Albums Coming Out in August 2018

With the new month of August starting tomorrow, summer release season continues to rage on. That means there is a whole new roster of album releases to get excited for.

August is filled with a lot of highly anticipated new albums. Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj both have huge releases slated to come out in the next month. The same goes for rock bands Alice in Chains and Death Cab for Cutie. Lovelytheband is slated to release its debut album, as is Bon Iver / The National side project Big Red Machine. Jason Mraz is releasing a new album sure to fit the warmth of the summer sun. August will also see some unexpected new music from the likes of Alkaline Trio, Plain White T’s and Blue October.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’re taking a look ahead at some of August’s hot new releases. Here are nine that we think will be worth picking up in the coming month.

1.       Lovelytheband, ‘Finding It Hard to Smile’: Lovelytheband had a breakout year in 2017, with their debut single “Broken” becoming a huge alt-rock hit. Though their second single “These Are My Friends” hasn’t hit quite the same level of success, the song hits the same pop-y, easily consumable notes as the first. If the rest of the album is like this, than the band could have one of the biggest underground albums of the summer. (8/3)

2.       Jason Mraz, ‘Know’: Jason Mraz consistently comes out with amazing, catchy, laid-back tunes from album to album and from what I’ve heard of ‘Know’ so far, his latest album will be no different. “Have It All” in particular merges the fast-talking wordplay of his early work with the acoustic, happy-go-lucky feel of his more recent fare, making for a well-rounded sound. (8/10)

3.       Nicki Minaj, ‘Queen’: It seems like Nicki Minaj has been everywhere on everyone else’s albums over the last few years, but keeping quiet about the progress of her own work. That changed in April when the rapper announced a new album, ‘Queen,’ and released two back-to-back singles. Minaj continues to keep many of the album’s details quiet though, as she has not released an official track list yet. However, with Minaj’s unique flow and style, there is no doubt that theis album will sit on top of the sales charts. (8/10)

4.       Death Cab for Cutie, ‘Thank You for Today’: A lot has happened with Death Cab for Cutie since they released 2015’s ‘Kintsugi,’ the biggest of which was the departure of founding member Chris Walla. Now with Ben Gibbard as the sole original member, the band comes back with their ninth studio album, ‘Thank You for Today,’ this August. The album’s first single, “Gold Rush,” which is described as a “requiem” for changing neighborhoods and features a sample from Yoko Ono’s “Mind Train,” is memorable and the proper continuation of the indie-rock sound the band has helped define. (8/17)

5.       Ariana Grande, ‘Sweetener’: Ariana Grande’s upcoming fourth album, ‘Sweetener,’ is one of the most anticipated albums of the summer. Having released three singles from the album so far, each has charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and people have been especially enthusiastic about the innovativeness of “No Tears Left to Cry” and “God Is a Woman.” Sales also won’t be hurt by the fact that she has been in the public eye for more than her music lately; she recently got engaged to comedian Pete Davidson, for whom she wrote the namesake song on the album. (8/17)

6.       Blue October, ‘I Hope You’re Happy’: Blue October took a more positive approach with their upcoming album, ‘I Hope You’re Happy.’ While many of the band’s previous songs have dealt with pain and mental strife, the title track seems to find frontman Justin Furstenfeld reconciling with life. The sound is less dark too, adding in a bit more synth and pep. It will be interesting to hear were this new sound takes them. (8/17)

7.       Alice in Chains, ‘Rainier Fog’: It’s been five years, but Alice in Chains is back with a brand new album. ‘Rainier Fog’ is the grunge / metal band’s sixth album and first for the BMG label. According to a Rolling Stone interview feature, vocalist / guitarist Jerry Cantrell said that much of the album is a look back at where the band came from, with inspiration coming from the Seattle music scene, as well as the bands that inspired them to play (especially on the title track). (8/24)

8.       Alkaline Trio, ‘Is This Thing Cursed?’: Alkaline Trio have been quietly at work on a new album, ‘Is This Thing Cursed?’,” their first in five years. Now the band is ready to share what they’ve come up with. According to an interview with the band in New Noise Magazine, the writing for the album was very similar to that of their second album, ‘Maybe I’ll Catch Fire,’ with vocalist / bassist Dan Andriano saying “I really feel like we made a record that the old school fans are going to dig.” (8/31)

9.       Big Red Machine, ‘Big Red Machine’: Earlier this year, Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon and The National’s Aaron and Bryce Dessner started a new side project called Big Red Machine, releasing four songs through a new streaming website they created, PEOPLE. Now the group is putting out an official, self-titled album. This could be an interesting collaboration considering the two bands’ very different sounds. (8/31)

August is gearing up to be a great month for new music. With highly anticipated pop, rock and rap albums on the horizon, there is a lot to look forward to. Keep an eye out for some of the albums above and let us know which new releases you can’t wait to check out.

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Find music new and old from your favorite artists 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 to reacquaint yourself with 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 (July 22-28, 2018)

Another long week is finally over and with it came a lot of new music. With the weekend now officially here, it’s time to take a look back at some of the best new songs and music videos to come out over the last seven days.

