Shows in New York this Labor Day Weekend (August 31-September 2, 2018)

Labor Day weekend starts in just a few short hours. The unofficial end to the summer, there is still plenty of time to get out and take in what the season has to offer. What better way to do this than to catch a live show!

The New York and Long Island music scenes will be just as busy as ever this weekend. Fans of EDM can celebrate Electric Zoo’s 10^th anniversary all weekend long. Long Island will be celebrating its own with the inaugural Long Island Sound Fest. Hip-Hop heavyweight Drake will be in town for two massive shows. Hard Rock fans will have the chance to see Deep Purple, Judas Priest, Godsmack and Shinedown. And that’s just the beginning.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves live music. That’s why we’ve once again rounded up some of the weekend’s hottest shows happening in the New York area. Here are eight that are sure to get your Labor Day weekend rocking.

1.       Electric Zoo: New York’s largest EDM festival returns to turn your whole Labor Day weekend into one giant dance party. Now in its 10^th year, the three-day festival is being headlined by Marshmello on Friday, Martin Garrix and Kaskade on Saturday and Tiesto on Sunday with more performances from the likes of Gramatik (Friday), Zeds Dead, Cash Cash (Saturday), Alesso and 3lau (Sunday). (Friday-Sunday, Randall’s Island)

2.       Janelle Monae: Janelle Monae continually proves herself to be one of the most creative forces in music today. The singer recently released her third studio album, ‘Dirty Computer,’ to critical acclaim. Monae plays a free show on the east end tonight. (Friday, Surf Lodge Montauk)

3.       Shinobi Ninja: Celebrating 10 years as a band, Shinobi Ninja will be pulling out all the stops for their anniversary show tonight. Part hip-hop, part hard rock, the band’s music is just as energetic as their shows. You won’t want to miss it. (Friday, Knitting Factory)

4.       Drake & Migos: Drake has really been making a name for himself in the rap game over the last few years, breaking album sales and streaming records left and right. His latest release, ‘Scorpion,’ had all 25 tracks chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in its week of release. Catch his Aubrey & the Three Migos tour with popular rap trio Migos in Brooklyn this weekend. (Friday & Saturday, Barclays Center)

5.       Deep Purple & Judas Priest: Both Deep Purple and Judas Priest have been around for nearly five decades and they don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. Deep Purple released their 20^th studio album, ‘Infinite,’ in 2017 while Judas Priest released their latest album, ‘Firepower,’ earlier this year to some of their best first week sales in years. The two join forces this summer for one of the biggest hard rock and metal tours of the season, which makes a stop on Long Island this weekend. (Saturday, Northwell Health at Jones Beach)

6.       Gavin DeGraw: With his soulful vocals and pop-rock sound, Gavin DeGraw has been a shining voice in music since the early 2000s. He released his sixth studio album, ‘Something Worth Saving,’ in 2016. Catch him this weekend as he brings his vocal gifts to Long Island. (Saturday, The Paramount Huntington)

7.       Long Island Sound Fest: The first-annual Long Island Sound Fest is this weekend, celebrating Labor Day weekend with some of the best artists to come off the island. Saturday’s headliners include Wheatus and Patent Pending (though you should get there early enough to catch For What Its Worth as well), while Sunday claims Taking Back Sunday guitarist / Straylight Run frontman John Nolan as headliner. (Saturday & Sunday, Mulcahy’s)

8.       Godsmack & Shinedown: If you still haven’t gotten enough hard rock and metal, Godsmack and Shinedown will also be bringing their co-headlining tour to Long Island this weekend. Both bands released well-received new albums this year with ‘When Legends Rise’ and ‘Attention Attention,’ respectively. (Sunday, Northwell Health at Jones Beach)

Just because the summer is almost over doesn’t mean the music scene in New York is cooling down. There are still a lot of hot shows coming through the area this weekend. Check out the shows above or any of the smaller club shows happening around the city and Long Island and rock out all Labor Day weekend long.

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Before heading out to your live show of choice this weekend, drop by Vinyl Bay 777 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 a variety of genres to suit most music fans. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

New Album Releases Coming in September 2018

September is right around the corner. Though the summer is winding down, there are still a lot of new albums coming out next month to keep the fun going into the fall.

This September, there will be plenty of high-profile releases making their way to store shelves. Paul McCartney will be putting out his highly anticipated 17^th solo album. Nile Rodgers and Chic will be making a comeback with their first new album in a half century. Posthumous albums from legends like Prince and Tom Petty are also on the docket, as is Paul Simon’s final album before he retires and Rod Stewart’s upcoming 30^th album. We will also be getting some new rock tunes from Slash, as well as pop-punk bands Good Charlotte and Bayside. Cypress Hill will also be making a comeback, releasing their first album in nearly eight years.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’re taking a look ahead to September’s new release schedule. Here are 12 albums you’ll want to keep an eye out for.

