Week in Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (September 23-29, 2018)

The weekend is here again. That means it’s once again time to take a look back at the new songs and music videos released over the last week.

This week seemed to be as much about the videos as it was about new songs. Marshmello released an emotional video for their Bastille collaboration. Weezer parodied themselves with the help of “Weird Al” in their latest video. The Black Eyed Peas made a powerful political statement with the double video for their latest single. That’s not to say that there weren’t some good new songs released this week as well. We had Avril Lavigne turning heads with her first new song and video in three years. AJR, J Mascis and Muse all released new singles and videos from their new and upcoming albums.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve scoured the internet to find some of our favorite new songs and music videos of the week. Here are six that we think are worth checking out.

1.       Marshmello feat. Bastille, “Happier”: EDM DJ Marshmello released a video for his collaboration with Bastille, “Happier,” this week. A song about love and loss, the video hits on much the same notes as the deceivingly sad song. The video tells the story of a girl and her dog from the moment she receives him as a present to the moment that she has to make the hard decision to put him to sleep to the time the cycle starts over with her own daughter receiving a puppy. It’s hard not to well up during that middle part, as it brings memories flooding back of one’s own losses. (video)

2.       Avril Lavigne, “Head Above Water”: Avril Lavigne made her return to music last week after her struggle with Lyme’s Disease left her sidelined for three years. “Head Above Water,” written about said struggle, is a different kind of sound for Lavigne, who’s pop-punk edge was one of the things that drew people to her music in the early 2000s, pulling instead in a more Christian rock direction. Passionately sung, the song is a desperate prayer / plea to G-d from someone who hopes not to be consumed by pain. The only thing missing are some hard rock guitars to support the haunting melody. (video)

3.       AJR, “Role Models”: Right from the opening line, “Role Models” shoots straight from the hip, delivering un-sugarcoated lines about finding it hard to keep looking up to the artists they once did and trying to figure out what you stand for when you can no longer trust your idols. All about the lyrics, the song’s simple acoustic melody plays around them so as not to interfere with the point. Even the video is minimalist and direct, showing the band playing in an almost empty room, just them and their instruments. (video)

4.       Weezer, “Africa”: Weezer released a video for their cover of “Africa” this week. A nearly shot-for-shot remake of their “Undone” video (sans dogs), the video finds “Weird Al” Yankovic (in an outfit out of the “Buddy Holly” video) filling in as frontman for a band of non-Weezer musicians dressed to look like Weezer. As a fan of the band, I got a kick out of it. It’s definitely a video worth checking out at least once. (video)

5.       Black Eyed Peas, “Big Love”: Not ones to shy away from politics, the Black Eyed Peas take on violence and gun culture in their latest single “Big Love.” Like their 2003 single “Where Is The Love,” the song asks why we’re nurturing this kind of behavior, holding both the government and ourselves as a country accountable. It’s a point that is driven home even further by the song’s two videos, one that depicts a school shooting and another that shows a group of children being taken away from their parents as they attempt to cross the border. (video)

6.       J Mascis, “See You At The Movies”: “See You At The Movies” is a slow, wistful indie-rock track, perfect for sitting and reflecting on one’s memories. It’s mainly acoustic melody and simple structure / cadence help make its subject matter easy to grasp and relate to. (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 songs you’ve been digging this week in the comments below.

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Find music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop. We have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres to satisfy the tastes of 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, as well as 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 (September 28-30, 2018)

The New York music scene is filled with amazing live music each and every night. From big name artists selling out arenas to smaller artists vying for your attention at smaller clubs, there is never a dull moment.

This weekend will be no different, as a wide range of artists will be in town for a variety of different shows and festivals. Global Citizens Festival, Brooklyn Comes Alive and the Never Leaving New York festivals will all be taking place this weekend. Billy Joel will be continuing his record-breaking Madison Square Garden residency. Chance the Rapper will be playing a special one-off show. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Boris, Dokken and more will be providing ample opportunities for rock fans of all kinds to “rock out.”

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves live music. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of this weekend’s hottest shows happening in the New York and Long Island areas. Here are 11 events that you won’t want to miss.