This week saw the release of a lot of great new music, especially in rock. Elvis Costello released two new songs with The Imposters that were ten years in the making. Slash debuted the first single from his upcoming album as well. Twenty One Pilots released another music video from their upcoming album while From First to Last continued their reunion with a new one-off single. In punk, Shiragirl, Set It Off and Hands Like Houses all released new music videos. We also got terrific new songs and videos from the likes of Jason Mraz, Jack White and Young the Giant.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again scoured the internet for the best new songs and music videos released over the last week. Here are eight that we think you should add to your playlist this weekend.

1.       Elvis Costello & the Imposters, “Unwanted Number” & “Under Lime”: Earlier this week, Costello announced that he would be releasing his first album with The Imposters in nearly a decade later this year. Along with the announcement, he released two brand new songs; “Unwanted Number” and “Under Lime.” Both tracks have a classic feel, as if no time has passed. “Unwanted Number” has a methodical, melodic jazziness that adds to its cool groove. “Under Lime” goes big with instrumentation, incorporating grand orchestral crescendos that add a level of pomp to the whole thing. (“Number”; “Lime”)

2.       Shiragirl, “Summers Comin”: “Summers Comin” is west coast punk at its best. The song is simple yet edgy, driven by Shira’s vocal grittiness and lack of edited polish. It is the perfect mix of summer and punk, ready to be moshed to on the beach. (video)

3.       Slash feat. Miles Kennedy & the Conspirators, “Driving Rain”: “Driving Rain” has a classic hard rock sound that is really easy to listen to. Led by Slash’s expert guitar work, the melody just falls into place without too much reverb messing it up. (video)

4.       From First To Last, “Surrender”: Skrillex’s (Sonny Moore) reunion with From First To Last seems to be coming in spurts. A year-and-a-half ago the band released their first song together in nearly a decade. Now, the band has released their second new single, “Surrender.” The song starts out with an aggressive scream, then evens out into classic mid-2000s melodic hardcore. You just can’t go wrong with that. (video)

5.       Young the Giant, “Simplify”: With its piano-driven melody, soaring chorus and catchy hook, “Simplify” is an instantly enjoyable indie-rock jam. I wouldn’t be surprised if alt-rock radio started playing this song on repeat in the very near future. (video)

6.       Jason Mraz feat. Meghan Trainor, “More Than Friends”: Mraz does it again with the slow sweetness of “More Than Friends.” The lyrics portray the act of telling someone you like them with all the awkwardness, nervousness and innocence of doing it in real life. My one criticism is that I don’t think Meghan Trainor’s voice goes that well with Mraz’s, but it’s easy enough to overlook. (video)

7.       Twenty One Pilots, “Nico And The Niners”: Twenty One Pilots released a video for their single “Nico And The Niners” this week, the second in what is supposed to be a trilogy of videos from their upcoming album ‘Trench.’ The video finds singer Tyler Joseph escaping from the grey sanctuary of his red-hooded oppressors from the “Jumpsuit” video to meet up with a group of rebels. “Nico And The Niners,” which was released as a single along with “Jumpsuit” two weeks ago, has a familiar faux reggae-feel much like some of the band’s previous singles, though its dark undertones make it feel heavier. (video)

8.       Jack White, “Corporation”: Jack White released a video for his latest single “Corporation” this week. The clip for the funky near-instrumental piece features a detective investigating a murder and visualizations of what might have happened with a twist at the end that will leave you scratching your head. (video)

The weekend is a great time to catch up on all the new songs and music videos released in a given week. 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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Discover 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 to suit most music fans. 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 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 gems you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Live Shows in New York This Weekend (July 27-29, 2018)

Another beautiful summer weekend in New York is almost upon us. If you’re still looking for something to do, why not consider spending your days off rocking out to some live music?

The New York music scene is filled with amazing shows and this weekend is no different, especially when it comes to rock. All weekend long the Panorama Music Festival will be taking over Randall’s Island. The Vans Warped Tour will be making its final appearance in New York, as will metal legends Slayer.  We also have 90s favorites Bush, Stone Temple Pilots and The Cult coming through, as well as 80s icons Culture Club and The B-52’s.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves live music. That’s why we’ve once again been searching out the best live shows happening in the New York area this weekend. Here are seven sure to have you rocking out all weekend long.