1.       Chic, ‘It’s About Time’: It has been nearly 25 years since Nile Rodgers and Chic have released new music. That changes next month with the release of ‘It’s About Time,’ the R&B/Funk/Disco group’s ninth studio album. Expect guest appearances from current artists like NAO, Mura Masa, Anderson .Paak, Vic Mensa and Hailee Steinfeld, as well as established names like Debbie Harry. In making up for lost time, more new music is already planned for next year. (9/7)

2.       Paul McCartney, ‘Egypt Station’: Earlier this month, Paul McCartney began teasing something on his social media. That turned out to be his 17^th solo album and first album in five years, ‘Egypt Station.’ McCartney has already released three solid singles from the album, proving that the former Beatle has not lost his touch when it comes to songwriting. (9/7)

3.       Paul Simon, ‘In The Blue Light’: Though he announced his retirement earlier this year, Paul Simon still has at least one more album in him. ‘In The Blue Light’ finds the singer / guitarist reworking songs from his expansive catalog, saying in a statement (reported by Rolling Stone) “Re-doing arrangements, harmonic structures, and lyrics that didn’t make their meaning clear, gave me time to clarify in my own head what I wanted to say, or realize what I was thinking and make it more easily understood.” The album’s release comes just two weeks before Simon performs his final show in Flushing Meadows Park on September 22. (9/7)

4.       Good Charlotte, ‘Generation Rx’: Their second album in two years, Good Charlotte are cementing their comeback this year with ‘Generation Rx.’ According to Louder Sound, the band has said that “this is the album we’ve been waiting 15 years to create.” Earlier this year, the band released the personal single “Actual Pain,” which they wrote with the current opiod crisis and death of fellow musician Lil Peep on their minds. It’s their most personal song since “Hold On,” and finds the band dealing with these emotions at an even more adult level. (9/14)

5.       Carrie Underwood, ‘Cry Pretty’: Carrie Underwood made her return to the spotlight this year after a recovering from a fall at her home last year. Her return includes her highly anticipated sixth studio album, ‘Cry Pretty,’ which hits shelves next month. The album’s title single has been getting a lot of positive press and earning her more accolades, including CMT and Teen Choice Awards. (9/14)

6.       Christine and the Queens, ‘Chris’: French band singer Heloise Letissier, known as Christine and the Queens, will be dropping her sophomore album, ‘Chris,’ next month. So far Letissier has released a handful of standout singles from the album, especially “Doesn’t Matter,” which is a must-hear. (9/21)

7.       Prince, ‘Piano & A Microphone: 1983’: Following Prince’s untimely passing in 2016, the singer’s estate is releasing his first posthumous set of unreleased music. ‘Piano & A Microphone’ features nine tracks recorded before his career took off. The songs were recorded at Prince’s home studio using just a piano and microphone, the first seven of which Consequence of Sound reports are “presented exactly the way they were recorded.” (9/21)

8.       Slash, ‘Living The Dream’: Following his successful stint reuniting with Guns ‘N’ Roses, Slash is ready to release his next album with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. ‘Living The Dream’ follows 2014’s ‘World On Fire,’ with Slash telling Blabbermouth “I think it has a little more diversity — some of the ideas are not really what I would consider to be predictable. The record is also a bit more structured, with songs that are shorter and more to the point than last time.” (9/21)

9.       Bayside, ‘Acoustic Volume 2’: Bayside announced this month that the band would be releasing their second acoustic album, ‘Acoustic Volume 2,’ in September, 12 years after their first acoustic attempt. According to a press release, the album will feature re-imagined versions of the band’s hits and fan-favorites from throughout their discography. Frontman Anthony Raneri said in the release that “the album is strictly for the fans, more so than any other release or record.” The band has already released a video for the single “It Don’t Exist,” the album’s only new track, and it is beautiful and emotional. (9/28)

10.   Cypress Hill, ‘Elephants On Acid’: Rap group Cypress Hill are making a comeback next month when they release their ninth studio album, ‘Elephants On Acid.’ The group’s first new album in eight years, fans can expect some “fuzz-infused, acid-rock” influence, which band member Muggs told Rolling Stone is supposed to give you a “feeling like you’re high on hallucinogenic drugs – but you’re not on no drugs [sic].” (9/28)

11.   Rod Stewart, ‘Blood Red Roses’: Rod Stewart has had a very long, successful career in music and it doesn’t look as if he’s slowing down any time soon. The singer will release his 30^th studio album, ‘Blood Red Roses,’ this September, which will include 13 brand new songs and three covers (in a deluxe edition). A statement on the singer’s website says that the new album is “deeply personal,” saying that “I Always think I make albums for a few friends and this record has that intimacy. Sincerity and honesty go a long way in life and the same is true in songwriting.” (9/28)

12.   Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, ‘An American Treasure’: Nearly a year after Tom Petty’s untimely death, a new box set is being released this month celebrating his legendary career. According to the Tom Petty Website, ‘An American Treasure’ features “unreleased recordings, alternate versions of classic songs, rarities, historic live performances and deep tracks that spotlight Tom’s remarkable depth and evolution as a revered and tremendously influential songwriter, recording artist and performer.” This is Petty’s first posthumous release. (9/28)

September is looking to be another month filled with incredible new album releases. Keep an eye out for the albums above and let us know what new albums you’re excited for in the comments below.