1.       Ginuwine: Best known for his 1996 single “Pony,” Ginuwine’s smooth R&B vocals have been making fans melt for more than two decades. His last proper solo album, 2011’s ‘Elgin,’ was his fifth album to crack the top 10 on the Billboard R&B chart. Catch him tonight as he gives you all those sweet 90s feels. Shae Williams and DJ Prince Hakim will be opening the show. (Friday, Sony Hall)

2.       Justin Willman: Part comedian part magician, Justin Willman’s work is phenomenal. The way he presents his ideas will leave you in stitches as he blows your mind with his simple but astounding illusions. Willman brings his Fake Believe tour to New York for five shows this weekend. (Friday - Sunday, Caroline’s on Broadway)

3.       Global Citizen Festival: Bringing attention to the issue of extreme poverty, Global Citizen aims to get people involved in exacting change. This year’s festival will include performances from Janet Jackson, The Weeknd, Shawn Mendez, Cardi B, Janelle Monae and John Legend, who will be raising awareness during their sets. Ticketing for the festival is over, however the event is being aired on MSNBC, nbcnews.com and iHeartRadio. (Saturday, Central Park)

4.       Jimmy G Benefit: Murphy’s Law frontman Jimmy Gestapo went through gallbladder surgery earlier this year, which found the singer facing high medical bills. The band has been trying to raise money for him ever since. The latest effort comes in the form of a benefit show happening in Tompkins Square Park this weekend. Headlining the show is ska-punk stalwart the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, along with opening sets from Sheer Terror, Killing Time, Combust and some special guests. (Saturday, Tompkins Square Park)

5.       Boris: Japanese rockers Boris recently celebrated their 25^th anniversary together, releasing a brand new album, ‘Dear,’ to mark the occasion. With a larger-than-life stage show and a sound that appeals to fans of both heavy rock and experimental, these guys are not one to miss. The band plays a small one-off show in Brooklyn this weekend. (Saturday, Schimanski)

6.       Chance the Rapper: Chance the Rapper has been having a real breakthrough over the past few years. His debut album, 2016’s ‘Coloring Book,’ earned three Grammys, making it the first streaming-only album to receive the award. Since then, the artist has been doing a lot of good with his newfound fame, including donating to the Chicago Public Schools. Chance hits New York for a special show sponsored by Spotify’s RapCaviar. The show also features up-and-comers Sheck Wes, Tierra Whack and DJ SpinKing. (Saturday, Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island)

7.       Brooklyn Comes Alive: The fourth-annual Brooklyn Comes Alive festival will be taking place this weekend, bringing together more than 50 musicians of varying genres for a bit of musical experimentation. Included in the mix are tributes to Prince, Gregg Allman, Steely Dan and more, as well as instant jam sessions leading to once-in-a-lifetime collaborations. Festival goers will have in-and-out access to all three venues involved. (Saturday, Brooklyn Bowl / Music Hall of Williamsburg / Rough Trade)

8.       There’s No Leaving New York Festival: The National are throwing a two day festival in Queens this weekend to close out Forest Hills Stadium’s 2018 concert season. Saturday festival goers will have the chance to see Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Phoebe Bridgers, Cigarettes After Sex and Adia Victoria, while Sunday attendees will be treated to sets from Future Islands, Cat Power U.S. Girls and Bully. The National headline both nights. (Saturday & Sunday, Forest Hills Stadium)

9.       Dokken: Classic metal band Dokken is reportedly heading back into the studio to record their first album in six years. Current guitarist Jon Levin told AllThatShreds.com (as reported by Blabbermouth.net) that the new music will have that “classic Dokken sound” fans have come to love. Hear all the old tunes one more time when the band’s fall tour hits Long Island this weekend. (Sunday, Mulcahy’s)

10.   Pete Yorn: Earlier this year, singer/songwriter Pete Yorn and actress Scarlet Johansen reunited for a new collaborative EP, ‘Apart,’ their first together in nine years. Whether he tackles any of those songs or strictly sticks to the hits of his solo repertoire during his current east coast acoustic tour, which kicked off this week, remains to be seen. (Sunday, Gramercy Theatre)

11.   Billy Joel: Long Island’s prodigal son returns for a record-breaking 102^nd show at Madison Square Garden this weekend, the 56^th of his monthly residency. The show is once again sold out, though you can count on Joel performing shows there through December, as well as a special New Year’s Eve show at Nassau Coliseum. (Sunday, Madison Square Garden)

With all the hot shows happening in New York and Long Island, this weekend is the perfect time to explore what the music scene has to offer. Check out these or any of the smaller shows happening around the area and let us know who you’re excited to see live in the comments below.

