Records will be reissuing a rare Japanese picture disc of it for Record Store Day. According to the event’s website, the album and its packaging will be “faithfully replicated with original lilac card insert, fold-out page Japanese biography / lyric insert & clear PVC outer with the pink heart-shaped obi-sticker featuring the original Japanese text.” This will be a very limited release, as only 5300 copies will be available in the United States out of a run of 14,000 being pressed for Record Store Day.

Never one to shy away from new technology, Madonna became one of the first artists to embrace remix culture. In 1987, the singer released her first remix album, ‘You Can Dance.’ The album featured new mixes of several of her hits, including “Holiday,” “Into the Groove,” “Everybody,” “Spotlight” and more. Out of print for more than three decades, Sire Records will be releasing a limited edition version of the album for Record Store Day. Pressed on red vinyl, the album comes with a poster and will be packaged in with an obi strip, a la the original European release. Only 4350 copies of the album will be available in the United States out of a total 12,000 being pressed for Record Store Day.

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Celebrate Record Store Day 2018 at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop, this Saturday! The store will be opening at 8 AM with exclusives from Madonna and more. Then while you’re here, check out the rest of our newly revamped store! Find thousands of titles on new and used vinyl, CD and cassette, as well as music DVDs and memorabilia.Can't make it to the store? Check us out online at vinylbay777.com! From rare and hard-to-find albums to classics, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Record Store Day 2018 Highlight: The Cure

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, takes a look at The Cure’s remix-heavy Record Store Day releases

Having already spent a good part of the late 1980s accruing a series of massive hits, The Cure decided to give fans a new perspective on their work. In 1990, the band released ‘Mixed Up,’ an album featuring remixes of some of their biggest hits from their then decade-long career.

Now nearly 28 years later, the album is getting a new lease on life. ‘Mixed Up’ is being rereleased this spring for Record Store Day. Remastered by Robert Smith himself, the album features updated remixes of hits like “Love Song,” “Pictures of You” and “Lullaby.” This is the first time the album will be available on vinyl in more than two decades.

In addition to the remastered main LP, The Cure is also releasing a second album of remixes, ‘Torn Down (Mixed Up Extra).’ Also mixed by Smith, the new album will feature sixteen more remixes, this time delving even deeper into the band’s classic catalog. This includes tracks that were released post-1990, such as “It’s Over” and “Want,” as well as a new remix of “Never Enough.”

Both ‘Mixed Up’ and ‘Torn Down’ will be available this Saturday for Record Store Day before being released together as a three CD set on June 15. But act fast, only 7750 copies of each album are being released worldwide.

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Celebrate Record Store Day 2018 at Vinyl Bay 777 Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop, this Saturday! The store will be opening at 8 AM with exclusives from The Cure and more. Then while you’re here, check out the rest of our newly revamped store! Find thousands of titles on new and used vinyl, CD and cassette, as well as music DVDs and memorabilia. Can't make it to the store? Check us out online at vinylbay777.com! From rare and hard-to-find albums to classics, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Shows to Check Out in New York / New Jersey This Weekend (April 6 – 8, 2018)

New York has a bustling music scene brimming with amazing bands every night of the week. Between bands coming through on tour and the talented locals playing the area’s many small clubs, there is never a dull moment. And with the weekend almost here, now is the perfect time to dive in and check out a live show.

Vinyl Bay777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves live music. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of this weekend’s hottest rock shows in the New York area. Here are ten that we think will be worth checking out.