1.       Panorama Music Festival: Back for a third year, the Panorama Music Festival will be taking over Randall’s Island all weekend long. Spanning a wide range of genres, the line-up includes some of the biggest names in music today. Tonight’s headlining slots include The Weeknd, Father John Misty, Migos, The War on Drugs and Dua Lipa. On Saturday, Janet Jackson leads the bill with Lil’ Wayne, SZA, Gucci Mane and St. Vincent also headlining. Wrapping things up on Sunday, The Killers, The XX, David Byrne and Fleet Foxes will headline. And that doesn’t even cover the local food trucks, interactive experiences and live DJ sets/laser shows that will be filling up every non-concert mement. (Friday-Sunday, Randall’s Island)

2.       Bush, Stone Temple Pilots, The Cult: Fans of 1990s rock will be transported back to the good-old-days when Bush, Stone Temple Pilots and The Cult bring their tri-headlining “Revolution 3” tour to Long Island tonight. Expect the classics that defined the post-grunge scene, as well as new favorites. (Friday, Jones Beach)

3.       Frank Turner: Punk rock troubadour Frank Turner is taking a break from his current full-band tour to play a few solo shows in New York this weekend. This includes two shows in Brooklyn with special guests Laura Stevenson (tonight) and Petal (Saturday) and an afternoon set on a cruise around the Hudson with Jesse Malin. Turner released his fantastic seventh album ‘Be More Kind,’ earlier this year. (Friday & Saturday, Saint Vitus Bar; Saturday Afternoon, Rocks Off Concert Cruise)

4.       Killcode: New York hard-rock/metal band Killcode has been gaining traction over the last few years, opening for the likes of Fuel, Godsmack and Sevendust. The band will be playing a headlining show tonight with fellow New York bands Bound By Substance, Black Night Revival and All Night Sounds. Check these guys out and support local music! (Friday, Bowery Ballroom)

5.       Boy George & Culture Club: One of the biggest new wave powerhouses of the 1980s, Culture Club are currently on their extensive “Life” summer tour, which hits Queens this weekend for what is sure to be an amazing, over-the-top show. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like any new music will be coming from this.  Joining them for the nostalgia run are The B-52s and Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey. (Saturday, Forest Hills Stadium)

6.       Warped Tour: After 25 years, the Vans Warped Tour is coming to an end as we know it. Catch the tour on Long Island once last time this weekend with performances from We The Kings, Simple Plan, Waterparks, 3Oh!3, Reel Big Fish, The Interrupters, Mayday Parade, Tonight Alive, The Maine, Set It Off, Silverstein, Every Time I Die, Senses Fail, Motionless In White and many, many more. (Saturday, Jones Beach)

7.       Slayer: One of the big four of metal, Slayer announced earlier this year that they were calling it a day following one last world tour. That time has unfortunately come as the band’s “Final World Tour” hits Long Island this weekend. Opening the show are Lamb Of God, Anthrax, Testament and Napalm Death. Catch them live before it’s too late. (Sunday, Jones Beach)

This weekend, as par usual, the New York area will be filled with amazing live music, making it the perfect time to take in everything the music scene has to offer. Check out one (or more) of the shows listed above or any of the other smaller gigs happening around the area and spend your weekend rocking out.

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Before heading out to the venues this weekend, drop by Vinyl Bay 777 to pick up music from these live bands and more. Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from in a plethora of genres to satisfy most music fans. 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.

Week in Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (July 8-14, 2018)

Another busy week has come to an end and with it came a lot of new music. Now that the weekend is here, this is the perfect time to take a look back at the best new songs and music videos released over the last seven days.

This was a big week for new music, especially when it comes to pop and rock. Big names like Childish Gambino, Ariana Grande, Twenty One Pilots, Mac Miller and Alessia Cara all released highly talked about new songs and videos. Charlie Puth released a new video and single from his latest album. In rock, Theory of a Deadman and Kodaline both put out new videos, as did pop-punk bands Good Charlotte, Waterparks and Sleep On It.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again scoured the internet for the best new songs and music videos of the week. Here are seven (plus two) that are definitely worth a listen/view.

1.       Sleep On It, “A New Way Home”: With thrashing guitars and a rhythm section that keeps it contently moving, “A New Way Home” falls on the harder edges of pop-punk in the best way possible. Even better though is the video for the song. The performance aspect really shows how much fun the band has working together, playing off each other and mugging for the camera. (video)

2.       Waterparks, “We Need To Talk”: “We Need To Talk” is an infectious pop-punk break-up song. It has a very light, upbeat feel given its subject, but it’s so catchy that it doesn’t even matter. The video is also worth watching, depicting lead singer Awsten Knight returning from the dead as a zombie. (video)

3.       Theory, “PCH”: Theory of a Dead Man (now called Theory) have done a 180 degree turn with their latest single “PCH.” The song shows a softer side to the band than what people are used to. However, this new sound works really well. “PCH” is a polished, sun-kissed pop-rock track with a happy tune and lots of whistling that makes you feel good. (video)

4.       Childish Gambino, “Feels Like Summer” & “Summertime Magic”: After intense political criticism of “This Is America,” Childish Gambino has come back with some lighter fare for the summer. The two songs featured on his ‘Summer Pack’ EP, “Feels Like Summer” and “Summertime Magic,” share a common, easy and breezy melodic and lyrical thread that just encompasses the feel of the season. “Summertime Magic” is a sundrenched, upbeat R&B jam about summer love. “Feels Like Summer” has the feel of laying out on the beach in the sand. Both are guaranteed to get you feeling good for those long summer days spent outdoors. (“Summertime Magic,” “Feels Like Summer”)