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Find music from these touring artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop. We have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres to satisfy 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.

Long Island Music Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2018

Long Island Music Hall of Fame Logo. Big Picture Media.

On Tuesday (September 25), the Long Island Music Hall of Fame announced their 2018 class of inductees during a press conference at The Space at Westbury. The list includes recording artists Taking Back Sunday, EPMD, Melanie, Jimmy Webb and Sha Na Na’s Jon “Bowzer Bauman, radio personality Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow, Sire Records founder Seymour Stein and more. An official induction ceremony and fundraiser is set to take place on November 8.

The Long Island Music Hall of Fame was created in 2004 as a way to preserve the island’s musical history for future generations. Since 2006, the Hall of Fame has been recognizing the artists and music industry heavyweights coming out of Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties that have had an indelible impact on not only Long Island’s music scene, but the global music scene as well. The organization has also been working on charitable efforts, honoring outstanding music educators and creating scholarships and educational initiatives for students.

A new class of inductees is recognized bi-annually with the last ceremony taking place in 2016. Artists who have been inducted in previous years include LL Cool J, Mariah Carey, the Ramones, Lou Reed, Kiss, CaroleKing, Barbra Streisand, Arlo Guthrie, Neil Diamond, Blue Oyster Cult, Simon& Garfunkel, Count Basie, Dream Theater, Walter Becker, Louis Armstrong, Twisted Sister and many, many more.

In honor of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame announcement, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at the artists and industry figures being honored this year. Here’s a brief dive into why each inductee has been so crucial to the Long Island and global music scenes.

1.       Taking Back Sunday: The youngest artists to be inducted this year (possibly ever), Taking Back Sunday made a name for themselves in the early 2000s pop-punk / “emo” revival, helping pioneer the Long Island scene that became a hub for the genre. Releasing their breakthrough debut full-length album ‘Tell All Your Friends’ in 2002, the band quickly outgrew their Amityville roots for the global stage. Over the last 15 years, the band has released seven studio albums, including their latest, ‘Tidal Wave,’ released in 2016.

2.       EPMD: Hip-Hop has had a significant presence on Long Island, especially in Queens. But EPMD, the collaborative duo of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, brought the genre out east to Brentwood. The duo was on fire in the early 1990s, finding success with back-to-back hit records and forming Hit Squad, which included early work by rapper Redman, all while remaining independent artists.

3.       Melanie: Born in Queens, singer Melanie was one of the standout artists of the Woodstock era. Stunning audiences with her singing, she had a handful of hits in the 1960s, which she translated into a decades-long career in recording and theatrical writing. Melanie continues to release music to this day.

4.       Jimmy Webb: A proud resident of the North Shore, Jimmy Webb has had a brilliant career as a songwriter and solo artist. He has written for artists as diverse as The Supremes, The 5^th Dimension, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, Glen Campbell, Dusty Springfield, Nina Simone, Barbra Streisand, The Temptations, Art Garfunkel, Joe Cocker, R.E.M. and more, earning him award nominations and the honor of youngest person ever inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.

5.       Jon “Bowzer Bauman: Brooklyn native Jon Bauman came to prominence as an early member of Sha Na Na, a parody group of 1950s doo wop and “greaser” culture. The group was a hit in the 1960s, getting a big push from their appearance at Woodstock. That fame led to a television show, which Bauman featured prominently on. Over his career, the singer has translated his fame into television and film as well, appearing in ‘Grease,’ hosting game shows and music videos, doing voiceover work and producing documentaries. Bowman now hosts “Bowzer’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Party,” a touring 50s and 60s nostalgia show.

6.       Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow: “Cousin Brucie” was one of the most influential radio personalities of the 1960s. A legend on the New York airwaves, he DJ’d for WABC, WNBC and WCBS-FM, spinning tunes from the hottest artists of the day. He continues to leave his mark on radio today, reaching audiences outside of his native New York with his hosting gig on Sirius/XM’s “60’s on 6” station.