1.       Yo La Tengo: Yo La Tengo return to New York this weekend, this time with a new album under their belt. The band released their 15^th studio album, ‘There’s A Riot Going On,’ last month, taking their sound in a new, more experimental, piecemeal direction. (Friday, Brooklyn Steel)

2.       Screaming Females: New Jersey’s Screaming Females released their seventh album, ‘All At Once,’ back in February to rave reviews with Mother Jones calling it the band’s “best album yet.” The band is currently on a headlining tour behind the album with Thou and HIRS opening the shows. If you miss them tonight, you can catch them next month opening for The Breeders’ comeback tour. (Friday, Market Hotel)

3.       Brandi Carlile: Singer / Songwriter Brandi Carlile released her stunning new album ‘By The Way, I Forgive You,’ this past February, with the tear-inducing “The Joke” as its brilliant first single. Carlile will be bringing her powerful vocals and lyrical compositions to New York for two sold out shows this weekend. (Friday & Saturday, Beacon Theatre)

4.       Cro-Mags: NYC hardcore vets Cro-Mags have been a staple of the scene for nearly four decades. Fresh off their tour with Eyehategod, the band will be playing a homecoming show in Brooklyn this weekend. Prepare for an insanely loud and energetic show that will make you miss the old days of punk. (Saturday, Knitting Factory)

5.       Cradle of Filth: British metal band Cradle of Filth released their 12^th studio album, ‘Cryptoriana,’ last year, which landed at numbers 14 and 15 on Billboard’s Independent Albums and Hard Rock Albums charts, respectively. The band is currently on a world tour behind the album with Ukranian metal band Jinjer opening. (Saturday, Irving Plaza)

6.       Broken Social Scene: This past July, musical collective Broken Social Scene released their first album in seven years, ‘Hug of Thunder,’ to positive reviews from both critics and fans. The band is wrapping up the US leg of their Hug of Thunder tour this weekend with shows in both New York and New Jersey. (Saturday, Paramount Huntington; Sunday, Wellmont Theater)

7.       Superchunk: Indie-punks Superchunk released their first album in five years, ‘What a Time to Be Alive,’ this past February. According to their record label, the album was written as a response to current events as a way to “bring spirit to the frontlines of pain.” The band is currently on the second half of their lUS tour, which stops in New York this weekend for two shows with Swearin’ as support. (Saturday & Sunday, Bowery Ballroom)

8.       Bon Jovi: New Jersey’s native sons and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Bon Jovi are back for two shows in their home state as part of their continued This House Is Not for Sale world tour. These guys always give 100% for an energetic show that rivals some of the younger bands out there. If you can’t make it out to New Jersey, the tour will wrap back around to New York’s Madison Square Garden in May. (Saturday & Sunday, Prudential Center)

9.       The War on Drugs: Garage rockers The War on Drugs had a lot of success last year with their fourth album, ‘A Deeper Understanding,’ which earned them a top 10 spot on the Billboard 200 chart as well as their first Grammy. The band continues to tour behind the album through the summer, making a stop in Brooklyn this weekend before heading to the west coast. (Sunday, Brooklyn Steel)

10.    Miranda Sings: Over the last 10 years, (A.K.A. Colleen Ballinger) has amassed more than eight million subscribers on YouTube and has received a handful of awards for her over-the-top character Miranda Sings. Miranda Sings is getting ready to release her second book, ‘My Diarrhe,’ in July. Now is your chance to see the character live as she sings off-key and gives advice with a healthy dose of audience participation to keep the crowd guessing. (Sunday, Beacon Theatre)

With all the great live music coming out of the New York scene on a daily basis, there is always something to go see. This weekend is no exception as there are many bands coming through that will have you rocking that night away. If you’re still looking for something to do this weekend, check out one of the shows above or any of the smaller shows that make the New York music scene one of the best in the world.

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Live music and records go hand in hand. Before heading out to the shows this weekend, drop by Vinyl Bay 777 to find music from these artists and more. Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres to choose from. 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 April 2018

April is here! Along with the warmer spring weather, there is a whole new batch of album releases to get excited for.

There are a lot of highly-anticipated albums coming out in the worlds of rock, rap and R&B this month. Newcomer Cardi B will be following up the success of her chart-topping debut singles with the release of her debut album. Janelle Monae is releasing a new album that is sure to be one of the biggest of the year. Both The Damned and A Perfect Circle will also be releasing their first new albums in more than a decade.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of our top April releases. Here are nine that we think will be worth picking up.