5.       Twenty One Pilots, “Jumpsuit” & “Nico And The Niners”: Twenty One Pilots “woke up” this week, announcing their first new album in three years, ‘Trench,’ and releasing its first two singles, “Jumpsuit” and “Nico And The Niners.” “Jumpsuit” has a heavier sound than what we’ve gotten from the band in the past. Its trudging guitars and intense lyrics build the song’s dark atmosphere, telling of the singer’s inner struggles. “Nico And The Niners,” on the other hand, has a slightly lighter feel. The song’s sound harkens back to the songs on ‘Blurryface,’ but slower and more stretched out. Both songs feel a little dirge-y, but from what I’ve read, this theme mirrors the intensity of the upcoming album. (“Jumpsuit,” “Nico”)

6.       Charlie Puth, “The Way I Am”: “The Way I Am” is an upbeat track about being who you are and not having to apologize for it. Even if you’re not famous and trying to hide from the world, the lyrics are very relatable and, coming from Puth’s soulful voice, sincere. (video)

7.       Kodaline, “Shed a Tear”: The level of compassion that Kodaline is able to achieve with their latest single “Shed a Tear” is amazing. It’s warm melody and sincere lyrics are very comforting. With mental illness being recognized more and more these days, it’s nice to hear a song that truly wants you to feel less alone. (video)

This weekend is the perfect time to catch up on all of the week’s newest songs and music videos. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new songs you’ve been digging this week.

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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 an array of genres to fit most music lovers’ tastes. 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 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.

Live Shows to Check Out in New York This Weekend (July 13-15, 2018)

Summer concert season is in full swing. And with a plethora of huge artists coming through New York and Long Island this weekend, there is no better time to go out to see a live show than right now.

This weekend’s concert list is filled to the brim with big name artists. Radiohead, Charlie Puth, Foo Fighters, Shania Twain and Lauryn Hill are all bringing their headlining arena tours through the area this weekend. The Great South Bay Music Festival will be bringing the best in reggae, ska, prog and classic rock to eastern Long Island. Rock vets Yes and The Smithereens are also playing shows in the area.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves live music. That’s why we’ve once again rounded up some of the hottest shows happening in the New York area this weekend. Here are 10 shows we think will be worth checking out.

1.       Radiohead: Radiohead continue their sold out four night run at Madison Square Garden this weekend. According to reports, the band has been playing a good mix of songs from their entire catalog with a few surprises here and there. The band released their last album, ‘A Moon Shaped Pool,’ back in 2016 and reissued their breakthrough album ‘OK Computer’ last year. Guitarist Jonny Greenwood is doing double duty this tour, opening each show with his side project Junun. (Friday & Saturday, Madison Square Garden)

2.       Great South Bay Music Festival: The Great South Bay Music Festival continues on all weekend long. Following yesterday’s pop-punk line-up, tonight will feature reggae and ska from Sublime with Rome, Less Than Jake and The Dirty Heads. Saturday is for jam bands with Umphrey’s McGee, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Papadosio. Then on Sunday, The Dickey Betts Band, Electric Hot Tuna and Little Feat will take the stage for a day of classic rock. Outside of music, the festival offers local craft venders, diverse food venders, beer and wine gardens and art installations. (Friday-Sunday, Shorefront Park)

3.       The Smithereens w/ Marshall Crenshaw: Smithereens frontman Pat DiNizio passed away late last year, but the band is keeping his memory alive on the road. For their first tour without DiNizio, Marshall Crenshaw will be assuming vocal duties. That tour kicks off this weekend with two shows in Manhattan Saturday night. If you can’t make it, the band will be circling back to the area at the end of August to play a show on Long Island. (Saturday, Iridium)

4.       Sleeping With Sirens: Pop-punk/hardcore band Sleeping With Sirens are taking a step back with their ‘Chill Out Summer Acoustic Tour,’ which kicked off earlier this week and hits New York City this weekend. Get set to hear stripped back versions of the band’s hits and fan favorites. The Rocket Summer and Kulick will be opening the show. (Saturday, Gramercy Theatre)

5.       Charlie Puth: Charlie Puth has come a long way from his days creating songs and jingles on YouTube. Following the release of his second album, ‘Voicenotes,’ earlier this year, the pop singer has been tapped to headline the Honda Civic Tour, which hits Long Island this weekend. Hailee Steinfeld opens the show. (Saturday, BMHMC Amphitheater at Bald Hill; Monday, Radio City Music Hall [sold out])

6.       Shania Twain: This past September, Shania Twain made her way back to music with her first album in 15 years, ‘Now.’ The country songstress is currently taking the album out for an extensive North American summer tour, which hits Brooklyn this weekend. (Saturday, Barclays Center)

7.       Jacob Jeffries: The first time I heard Jacob Jeffries’ music, I was blown away by it. His unique, passionate vocals and whirlwind sound make listening to him a joyous affair. Catch him playing songs from the new album, ‘Mother Land,’ in New York this weekend. (Saturday, Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2)