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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 to satisfy most music fans. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking 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.

Week in Review: New Songs/Music Videos You Need to Check Out (August 19-25, 2018)

Another week is over and with it came a whole host of new music for our listening pleasure. Now with the weekend finally here, now is the perfect time to take a look back at some of the best new songs and music videos to come out over the past seven days.

This week saw a lot of great new tunes coming our way. The Chainsmokers released two new songs this week that saw them heading back to their DJ and production roots. Internet sensation Poppy put out a cold-yet-mesmerizing new track. However, it was the rock genre really shined this week. Imagine Dragons put out a macabre new video. The Kinks’ Dave Davies released a song he had been sitting on for four decades. J Mascis released the first single from his upcoming solo album. Fall Out Boy put out a new song unlike anything they’ve released in years. We also got some great new indie rock from Barns Courtney, Kodaline and E^ST.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again scoured the internet for the week’s best new songs and music videos. Here are eight that we think will be worth checking out.

1.       J Mascis, “See You At The Movies”: Dinosaur Jr. frontman J Mascis’ released the first single from his upcoming solo album, ‘Elastic Days,’ “See You At The Movies,” this week. The song’s acoustic melody is vibrant and upbeat, a bit of Americana mixed with 90s alternative rock. The touches of electric guitar noodling during the bridges weave in and out of the song’s main melody seamlessly, adding another layer to its overall chill vibe. (video)

2.       Kodaline, “Head Held High”: The positivity in this song is infectious. Underlining its tone with upbeat whistling, the song’s encouraging lyrics and soaring melody do a great job of relaying the band’s message. For the video however, the band decided to go for a more creepy approach, juxtaposing the positivity with a school lunch lady who wants to tries to relive her glory days of being in the school play. (video)

3.       Barns Courtney, “99”: Barns Courtney’s “99” is what Maroon 5 would have sounded like if they took a more indie-rock path. The song manages to stay upbeat while talking about the passage of time, using spirally synths and swirling guitars to keep things on the lighter side. It’s also the only song referencing the 90s this year that doesn’t sound completely cheesy. (video)

4.       Poppy feat. Diplo, “Time Is Up”: “Time Is Up” is inexplicably mesmerizing. Poppy’s delivery is so cold, as is the production, that it seems like it should be relegated to electronic circles only. However, the song’s storytelling and rigid melody work together to make something captivating. (video)

5.       E^ST, “I Don’t Lack Imagination”: Indie-pop singer E^ST mashes a lot of styles together on her latest single “I Don’t Lack Imagination.” Starting off with a slinky-yet-light R&B vocal on top of a mid-tempo beat, the song starts to find its ground in upbeat, minimalist pop. E^ST’s voice has elements of both St. Vincent and Amy Winehouse, though she doesn’t seek the same kind of power from it. (video)

6.       Fall Out Boy, “City In A Garden”: Part of their surprise-released three-song EP ‘Lake Effect Kid,’ Fall Out Boy have put out a wistful new single, “City In A Garden.” A love letter to their hometown of Chicago, the song backs away from the electronic sound the band has been leaning towards over the last few years. Instead, it sounds a little like a pop-rock version of “Country Roads,” reminiscing over a clean, easily listenable melody. (video)

7.       The Chainsmokers feat. Emily Warren, “Side Effects”: Returning to their DJ beginnings, “Side Effects” finds The Chainsmokers making beats behind singer Emily Warren. However, this is a completely new song with a (::gasp::) new loop that for them sounds fresh. The song is also very danceable and catchy. I wouldn’t be surprised if you start hearing it all over pop radio. The Chainsmokers also released their collaboration with NGHTMRE, “Save Yourself,” this week, which is much more EDM than anything else they have done and, to be honest, an assault on the ears. (video)

8.       You Me At Six, “Back Again”: “Back Again” heads into dance-rock territory, coming at you with a mix of disco grooves and rock guitar that is upbeat and full of movement. The song just screams “dance party,” which makes it perfect to get you pumped up for the weekend. (video)

This week saw the release of a lot of great new songs and music videos. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new music you’ve been enjoying this week in the comments below.

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Find music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777.  As Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a wide variety of genres to satisfy most music fans. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking 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.

Musicians with Their Own Successful Record Labels

It’s not uncommon for musicians to release music through their own labels. Usually, it gives them the chance to have creative control over their music and career. However, these labels don’t usually go much further than releasing an artist’s own music.