7.       Seymour Stein: Founder of Sire Records, Seymour Stein had a big hand in making punk and new wave profitable genres. He signed the Ramones, who his wife Linda co-managed, as well as the Talking Heads, The Dead Boys, Richard Hell and the Voidoids and The Pretenders, among many others. He’s also responsible for the career of Madonna, who became one of his biggest artists to date. Though he announced earlier this year that he was stepping down from Sire, he has made it clear that his work discovering artists is not over.

8.       Michael Lang & Artie Kornfeld: The Woodstock Festival’s two leading forces, co-creator Michael Lang and promoter Artie Kornfeld had a massive impact on music history. By producing the festival, these men were able to sum up the burgeoning counterculture of the 1960s, which many refer to as the “summer of love.” Woodstock brought together artists new and established to promote music and peace, which the festival did better than many of the festivals that came before it.

9.        Rich Branciforte: Creator of ‘Good Times Magazine,’ Rich Branciforte has had his pulse of the Long Island music scene for nearly five decades. His publication has acted as a guide for fans and bands, supplying show listings and artist / music business directories. Among ‘Good Times’’ journalistic alumni are Kurt Loader, David Fricke, Leonard Maltin. The free bi-weekly is currently the longest-running regional entertainment publication in the U.S.

10.   Elliot Murphy: Born in Rockville Centre, Elliot Murphy has enjoyed a long career in music and journalism. He has released more than 30 albums since the 1970s, working with everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Billy Joel, Phil Collins and more. His writing career saw him publishing pieces for Rolling Stone, Spin and Jam and writing several novels and short stories, which were mostly published in Europe.

The 2018 class of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame has left a diverse impact on the musical landscape of not just the island, but of the music scene in general. From outstanding artists to legendary journalists, organizers, promoters and label heads, this year’s honorees truly celebrate the hall’s goal of preserving the island’s musical heritage. Congratulations to all the inductees.

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Find music from these local artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a wide variety of genres. Browse of 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.

Five Songs to Get You in the Autumn Mood

Summer has officially come to an end, as the Autumnal Equinox took place this weekend. The change of season has already seemed to sneak into effect, as pumpkin spice everything has taken over shelves and an instant new air of cold weather has taken over almost overnight.

A while back, we gave you a list of contemplative songs about the fall season. But there are a lot of songs that ditch the fall imagery and present the season’s feelings in new and profound ways. These are songs that embody the cool weather, changing leaves and, in many cases, the sullen realization of life’s cyclical nature.

In honor of the new fall season, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at songs to get you in that autumn mood. From the songs to warm you up in the cold weather to the downright melancholy songs about the passage of time, here are five tunes to get you ready for everything the season throws at you.

1.       The Neighbourhood, “Sweater Weather”: With its slow, almost lustful feel, “Sweater Weather” brings a sort of loving warmth to the colder months. Implying the sharing of body heat by staying close (who are we kidding, more than “staying close”), there is something comforting about the way the song makes you feel. It’s kind of like a warm cup of apple cider. (video)

2.       Josh Ritter, “Change of Time”: Somber in nature, “Change of Time” reflects the fall season’s motif of endings. The song depicts a narrator that is drifting directionless at sea, possibly dealing with what might be his imminent death. Just like this, autumn is often seen as a time where things come to an end, (such as leaves changing color and falling to the ground and cold weather preventing things from growing). It’s a rainy day song, contemplative and chilly like the weather. (video)

3.       Pete Seeger, “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)”: Fall is a time for reflection and “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” written by Pete Seeger and made famous by The Byrds,  is all about that. One of the only popular songs to be cut almost completely from bible verse, the song speaks of the world turning with there being a time in life for everything. It’s a great metaphor for the changing of the seasons and the song’s solemn-ness seems appropriate for this time of year. (video)

4.       The Shins, “New Slang”: As much as fall is about cold weather and endings, it is also about change. “New Slang” finds the narrator lamenting about how people change over time. Seeing how quickly he has grown up, he wonders about how he would have done things differently if he had known how short life was; climbing trees and dancing like no one was watching. It’s the kind of cerebral melancholy that The Shins do well and it’s the kind of theme and melody that feel like you’re contemplatively watching the leaves falling around you. (video)