8.       Foo Fighters: Following the release of their latest number one album, ‘Concrete and Gold,’ the Foo Fighters are touring it around the US all summer. The tour hits the New York area this week for three sold-out shows. The band is known for their energetic and unpredictable live shows, so you won’t want to miss a moment. You should even get there early and check out openers The Struts, whose theatrical glam-rock sound is infectious. (Saturday, Jones Beach Theater; Monday & Tuesday, Madison Square Garden)

9.       Lauryn Hill: It has been 20 years since Lauryn Hill released her debut solo album, ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.’ The singer / rapper will be celebrating this milestone with an anniversary tour this summer. The tour stops on Long Island this weekend with a plethora of special guests, including opening sets from Busta Rhymes and Jo Mersa Marley. (Sunday, Jones Beach Theater)

10.   Yes: It has been 50 years since Yes stepped onto the music scene, becoming one of the biggest prog-rock bands of a generation. The band is celebrating the occasion with an upcoming anniversary compilation and a summer-long North American tour. The tour hits the New York area this week, following up their weekend show on Staten Island with shows in the Hudson Valley and Long Island. (Sunday, St. George Theatre; Wednesday, Theatre at Westbury)

With high-profile rock shows big and small happening all over New York and Long Island, this is the perfect weekend to get out and enjoy some live music. Check out the shows above or any of the smaller shows happening around the area and spend your summer weekend rocking out.

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Before heading out to the show this weekend, drop by Vinyl Bay 777 to find music from these touring acts and more. As Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in an array of genres to satisfy most music fans. 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.

The Ramones and their Indelible Influence on Punk

Vinyl Bay 777, Your Music Outlet, takes a brief look at the legacy of the influential punk band

Today marks the fourth anniversary of Tommy Ramone’s (nee Thomas Erdelyi) passing. The former Ramones drummer was 65 when he passed away from bile duct cancer in 2014. As the last remaining original member of the band, his passing marked the end of an era.

The Ramones, (made up of Tommy, frontman Joey (Jeffrey Hyman), guitarist Johnny (John Cummings) and bassist Dee Dee (Douglas Colvin) Ramone) were the most influential band to come out of the New York punk scene. Best known for songs like “I Wanna Be Sedated,” “Blitzkrieg Bob,” “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” and “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker,” among others, the band popularizing the short, fast and loud sound and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) aesthetic that came to characterize New York punk.

When most people think of the Ramones, it’s their short, loud and fast sound that comes to mind. Playing at a quicker pace than most of the artists at the time, their songs often didn’t go past two minutes in length. The sound quickly came to define the scene surrounding New York clubs like CBGBs and Max’s Kansas City.

What also made the Ramones so special was how relatable the music was. Coming out of a period where rock was very polished and, as the band’s manager Danny Fields puts it in an article from The Guardian, “pretentious,” everything about the Ramones was DIY. As none of the band members had that much experience with their instruments, many of the songs were very simple, sticking to the same three chords throughout. The same thing went for their look. Their leather jacket, t-shirt, denim jeans and sneakers “street gang” style was very attainable and reproducible.

Many a band has tried to emulate the Ramones’ intensity. When the band’s self-titled debut came out, fellow CBGB regulars conceded that they had to “step up their game” to compete with the new sound. Hardcore punk bands, as well as the subsequent punk scene in California found inspiration in the Ramones’ pacing as well. This intensity even had a hand in influencing UK punk. Though the sound coming out of the UK was much rougher and angrier than its US counterpart, it was the Ramones’ fast pace that carried over across the pond and left its mark. According to The Stranglers’ Jean-Jacques Burnel in the same Guardian article, when ‘Ramones’ came out “A lot of British bands wanted to sound like that. Everyone sped up afterwards.” In the same article, Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook recalls that “Sid Vicious was a massive fan. He tried to imitate them with his playing, but they were a lot faster.”

And it wasn’t only punk bands that found inspiration in the Ramones’ work either. Indie rock, metal, grunge and alternative bands all counted them as an influence on their respective sounds.

Despite the band’s influence, the Ramones were never really popular in the mainstream. Even though their music can still be heard on rock radio today, most of their “hits” never charted or failed to chart high.

With a sound and style all their own, the Ramones became legends in the New York punk scene. Over the last four decades, their range of influence has come to span multiple countries and genres without the help of mainstream support. Even though the original band is no more, their legacy will continue to live on in rock history, being discovered by countless generations of kids looking to get something more from their music.

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Find music from the Ramones and more at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop. From punk, metal, rock and pop to dance, R&B, rap and more, 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 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.

New Albums to Watch for in July 2018

July is here and that means summer release season is officially underway. And even though we are already one week into the month, there are still a lot of big artists putting out albums this month.

The July hotlist kicked off last week with hot new releases from We The Kings and Years & Years, and this month’s releases are only get better. Ariana Grande’s highly anticipated new album is getting ready to hit shelves. Hard rock will be getting its due with releases from Halestorm, Rise Against, Dee Snider and newly formed supergroup Beach Rats. Rick Astley continues his resurgence with his upcoming album, while Iggy Pop continues to reinvent himself with his.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’re taking a look ahead at some of July’s upcoming album releases. Here are nine albums we think will be worth keeping an eye out for.