With that being said, there have been a handful of artists who have turned their personal labels into brands bigger than themselves. The practice seems to have worked well for hip-hop artists like Jay-Z, Diddy and Dr. Dre, who have impacted the scene heavily with their labels. Madonna’s Maverick label continues to represent today’s hottest pop and rock artists. Indie labels, like Third Man and Fueled By Ramen, have been launching careers like crazy over the last ten years or so.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at some of the most well-known labels started by musicians. Here are eight that have been a springboard for their founders and the careers of other artists.

1.       Jay-Z: Started in 2008, Roc Nation has grown to become one of the biggest labels in hip-hop, pop and dance. Other than Jay-Z himself, artists currently on their roster include Grimes, J. Cole, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Shakira, Jaden Smith and many, many more. The company has also branched off into sports, representing players like the Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant and the Mets’ Yoenis Cespedes.

2.       Madonna: Getting its start as an imprint of Time Warner and Warner Music Group, Madonna and executives Frederick DeMann and Veronica Dashev formed Maverick in 1992. The launch wasn’t without controversy, as the label’s first release was Madge’s ‘Erotica’ album and its companion book ‘Sex.’ Maverick has moved beyond that though, going on to release music from U2, Nicki Minaj, Fifth Harmony, Paul McCartney and more big-name artists.

3.       Pete Wentz: Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz, one of the most recognizable faces in the pop-punk scene, started Decaydance in 2005. An imprint of Fueled By Ramen, a pop-punk label owned by another successful artist, Less Than Jake’s Vinnie Fiorello, the label was the first to discover Panic! at the Disco and Twenty One Pilots, as well as defunct but popular bands like The Academy Is… and Cobra Starship.

4.       Jack White: Since Jack White started Third Man Records in 2001 as a place to reissue White Stripes 45s, it has grown into one of the more interesting labels of today. I mean, what other label owns its own vinyl pressing plant? Besides releasing music from all of his own projects, Third Man has also put out music from artists as diverse as Beck, Bob Seger, The Kills, Cold War Kids, The Shins, Laura Marling and more.

5.       The Beatles: When you think of artist-run labels, there is none more legendary as Apple Records. Started by the Beatles in 1967, the label mostly released music from the band and solo albums from its members. However, there were a handful of notable signees, including James Taylor, Ravi Shankar, Yoko Ono, Modern Jazz Quartet, Ronnie Spector and Badfinger.

6.       Diddy: Before he was a rapper, Sean Comes (aka Diddy / Puff Daddy / P Diddy) was a label executive. He founded Bad Boy in 1993, four years before the release of his first record. The label launched the careers of Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans and Mase, leading it to become one of the biggest labels for hip-hop in the 1990s and early 2000s. Though interest in the label has waned a bit, Bad Boy is still working with some respectable talent, releasing albums from current sensations Janelle Monae and Machine Gun Kelly.

7.       Dr. Dre: Rapper Dr. Dre launched Aftermath Records in 1996 following his departure from Bad Boy rival label Death Row Records. This turned out to be a good move for Dre, as his “boutique” label became a hot bed for new hip-hop in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Eminem launched his career there, releasing albums jointly between Aftermath and his own Aftermath imprint Shady Records. Together, they helped launch the career 50 Cent. Kendrick Lamar is the label’s latest big name.

8.       NoFX: If there was a punk band coming out of California in the 1990s, there is at least a fair chance that they were on Fat Wreck Chords, the label started by NoFX frontman Fat Mike in 1991. Bands who released music through the label at one time or another include Lagwagon, Against Me!, Anti-Flag, Rise Against, Good Riddance, Strung Out, Less Than Jake, No Use For A Name, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes and Descendents. Over the last 25 years or so, the label really hasn’t wavered in their commitment to the scene or sound, continuing to promote bands that embody that same punk ethos.

While this might not be the intent of most artists who create their own labels, the artists above prove that an artist can do more with their label than just keep creative control of their own music. These artists have all been able to make great impacts on the music scene through their personal record labels. This includes helping to launch the careers of other artists, some of which have become game changers in their own right.

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Find music from these entrepreneurial artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s favorite new independent record label has thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or 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.

Six Inventions that Changed Music

August is Inventor’s Month. Started by the United Inventors Association of the United States of America in 1998, the month is meant to celebrate all the inventions and inventors that have revolutionized the way we operate in our daily lives.

As music has been around for many centuries, there have also been many advances in the field that have had an impact on the way we make and consume it. Devices like phonographs and iPods and software like LPs and CDs brought music home for personal and private use. Advanced technologies in instrument design and recording techniques revolutionized new trends in the kinds of music we are able to create.

This Inventor’s Month, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, would like to pay homage to the inventions that have made music what it is today. Here are six that revolutionized the way we make and hear music forever.