1.       Cardi B, ‘Invasion of Privacy’: Last week, rapper Cardi B announced the surprise release of her debut album, ‘Invasion of Privacy.’ Originally supposed to come out this past October, the album was delayed due to her wanting the album to be perfect. With the wild success of singles like “Bartier Carti” and “Bodak Yellow,” the album is guaranteed to get a lot of attention upon its release. (4/6)

2.       Thirty Seconds to Mars, ‘America’: Following a five-year music hiatus, Thirty Seconds to Mars are back with the brand new album, ‘America.’ So far three singles have been released from the album: the highly political “Walk On Water,” the fairly neutral love song “Dangerous Night” and the A$AP Rocky collab “One Track Mind,” each of which pull away from the moody-yet-anthemic pop-punk the band has become known for. It’s a new, different direction, but it could work to find them a wider fanbase. (4/6)

3.       The Wonder Years, ‘Sister Cities’: Following much teasing in the early part of the year, pop-punk band The Wonder Years are finally releasing their sixth studio album, ‘Sister Cities,’ this month. Of the album, frontman Dan Campbell said it’s about “connectivity” and how people “impact one another.” It’s also said to be their heaviest album yet, so it will be interesting to hear where the album takes them. (4/6)

4.       The Damned, ‘Evil Spirits’: It’s been ten years, but veteran British punks The Damned are back with a brand new album, ‘Evil Spirits.’ The album is said to explore a wide range of influences while still managing to be as brutal and honest as ever. ‘Evil Spirits’ will also be the band’s first album with bassist Paul Gray in more than 35 years. (4/13)

5.       Harry Shearer, ‘Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing)’: Comedian Harry Shearer will be donning his Spinal Tap persona Derek Smalls for a debut solo album out this month. ‘Small Change’ will feature a host of guests that includes David Crosby, Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen, Dweezil Zappa, Paul Shaffer, Rick Wakeman, Steve Vai, Foo Fighters’ Tayler Hawkens, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith and more. The album is said to be about the “life of a touring rocker – from backstage autograph sessions to groupie sex.” (4/13)

6.       A Perfect Circle, ‘Eat the Elephant’: Fourteen years in the making, A Perfect Circle is finally releasing a new album, ‘Eat the Elephant,’ this month. From the singles released thus far, the album will be filled with biting cultural critique. For example, “Disillusioned” uses a different dynamics within the song to convey his dissatisfaction with “instant gratification” culture. (4/20)

7.       Sting & Shaggy, ‘44/876’: While at first a collaboration between former Police frontman Sting and 1990s reggaeton singer Shaggy might seem odd, it actually makes a lot of sense. The Police have always had a slight ska influence and island feel. Full-on reggae is only the next logical step. On single “Don’t Make Me Wait” both singers’ voices meld really well. This could be a surprisingly good move to get both of their names back in the spotlight. (4/20)

8.       Willie Nelson, ‘Last Man Standing’: Willie Nelson has released an album almost every year since he got his start in 1962. He continues that streak this month with his 73^rd studio album, ‘Last Man Standing,’ set to come out a few days before his 85^th birthday. The album picks up where ‘God’s Problem Child’ leaves off, reflecting on his and his peers’ mortality. (4/27)

9.       Janelle Monae, ‘Dirty Computer’: R&B songstress Janelle Monae seems to be looking to make a statement with her upcoming third album, ‘Dirty Computer.’ In February, the singer debuted videos for two bold new songs, “Make Me Feel” and “Django Jane”. With the kind of press the singles have gotten, Monae is gearing up to shake up the music industry this year, so watch out. (4/27)

A lot of highly-anticipated albums are slated for release this April. Fans of rock, R&B, rap and country will all have something to look forward to this month. Check out some of our top picks for this month’s must-hear albums and let us know which ones you’re looking forward to.

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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 ranging from rock, pop, R&B and hip-hop to classical, dance, comedy and so much more. 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.