1.       Rick Astley, ‘Beautiful Life’: In 2016, Rick Astley made a musical comeback, releasing his first album in 11 years, ’50.’ With the popularity of that album, the “Never Gonna Give You Up” singer comes back with his eighth studio effort, ‘Beautiful Life,’ this month. Written and produced by Astley, who even plays all the instruments on the album himself, the album is said to be filled with upbeat “gems.” And if the first single, “Beautiful Life,” is any indication, this could very well be a great album. (7/13)

2.       The Suffers, ‘Everything Here’: Houston, TX soul-rockers The Suffers have been gaining ground on the indie-rock circuit ever since the release of their self-titled debut in 2016. The eight-piece band now returns with their sophomore album, ‘Everything Here,’ refining and defining their sound with an album that “explores the many sides of love, celebrates the virtues of individuality, reminds us of the destruction of Harvey and resilience of the human spirit and declares love for their mothers.” (7/13)

3.       Ariana Grande, ‘Sweetener’: Actress-turned-singer Ariana Grande’s highly anticipated fourth album ‘Sweetener’ will be hitting shelves this month. The follow-up to 2016’s ‘Dangerous Woman,’ ‘Sweetener’s lead single “No Tears Left to Cry” has already proven successful on the charts. That mixed with the amount of tabloid press she has been getting lately are sure to drum up album sales. (7/20)

4.       Public Image Limited, ‘The Public Image is Rotten (Songs from the Heart)’: For Public Image Limited’s 40^th anniversary, the band is releasing a massive box set. Available in five-CD/two-DVD , six-LP and digital formats, the set is slated to feature all of their singles, plus b-sides, rarities, unreleased studio sessions, remixes and dance tracks and an entire live show recorded at New York’s Ritz in 1989. (7/20)

5.       Halestorm, ‘Vicious’: Halestorm return with their fourth full-length studio album, ‘Vicious,’ this month, and this time they’re showing just how hard they can rock. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz, the band told Loudwire that he “pushed them to the limits,” resulting in a hard-hitting album with the intensity of a live show. (7/27)

6.       Underworld & Iggy Pop, ‘Teatime Dub Encounters’: Coming off 2016’s ‘Post Pop Depression,’ Iggy Pop has a new collaborative project he’s been working on. This time, the punk icon turns his attention to electronic music, working with Underworld on ‘Teatime Dub Encounters.’ From the singles they have released so far, Pop’s voice and Underworld’s sound work well together. (7/27)

7.       Beach Rats, ‘Wasted Time EP’: Punk rock supergroup Beach Rats made their live debut earlier this year and are now gearing up to release their debut EP. The band features Ari Katz (Lifetime) on vocals, Brian Baker (Minor Threat, Bad Religion, Samhain) and  Brian Kienlen (Bouncing Souls) on guitar, Pete Steinkopf (Bouncing Souls) on bass and Danny Windas on drums, so you know that this combination is going to rock. (7/27)

8.       Rise Against, ‘The Ghost Note Symphonies, Vol. 1’: Hear Rise Against like never before! The band has re-imagined some of their songs for their latest album, ‘The Ghost Note Symphonies, Vol. 1.’ According to the band, the songs are “stripped down, with alternate instrumentation, unique orchestration and a surprise or two.” (7/27)

9.       Dee Snider, ‘For the Love of Metal’: The fourth solo album from Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, ‘For the Love of Metal’ is Snider’s attempt at creating a “contemporary rock record.” According to a Blabbermouth interview with producer Jamey Jasta, the album is filled with heavy, anthemic songs that harken back to the Twisted Sister days and show off his iconic vocals in a new way. (7/27)

There are a lot of hot new albums coming out this July. From pop to hard rock, there are a lot of titles you are not going to want to miss. Keep an eye out for some of our picks and let us know what albums you’re excited to pick up this month.

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Find music new and old at Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop, Vinyl Bay 777. We have thousands of titles to choose from in a range of genres to fit the tastes of 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.

Week in Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need To Check Out (July 1-7, 2018)

There is a lot of new music that comes out during any given week. So much so that it can be hard to keep up with it all. Now that the weekend is here, this is the perfect time to catch up on all the new songs and music videos you may have missed over the last seven days.

Even with the relative dead stop of music that the mid-week holiday brought, there are still a fair number of new songs and music videos to talk about this week. Justin Timberlake surprised everyone with the release of a new, non-album track. We got some new pop music from the likes of Jason Mraz and Niall Horan, as well as a new music video from Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande. French indie-rocker Christine and the Queens released a thought-provoking new single, as did the team-up of Underworld and Iggy Pop. This week also saw some new rock tracks from Rome Hero Fox, MissYou, Magpie Salute 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 best new music of the last week. Here are six new songs and music videos we think will be worth checking out.