5.       Fleetwood Mac, “Landslide”: Another song about time passage, “Landslide” has become one of the quintessential songs on the topic. Though it more mentions “snow covered hills” than it does falling leaves, the sentiment is perfect for the contemplative nature of autumn and reflecting on life’s cyclical “seasons.” The song has been covered multiple times, but most versions I’ve heard opt to keep the original’s somber feel. (video)

Autumn is a very contemplative season, as most people associate it with change as the cold weather slowly drifts in. The songs above, while not expressly about fall, portray the feel of the season, giving the listener a mental image as strong as if it were mentioning the falling leaves. Check these songs out and let us know what songs remind you of autumn in the comments below.

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Find more music for your fall playlist at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres to suit every mood. 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.

Live Music to Check Out in New York This Weekend (September 14-16, 2018)

New York is filled with amazing live music every night of the week. From the large scale tours that come through to the small venues housing tomorrow’s next big thing, there is never a dull moment.

This weekend’s musical line-up is no different as there are plenty of high-profile and smaller tours making their way through the area. Childish Gambino’s highly anticipated arena tour will be hitting the city for two shows this weekend. David Byrne is scheduled for three shows in the area on his ‘American Utopia’ tour. Punk bands Goldfinger, Subhumans will be in the area this weekend, as will the MC 5’s Wayne Kramer, who will be celebrating the band’s 50^th anniversary with a supergroup he formed just for the occasion. Metal band Helloween will be bringing their reunion with their original singers to the area as well.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves live music. That’s why we’ve scoured the internet for the weekend’s hottest concerts. Here are seven shows that are not to be missed.

1.       Childish Gambino: Musician/Actor Donald Glover is bringing his Childish Gambino rapper persona around for one final tour before releasing his final album and retiring the moniker. With the success of his single “This Is America,” it will be sad to see him go just as he’s been catching his stride, but this should be a good show. He’s also bringing along one of the hottest rappers/producers out there right now, Rae Sremmurd, to open. (Friday & Saturday, Madison Square Garden)

2.       Goldfinger: Ska-punks Goldfinger released their first album in nine years, ‘The Knife,’ last year. The album also marks the first recording with the band’s new supergroup line-up, consisting of original frontman John Feldmann, Story of the Year’s Phillip Sneed on guitar, MXPX’s Mike Herrera on bass and Blink-182’s Travis Barker on drums. Tonight’s show might be the only time you will see them on the east coast this year, so you don’t want to miss it. Fellow ska band The Pilfers will be joining them as openers. (Friday, Rocks Off Concert Cruise)

3.       MC50: This year marks the 50^th anniversary of Detroit punk rockers MC5, and to celebrate guitarist Wayne Kramer will be bringing the band’s music to a town near you. His supergroup of punk and grunge artists will recreate the band’s music as MC50, with a line-up that includes Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil, Fugazi’s Brendan Canty, King’s X’s Dug Pinnick and Zen Guerrilla’s Marcus Durant. (Friday, The Paramount Huntington)

4.       Rock Hashanah: From Kiss to the Ramones, some of rock’s most powerful players have been of the Jewish faith. Why not celebrate the high holiday season (or just good rock music in general) by checking out Rock Hashanah, a tribute to these rock, punk and metal artists that helped shape the genre into what it is today. There may also be an appearance from a very “handsome” rocker as well. (Saturday, Coney Island Baby)

5.       Helloween: Last year, German metal pioneers Helloween released a new single, ‘Pumpkins United,” uniting with former vocalists Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske, who had not performed with the band in 27 and 13 years, respectively. The group is currently touring behind the single in the US as part of the massive ‘Pumpkins United’ world tour, which will be recorded for live CD and DVD to be released next year. The band, including Hansen and Kiske, is also slated to release a new album in 2020. The tour stops in New York this weekend for two shows. (Saturday & Sunday, Irving Plaza)

6.       David Byrne: Over the last couple of years, David Byrne has been looking at the more “cheerful” things in life, coming up with the multimedia project ‘Reasons to be Cheerful.’ As part of that project, the former Talking Heads frontman released his seventh solo studio album, ‘American Utopia,’ his first in 14 years. The reasons for cheerfullness continue with his extensive tour behind the album, which will hit the New York area for three shows this weekend. Tune-Yards will act as support for each show. (Saturday, Forest Hills Stadium; Sunday & Monday, King’s Theatre)