1.       Electric Guitar: Before the 1930s, much of guitar music was made on hollow-body, acoustic instruments. According to an article in Gizmodo though, these conventional instruments were often too quiet for large-scale performances. Created by George Beauchomp, an artist who played Hawaiian-style guitar, and Adolph Rickenbacker, a electrical engineer and instrument maker, the first electric guitar aimed to solve this issue. By 1932, their first design , dubbed the “Frying Pan,” was being manufactured. Of course, there have been improvements on the design, including Les Paul’s sold-body electric,  which would become a standard in rock music, but without the idea sparked by Beauchamp and Rickenbacker, none of it would have happened.

2.       Phonographs: It’s hard for most of us to remember a time when recorded music wasn’t necessarily easily available in one’s own home. But in the 1800, if you wanted to listen to a song, you would have to buy the sheet music and play it yourself. Attributed to Thomas Edition in 1877 (though the concept was not new, wasn’t put into physical practice yet), the phonograph was able to both record and play back audio, the first time anyone had been able to do the latter effectively. This meant that someone with a phonograph machine could buy recording and listen to it in the privacy of their home.

3.       Vinyl Records: It’s hard to talk about phonographs without talking about the medium for which the recordings were cast. Before the LP we commonly know today, machines used to play wax cylinders (referred to as 78s for the speed at which they rotated), which were heavy, rough and didn’t hold a lot of music. The first company to use vinyl for music records was RCA Victor in 1930. Columbia then ended up perfecting its use over the next ten years.

4.       Transistor Radio: One thing that listening to music lacked in the early days of personal listening was portability. In the 1950s, transistor radios helped solve this issue. Based around transistor technology, which had been invented in the previous decade, the device replaced bulkier vacuum tube models. Texas Instruments, in conjunction with Regency, was the first to get their portable radio to market. If not for the transistor radio, advances in portability, such as the Sony Walkman or even the iPod, might not have been a thing.

5.       Headphones: According to Smithsonian Magazine, the first headphones were used by telephone operators. Nathanial Baldwin created the first modern-ish headphones, sending his prototype to the military for testing during World War I. In the 1950s, musician John Koss decided to adapt the military-style of headphones for personal use after noticing a lack of headphones that would work on his new phonograph, which had a headphone jack installed in it. Today, earbuds and headphones are everywhere, closing people off to the world in a soundtrack of their own choosing.

6.       Personal Computers / Internet: We use our computers for everything nowadays. But back when computers were first becoming a thing in the 1960s, they were far from personal, taking up entire rooms just to function properly. By the 1980s, computers were starting to make their way into homes, thanks in part to Apple and IBM. Once the internet started picking up speed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the personal computer became a virtual necessity. Now, computers run many of our daily lives, including getting us closer to the music we can’t live without. We download music to our computers and stream off the internet using them. Amateur creators can record their own music and distribute it without the assistance of a label.

There have been many inventions that have revolutionized the way we make and consume music. From amped up electronic guitars making it easier to hear the instrument in big concert halls, to phonographs and vinyl records that brought recorded music into households and handheld radios and devices that made music portable, each of these have had a crucial effect on the music industry. This Inventor’s Month, we remember those that have helped make music what it is today and look forward to the future inventors who will continue to innovate technology and improve upon the music industry.

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Celebrate music innovation 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. Browse our wide selection of revolutionary formats, including 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 (August 12-18, 2018)

Another week has come and gone. With the weekend now in full swing, now is the perfect time to take a look back at some of the new songs and music videos released over the last seven days.

This week saw the release of a lot of great new songs and music videos across the board. Janet Jackson put out a video for her collaboration with Daddy Yankee. Journey frontman Steve Perry returned with a new single after 25 years away from the business. Kurt Vile premiered the first single from his upcoming album. We also got some great new pop-punk songs from SWMRS, Bayside, Thrice, Saves the Day, I the Mighty and Say Anything, as well as new videos from New Found Glory and All Time Low.

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 nine that are worth checking out.

1.       SWMRS, “Berkeley’s On Fire”: “Berkeley’s On Fire” is proof that that early punk sound is not lost on the younger generation. The song comes at you with aggression and urgency. If the scant melody doesn’t get you, the hurried chanting of the song’s title phrase will stick with you, perhaps giving you the same anxiety that fueled the writing of the song in the first place. (video)

2.       Janet Jackson & Daddy Yankee, “Made For Now”:  Janet Jackson is one of those artists that has the ability to adapt to the changing music scene effortlessly, and “Made For Now” is a perfect example of this. Here, Jackson doesn’t stray from what has worked for her in the past, pop-y, danceable R&B, but enhances it with the Latin flavor provided by current superstar Daddy Yankee. The result is an upbeat track that will fit well on pop radio amongst the hot young up-and-comers. (video)