1.       Rome Hero Fox, “Lost In A Room”: With a melody somewhere between indie-rock and pop-punk, “Lost In A Room” is the perfect kind of rock song for a summer day. The song starts out with a light, jangly guitar sound. Then it changes gears during the bridge and final chorus (a switch in pace that’s signaled with a well-timed beach ball kick in the video), leaving things with a strong, abrupt ending. (video)

2.       Christine and the Queens, “Doesn’t Matter”: Heloise Letissier isn’t afraid to get philosophical with her solo project Christine and the Queens’ latest single “Doesn’t Matter.” Depicting her personal struggle to find the existence of a higher power, the lyrics do a great job of getting her thoughts across without being too upfront. The song’s prominent syncopated drum beat keeps things moving, providing a sturdy frame for the song’s melody, lyrics and pacing. The video is also very impactful, trying to depict the song’s internal struggle through dance. (video)

3.       Jason Mraz, “Might As Well Dance”: I don’t think there is a Jason Mraz song that doesn’t make you feel good. His latest single, “Might As Well Dance,” is just another example of this. This upbeat acoustic-funk love song features a Billy Joel-esque piano melody running through it and quirky, fun lyrics that make you laugh and swoon at the same time. The video features footage from Mraz’s actual wedding, adding another layer of sweetness and honesty an already great tune. (video)

4.       Justin Timberlake, “Soulmate”: Justin Timberlake released a new, non-album track this week. “Soulmate” has a similar esthetic to his ‘Man of the Woods’ album, following in its stripped down, “natural” vibe. His use of the words “soul” and “soulmate” seem a little odd to me here, unless he’s speaking metaphorically, but other than that, it’s a bit reminiscent of a slowed down “Rock Your Body.” (video)

5.       Niall Horan, “Finally Free”: Channeling the larger than life feel of an OneRepublic song, former One Directioner Niall Horan goes big for his latest single “Finally Free.” The song, which features prominently on the upcoming ‘Small Foot’ soundtrack, has this folky, acoustic guitar-led melody that chugs along at a breakneck pace that makes you feel like you’re running in a field on a bright sunny day. (video)

6.       Underworld & Iggy Pop, “Get Your Shirt”: The latest single from electronic band Underworld and punk icon Iggy Pop, “Get Your Shirt” comments on how life can rip you off, with the band calling it a “lament to bad decisions, regrettable rip-offs, presidential flirts and unlovable jerks.” Pop’s rough vocals against the escalating electronic instrumental work complement each other, with the music highlighting the words to get their point across. (video)

The weekend is the perfect time to catch up on all the new songs and music videos you may have missed during the week. Check out some of our favorites above and kick off your weekend with some new tunes.

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Discover 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 variety of genres to satisfy most music lovers. 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 rediscovering the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Live Shows to Check Out in New York This Weekend (July 6-8, 2018)

The weekend is almost upon us once again. Time to take a break, relax and have some fun before the next work week begins. If you’re still looking for a fun way to spend your weekend, why not go check out some live music?

The New York music scene is filled with amazing music every night of the week and this weekend is no exception. This weekend boasts an eclectic array of shows running the gambit from country and southern rock (Rascal Flatts, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band) to rock (Phoenix, Trey Annastasio, Beach Fossils, James Murphy) to hip-hop (Joey Bada$$) to reggae-rock (Matisyahu). There are even shows from legendary artists like Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves live music. That’s why we’ve once again rounded up a list of some of this weekend’s hottest shows for your entertainment pleasure. Here are 11 we think will be worth checking out.

1.       Phoenix: French electronic rockers Phoenix are in New York this week for a sold-out five night “Ti’Amo NYC” residency at Brooklyn Steel. For those who were able to get their hands on tickets, the band promises (according to Brooklyn Vegan) “special guests, gelato, exclusive merch and more.” (Friday-Saturday, Monday-Tuesday, Brooklyn Steel)

2.       Trey Anastasio Trio: Phish frontman Trey Anastasio has been in New York a lot in the last year, playing 17 shows with the band. Anastasio returns to the area tonight for a sold-out one-off outdoor show with his solo band in Central Park. (Friday, Summerstage Central Park)

3.       Matisyahu: Though his appearance and sound have softened up a bit, Jewish reggae singer Matisyahu still manages to put out thought provoking and spiritual works. Catch an intimate show tonight as Matisyahu continues to tour behind his latest release, 2017’s ‘Undercurrent.’ (Friday, City Winery)

4.       Rascal Flatts, Dan + Shay: Rascal Flatts’ ‘Back To Us’ Tour rolls through Long Island tonight. The country trio released their album of the same name last year, which peaked at number two on the Top Country Albums chart, giving them their 12^th top ten album. The trio is bringing along duo Dan + Shay, whose self-titled third album debuted at number one this week. (Friday, Jones Beach Theater)

5.       Southern Rock Revival: Three of southern rock’s biggest names are teaming up for a one-night only barnburner right here on Long Island. Dubbed Southern Rock Revival, the night will feature music from The Charlie Daniels Band and The Marshall Tucker Band, with openers The Outlaws.  This show will be sure to have you on your feet the entire night. (Friday, Tilles Center)