7.       Blessthefall: Fresh off the release of their sixth studio album, ‘Hard Feelings,’ earlier this year, metalcore band Blessthefall are embarking on a US tour set to last through the beginning of October. This will be drummer Matt Traynor’s final tour with the band, who announced last month that he plans to leave the band to take care of his family. The Word Alive, Ded, Thousand Below and A War Within will be opening the show. (Sunday, Gramercy Theatre)

The New York music scene is one of the most vibrant in the world with live shows happening every night of the week. With shows big and small happening throughout the city this weekend, this is the perfect time to see just how special the scene really is. Check out one of the shows above and let us know what live shows you’re excited to see in the coming months.

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Live music and records go hand in hand. That’s why before heading out to your show of choice, drop by Vinyl Bay 777 to pick up music from these touring artists and more. Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from in a wide variety of genres. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, 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 Songs about Saying Sorry

The week between the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is a time of self-reflection. That time is usually marked by apologizing and forgiving one’s fellow wo/man for anything they may have done to cause them harm.

Music has often been an outlet with which people could express their feelings, including those of remorse and forgiveness. That is evidenced by the hundreds of songs written about regretting one’s decisions and feeling sorry about how they have affected others. Whether those “others” includes scorned lovers or mistreated friends, there is no doubt that there are many songs that sincerely (and not so sincerely) try to right the wrongs of the past.

Back in 2016, we published an article detailing some of our favorite songs about forgiveness and there are still plenty more that are just as sincere. In honor of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island's music outlet, has come back with another list of apology songs. Here are six more to help you say sorry to those you may have wronged.

1.       Hawthorne Heights, “Saying Sorry”: “Saying Sorry” depicts the song’s narrator and his significant other in the midst of a break-up. As the girl cries, the narrator feels so bad about how things ended and how he made her cry that he feels that he needs to apologize profusely. Hawthorne Heights, like many “screamo” bands from the mid-2000s, have this penchant for overly dramatic, impassioned pleas and this is one of the best.  (video)

2.       Hoobastank, “The Reason”: Bringing Hoobastank out of the realm of just boiling under hardcore, “The Reason” became a huge hit for the band in the early 2000s. Perhaps that’s in part due to the sincerity of the lyrics, which speak from the point of view of a man who knows they’ve messed up and is looking to change his ways, saying that his girl has given him a reason to do so. It could also partially be the song’s passionate melody, which swells with love, passion and the will to change. (video)

3.       Nirvana, “All Apologies”: The lyrics to “All Apologies” can be taken to mean a couple of different things. It can be a sarcastic blow to anyone who doesn’t like what he stands for. It can also be a self-defeating, all-encompassing apology for something he has done. For this one, he piles all the blame for what happened on his own shoulders, dealing with the shame and feeling the regret. (video)

4.       Blink-182, “I Miss You”: “I Miss You” deals with the fallout from a bad breakup, where the narrator is so obsessed with his girl that he misses and longs for her to come back. He begs for her forgiveness as he cannot bear to be away from her any longer. One of Blink-182’s more sincere songs, an early taste of the more mature sound that band would pick up later. (video)

5.       Outkast, “Ms. Jackson”: Some of the best and most sincere songs come from personal experiences. Such is the case with “Ms. Jackson,” Outkast’s break-out single, which was written as an apology to Erykah Badu, who Andre 3000 had a child with out of wedlock, and her mother. The song goes through the narrator confessing his deeds and how he wants to be in his kid’s life with the repetition of the hook reinforcing its sincerity. (video)

6.       Backstreet Boys, “Shape of My Heart”: Among all the swoon-worthy love songs, the Backstreet Boys also had one of the best apology songs of the early 2000s. “Shape of My Heart” finds the song’s narrator looking back on his life and realizing that he wasn’t being the kind of person he wanted to be. Because of this, he’s apologizing by telling her how he really feels in hopes that she will forgive him. The track goes well with the previous track off album ‘Black and Blue,’ “The Call,” which definitely warrants an apology. (video)

Music has often been used as a tool to convey one’s feelings of regret and apology, usually in hopes of forgiveness. The songs above sincerely attempt to right wrongs, in these cases from the perspective of a rueful lover. Check out these songs and let us know what songs you turn towards for saying “sorry” in the comments below.