3.       Steve Perry, “No Erasin’”: Journey frontman Steve Perry made his return to music this week after more than two decades away. “No Erasin’,” the first single from his upcoming solo album ‘Traces,’ is way better than I would have expected. The melody of the verses builds well into the big, break-out chorus that feels as Journey-like as their early work. Sure, the lyrics suffer from a little bit of “aging rocker syndrome,” but the song is catchy enough to forgive that. (video)

4.       Bayside, “It Don’t Exist”: Earlier this week, Bayside announced that they would be releasing their second acoustic album, ‘Acoustic Volume 2,’ putting out the single “It Don’t Exist” (the only song written especially for the album) to coincide with the announcement. Frontman Anthony Raneri’s delivery is bard-like as he tells a story of a man who loves a girl so much that he’s depressed without her. It’s a beautiful, moving track that will leave you feeling all sorts of emotions. (video)

5.       Thrice, “Only Us”: Thrice get dramatic on their latest single, “Only Us,” the second from their upcoming album ‘Palms.’ Frontman Dustin Kensrue stretches out the lyrics, giving his words more weight as the haunting melody supports them and their message of bringing people together to care for one another. (video)

6.       Hands Like Houses, “Monster”: Australian alt-rock band Hands Like Houses’ latest single “Monster” speeds out of the gate, barreling forward in constant motion until the very end. It’s easy to get lost in the aggression of the guitars, gritty vocals and metal-tinged garage-rock force of the song, as it just pulls you in and doesn’t let go. (video)

7.       Saves The Day, “Rendezvous”: The first single from Saves The Day’s just announced upcoming ninth studio album, “Rendezvous” is a nostalgic pop-punk tune that seemingly documents the band’s early touring days. At times the lyrics can be a little saccharine, but that doesn’t really affect the song’s listenability. (video)

8.       Kurt Vile, “Loading Zones”: Coming off last year’s brilliant collaborative album with Courtney Barnett, Kurt Vile returns with “Loading Zones,” a folk-y, laid-back rock tune that sounds like a mixture of Tom Petty and Bob Dylan. The video is also worth a watch, as it hilariously finds Vile evading the police who are trying to give him tickets for parking in “loading zones.” (video)

9.       Say Anything, “Daze”: Earlier this week, Say Anything frontman Max Bemis announced a release date for their upcoming album, ‘Oliver Appropriate,’ as well as the band’s subsequent break up. And though there will not be much in terms of promotion of the album because of this, the band did release a single to go with the announcement. “Daze” continues Bemis’ tendency towards autobiographical lyrics that deal with his demons, supporting his words with an acoustic-driven melody that seemingly denotes the passage of time. (video)

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

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Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop. We have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres to suit most music 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 to find something new or rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul’s Most Iconic Songs

Yesterday, the world lost a musical icon. Aretha Franklin, known by many as the “Queen of Soul,” passed away at the age of 76. Reports over the last week claimed that the singer was gravely ill and in hospice care. The ultimate cause of death was deemed to be from pancreatic cancer, which Franklin had been battling for years.

Aretha Franklin has been releasing music for six decades, releasing more than 40 studio albums and continuing to work until the end. Her final album, 2017’s ‘A Brand New Me,’ found her singing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as they played orchestral versions of her biggest hits. Her sound ranged from soulful ballads to empowered R&B jams to praiseful gospel hymns, all with flawless vocals that made her one of the hardest artists to emulate.

In honor of Aretha Franklin’s memory, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of the Queen of Soul’s most iconic songs. Here are five that made her a household name.

1.       “Think”: An upbeat, funky, defiant song, “Think” delves into Franklin’s political side. The singer had been part of the civil rights movement throughout the 1960s, and her passion for the cause shows up in the song. Her repetition of the word “Freedom,” ascending the scale as she adds more and more bravado, is like a rallying call for more thoughtfulness and equality. (video)

2.       “Respect”: Franklin’s most iconic recording by far, her version of “Respect” injects a lot of attitude and power into the Otis Redding-penned song. Especially with her addition of spelling out the titular word, the song demands that she be heard and that she be respected as an equal to her partner. Because of this, her version is often used as an anthem for the feminist movement. (video)

3.       “Chain of Fools”: “Chain of Fools” shows off what Aretha Franklin could do with her voice. The vocals find her dipping into her gospel roots, bringing soul to this tune about loving someone who has been unfaithful. You can hear the anger bubbling up underneath in her performance with a delivery that is almost like a preacher giving a sermon to their congregation. (video)

4.       “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”: Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Franklin’s versatile vocals made this love song shine. Its lyrical brightness and pomp are very Broadway-esque and Franklin meets that with exploding passion and a sense of vulnerability. You can feel the happiness and joy in her voice, which is enough to make you smile just listening to it. The song has gone on to become one of the most covered songs ever, though no one can match up with Franklin’s original. (video)

5.       “Rock Steady”: “Rock Steady” once again took Franklin to new realms of music. Released at the beginning of the 1970s, the song is a straight-up funk jam with a fast cadence and delivery unlike anything she had released before. The song helped Franklin find a new audience in more dance-oriented music, a precursor to her upcoming time on the dance music chart. (video)

With more than 40 albums and almost as many top 10 hits, Aretha Franklin led a very prolific career in soul music. Her inimitable voice and words have captivated and inspired multiple generations of music fans. Even though the Queen of Soul has now passed on, her musical legacy will keep her around for generations to come.