6.       James Murphy: LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy is back in New York, this time on the eastern end of Long Island, for another DJ set. This is a free show(Saturday, Surf Lodge Montauk)

7.       Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons: With hits like “December 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons were one of the biggest vocal groups to come out of the 1960s. The group is still at it with Valli as its only original member, touring behind the hits that made them a household name. (Friday, BMHMC Amphitheater at Bald Hill; Saturday, Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island)

8.       Das Days Block Party: Adidas and Revolver Magazine are hosting a free block party this weekend with live music and skateboarding demos. Bands performing include Beach Fossils, Nothing, Sheer Mag and Dark Thoughts. The block party is part of a bigger year-long ‘Das Days’ global series of events celebrating skate culture, and kicks off a week of skateboarding-related events around the city. (Saturday, Terminal 5)

9.       Joey Bada$$, Flatbush ZOMBiES: One of the hottest up-and-coming rappers out there, Joey Bada$$ will be paying tribute to Pro Era groupmate Capital STEEZ with a sold-out show in Central Park this weekend. He will be joined by fellow Beast Coast rap groups Flatbush Zombies and The Underachievers. (Sunday, Summerstage Central Park)

10.   Kinky Friedman: Satirical country artist Kinky Friedman releases his 17^th album, ‘Circus of Life,’ today, his first album of new music in nearly 40 years. Friedman is currently on tour to promote the album, which stops in Manhattan this weekend for an album release show. (Sunday, City Winery)

11.   Micah Nelson’s Particle Kid: Far from the music of his father Willie Nelson, Micah Nelson’s Particle Kid blends rock, pop, Americana and jazz with elements of visual art to creat a sound and vision all his own. He released a split album with Sunny War earlier this year and is currently working on a virtual hotel carpet coffee table book and album. Nelson will be playing a show this weekend in New York this weekend before heading overseas for the rest of the summer. (Sunday, The Loft at City Winery)

Catching a live show is a great way to spend your time off this weekend and there’s no better place to do that than in New York. Check out some of our picks above or any of the other shows happening in the area and spend your weekend rocking out.

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Before heading out to the venues this weekend, drop by Vinyl Bay 777 to find music from your favorite touring artists and more. As Long Island’s favorite 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 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.

Five Alternate Patriotic Rock Songs for Your Fourth of July Playlist

We all know the go-to songs everyone breaks out for Independence Day and all the other patriotic holidays. And while there’s nothing wrong with throwing on a little Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp or Woody Guthrie at this time of year, there’s also nothing wrong with shaking it up once in a while.

With the Fourth of July tomorrow, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at some alternative patriotic songs celebrating America and its culture. Here are five off-the-beaten path tracks to add to your Independence Day playlist.

1.       Huey Lewis and the News, “The Heart of Rock and Roll”: In a politically fractured America, there is but one thing that most people can agree on and that is the power of music. “The Heart of Rock and Roll” gets at this uniting factor. In the song, Lewis name checks cities across the country, declaring that “Everywhere there’s music, real live music, bands with a million styles /But It’s still that some old rock and roll music / that really really, really drives ’em wild!” (Video)

2.       The Grateful Dead, “U.S. Blues”: Set to a classic rock ‘n’ roll tune, “U.S. Blues” brings everything about America and American music together into one giant ode to Americana. Though the song does seem to have a bit of a political bent to it (Uncle Sam will “drink your health, share your wealth, run your life” and “steal your wife”), in the end its chorus still invites you to “wave that flag” and be proud. (Video)

3.       Violent Femmes, “American Music”: Frontman Gordon Gano sings in “American Music” about his love of American music, saying that it is “in his soul.” If others don’t like it, well then, they won’t like him either. (Video)

4.       Sufjan Stevens, “Star Spangled Banner”: Sufjan Stevens’ spin on our oft covered national anthem is so unique that it’s hardly recognizable. Starting out with a gust of trumpet fanfare, the song suddenly falls quiet for a low-key, acoustic take on the first two verses. Once the instruments pick up again, he then throws in a children’s chorus to rhythmically sing the final verse before falling once again for the final line, incorporating the chorus and the guitars to end that final line with both quiet dignity and power. (Video)

5.       Circle Jerks, “American Heavy Metal Weekend”: While the extent of its traditional patriotism starts and ends with the few electrified bars of “Oh Say Can You See” at the beginning, punk rockers Circle Jerks find their own way to celebrate their national pride with “American Heavy Metal Weekend.” The song states that American metal is the one and only real, original metal and that metal from other countries is just copying America’s scene. It’s like a hardcore way of chanting “We’re number one.” (Video)

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate US independence and be proud of our country. And while there is always a list of go-to songs that scream US pride, there are so many more alternative songs that are just as patriotic. Check out some of our picks above and let us know what you’re favorite patriotic songs are.

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Find music from your favorite patriotic artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s favorite 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, 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.