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Find music from Aretha Franklin and more iconic artists 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. 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.

Woodstock at 49: Six Iconic Festival Performances

Woodstock poster. Found on Wikimedia
Commons.

It has been 49 years since the Woodstock Music & Art Fair took place on the grounds of Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, NY. For four days starting August 15, 1969, more than 30 bands and fans gathered together to connect on a greater level through music. The result became one of the most iconic shows in music history, exemplifying the “peace and love” vibes of the 1960s counterculture. And though many a festival has tried to replicate its success and vibe, few have come close.

Of course, within the bounds of the mud-soaked fields, Woodstock had its fair share of iconic performances. From artists who already had a huge following to artists who made their first big impact on that stage, these are the sets that helped make the festival what it was.

In honor of the festival’s 49^th anniversary, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of the most iconic performances from the original Woodstock festival. Here are six that left an impact on music forever.

1.       Richie Havens: The first artist to grace the Woodstock stage, Richie Havens’ nearly three-hour performance was one of the highlights of the entire festival. And it wasn’t even his main set list that got him there. According to the Woodstock website, his improvised performance of “Motherless Child,” which he later recorded as “Freedom,” during the final of his many encores stole the show. Havens career would become so entwined with the festival that upon his passing in 2013 his ashes were scattered at the original site.

2.       Santana: Another band that was taken from virtual unknown to overnight sensation by the festival was Santana. Now one of the best-selling bands of all time, the Latin-rock band had just released their debut album that month. But festival goers loved it and their local following became a global one with their song “Soul Sacrifice” becoming a hit.

3.       Joe Cocker: A virtual unknown when he hit the Woodstock Stage, Joe Cocker owes his success to the festival. His gritty, soulful performance of the Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends” became his signature hit and his performance of it the break-out moment of his career.

4.       Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: Woodstock helped introduce the world to the collective known as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Though they had each been performing for years, this was the second time David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and Neil Young performed on stage together. Young didn’t play the entire set, electing only to play during the electronic portion and the encore.

5.       Sly & the Family Stone: Coming at the height of their career, Sly & the Family Stone’s performance at the festival has been credited as one of the band’s best. Despite the early hour that they performed, Ultimate Classic Rock described it as “a bit sloppy, but the blurry-eyed delivery digs into the dirty, nasty pull of the music.”

6.       Jimi Hendrix: The final artist to play on what became the fourth day (rain delays had him playing at 9 AM on the 18^th) of the festival, Hendrix had what became the single-most iconic moment of the entire weekend. Towards the end of his set, the guitarist broke-out into a noodle-y and buzzed-out rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” His guitar work was said to have emulated the feel of bombs dropping and machine guns firing, an impassioned addition to the patriotism of our national anthem.

The Woodstock Music & Art Fair has been one of the most influential festivals in the history of music. Boasting many iconic performances, it helped to launch the careers of many artists who would become icons themselves, as well as served as an outlet for more well-known artists to reach a new audience. With “Peace & Music” as its premise, the festival defined the counterculture of the era, a shining example of what a little “peace and love” could do.

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Find music from Woodstock’s iconic performers and more at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop has thousands of titles in a variety of genres to choose from. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CD, 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 Music Documentaries Set for Release in Fall 2018

The first half of 2018 has already seen its fair share of music documentaries. These films have run the gambit in terms of watch-ability, from the acclaimed (Grace Jones) to the panned (Whitney Houston) to the controversial (Michael Jackson). While it’s nice to look back though, there are still a whole bunch of documentaries still to come this year.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves a good, informative music documentary. That’s why we are bringing you a list of some of the upcoming music documentaries still to come in 2018. Here are five making their way to a movie / television / computer screen near you this summer / fall.

1.       New Order: On August 13, it was announced that New Order would be releasing a concert documentary. According to Billboard, the documentary, titled ‘Decades,’ will feature the band preparing to re-stage their ‘So It Goes’ collaboration with Liam Gillick in 2017.  The documentary is set to premiere on UK arts channel Sky Arts on September 22.

2.       Ed Sheeran: Premiered in the United States during the Tribeca Film Festival this year, Ed Sheeran’s documentary ‘Songwriter’ is set for release this month. The film was shot during the writing of Sheeran’s latest album, ‘÷,’ by his cousin Murray Cummings, attempting to give the intimate back story of the singer’s life and creative process. ‘Songwriter’ will run for one-night-only screenings in New York (August 17) and Los Angeles (August 24) before it begins its exclusive stream on Apple Music August 28.

3.       Joan Jett: Joan Jett has had an amazing career in rock and roll as a founding member of The Runaways and fronting her own band, the Blackhearts. ‘Bad Reputation’ aims to tell the story of her rise to fame, showing that women can rock just as hard as men. The film will get a theatrical release on September 28, the same day it begins streaming on-demand, iTunes and Amazon.

4.       M.I.A.: A refugee of the war in Sri Lanka, M.I.A. has used her voice in the music industry to enact change. Her new documentary, ‘MATANGI / MAYA / M.I.A.,’ attempts to tell her story through family videos, concerts and music video segments. The film won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, so this will probably be the one to watch for upon its theatrical release September 28.

5.       Quincy Jones: Earlier this month, it was announced that a documentary about Quincy Jones would be coming to Netflix. ‘Quincy’ is being co-directed by Jones’ daughter, actress Rashida Jones, and will be taking a look at the influential jazz artist and music producer’s life and prolific music career. The film will be available for streaming September 21.

Even though 2018 is already half over, there are still many music documentaries set to be released this year. From docs about pop artists writing hit albums and backstage looks into live performances to those about the life and times of legendary artists, there is a lot to look forward to. Watch for the documentaries above and let us know which ones you’re excited to see in the comments below.

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

Week in Review: New Songs / Music Videos Released this Week (August 5-11, 2018)

The weekend is finally here! That means it’s time once again to take a look back at some of the new music released over the last week.

This week saw the release of a lot of great new songs and music videos, especially when it came to rock music. Twenty One Pilots completed their video trilogy. Billy Gibbons released the first original track from his upcoming second solo album. We got some new alt-rock tracks from the likes of The Kooks and You Me At Six, as well as a folky new song from Passenger. In pop-punk, We The Kings, Alkaline Trio and With Confidence put out some great new tunes.

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 past week. Here are seven that we think you should give a listen to this weekend.

1.       The Kooks, “No Pressure”: “No Pressure” has a feel-good melody that makes you want to bob your head and sing along. As the song suggests, there is no pressure, just pure joy and enjoyment. (video)

2.       You Me At Six, “I O U”: When I think of You Me At Six, I don’t necessarily think about radio rock. But their latest single “I O U” has this familiar, easy alternative sound that is all over rock radio right now. The kick drum beat drives this song forward with a bit of funk, reflected back in the bass, guitar and vocal phrasing, which is enough to keep it interesting and hold your attention throughout. (video)

3.       We The Kings, “What I Wouldn’t Give”: I’ve mentioned my love for sad songs before and “What I Wouldn’t Give” is a real tearjerker. The lyrics unfold like a letter to a lost loved one, pleading for more time with them. There are no frills, just straight minor key understated instrumentals and Travis Clark’s pain-tinged vocals. (video)

4.       Passenger, “To Be Free”: “To Be Free” has a very old school James Blunt feel to it with a little bit of Ed Sheeran storytelling prowess. The song is folky and pensive, but ultimately hopeful, telling the story of someone longing to find their own freedom. (video)

5.       Alkaline Trio, “Is This Thing Cursed”: What stood out the most to me when I heard “Is This Thing Cursed,” the title track to Alkaline Trio’s upcoming album, was the storytelling. The way Matt Skiba and Dan Andriano wrote the song in such a way that you can see and feel the frustration that this unnamed “thing” is giving them. Paired with Alkaline Trio’s dark brand of pop-punk, the song really stands out. (video)

6.       Twenty One Pilots, “Levitate”: “Levitate,” the third single and final video in Twenty One Pilots’ “Trench” trilogy, was released this week. The duo delves further into the rap-rock side of their sound, opting not to have a sung chorus, but to rap straight through. Lyrically, the song seems to be about rising up above the demons trying to pull him back down, but that’s just interpretation. The video finds Tyler Joseph and his band of rebels marching in the wilderness leading their revolution. (video)

7.       Billy Gibbons, “Missin’ Yo’ Kissin’”: After nearly five decades in rock, ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons is getting back to his blues roots. The first single from the ZZ Top frontman’s second solo album, ‘The Big Bad Blues,’ “Missin’ Yo’ Kissin’” intertwines rock and blues sounds to a point where the two become almost indistinguishable from one another. A steady, traditional blues guitar riff frames the song, with separately defined crunchy metal guitars giving it some character. The song expands on the rock sound that he has become known for. (video)

      Bonus: Dave Grohl, “Play”: Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl released a half-hour documentary/music video this week documenting himself playing a roomful of instruments to create one complete song. As an introduction, he interviewed children and their reactions to first learning their instruments and the sense of wonder it brought them, giving this kind of wonder as his reason for recording the 20 minute-long “Play.”

      This past week saw the release of a lot of great new rock songs and music videos. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new songs you’ve been enjoying 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 a variety 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. 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.