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

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

The weekend is finally here. That means that it is once again time to sit back, relax and catch up on all the new music that has come out over the last week.

This week saw no shortage of new songs and music videos. Eminem started to roll out promotion for the surprise album he dropped last week with a brand new video. Dua Lipa and Sam Smith put out new pop/dance tunes, as did Korean pop dynamos BTS. In rock, Good Charlotte released a video for their latest single. We also got brand new songs from Hozier, as well as up-and-comers Stand Atlantic, Antarctigo Vespucci, Diamante and more.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again scoured the internet for this week’s best new songs and music videos. Here are seven that we think will be the perfect additions to your weekend playlist.

1.       Silk City / Dua Lipa, “Electricity”: Reminiscent of dance tracks from the early 1990s, “Electricity” is a straight up dance track perfect for the dance club scene. The song pairs Dua Lipa’s full-sounding vocals with a pulsing beat based around a distorted keyboard and synth-centered groove. There is a lot going on, but it seems to work well and will definitely make you want to get up and dance. (video)

2.       Stand Atlantic, “Lavender Bones”: “Lavender Bones” charges ahead with aggressive guitars and a strong melodic structure. The song has an easily graspable hook that will get stuck in your head on repeat. Frontwoman Bonnie Fraser tackles the vocals effortlessly, bringing power and normalcy to lyrics that are fairly self-doubting. (video)

3.       Lil Aaron / Kim Petras, “Anymore”: “Anymore” is an interesting song that blurs together genres that you wouldn’t necessarily think merge well. The verses of the song are structured like a rap track with very little instrumentation except for Aaron’s heavily auto-tuned vocal. However, his and Petras’ vocals fall much more within the lines of the characteristic pop-punk sound. Somehow this works together and the result is pretty captivating. (video)

4.       Antarctigo Vespucci, “White Noise”: “White Noise” has this garage rock energy that easily picks up your attention and doesn’t let go for a full two minutes. Pace is kept by the 1-2 hit of the snare, which gets augmented by hand claps midway in, leading the simple, slightly fuzzy surf-rock guitar melody. The song then builds into this cacophony of noise before it comes back down for the final chorus and end. (video)

5.       Diamante, “Bulletproof”: A powerful anthem for powerful women, “Bulletproof” finds Diamante telling off anyone that thinks they can get her down. Her voice, just like the heavy pop-punk instrumentation of the song, is gritty and solid, the perfect delivery for making such a stand. It’s a good song to get you pumped up and ready for anything. (video)

6.       Conrad Sewell, “Changing”: The way “Changing” builds from the verse to the chorus is very dynamic. When the piano swells and Sewell goes full voice, you can really hear the passion with which he sings. (video)

7.       Plested, “Ribcage”: There is something dark but inviting about “Ribcage.” The song’s theme is portrayed with a level of melancholy in the melody and down-tempo cadence that makes you feel for the singer’s characters. However, it’s that cadence, the near waltz timing and singer-songwriter/bard-type of delivery, which makes you come back and take another listen. (video)

With the weekend in full swing, now is the perfect time to catch up on the past week’s best new songs and music videos. Check out the songs 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. As Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop, we have 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, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for something different 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.

Shows to Check Out in New York this Weekend (September 7-9, 2018)

The weekend is almost here. That means it’s time to finalize those weekend plans for fun and relaxation before the next work week sneaks up on you. If you’re still looking for something to do, why not head out to a live show?

The music scene in New York is filled with an amazing array of shows on a nightly basis. This weekend is no exception to this, featuring shows both big and small taking place all over the city and Long Island in the next few days. Paul McCartney will be playing a show to celebrate his new album. Ozzy Osbourne will be bringing his last big tour to the area. Jamiroquai will be playing their first show in the area in more than a decade. Pitchfork will be bringing back OctFest this weekend. Fans of punk and hardcore / industrial rock have shows from the likes of Strung Out, The Queers and Orgy to look forward to. Ziggy Marley will be bringing some reggae flavor to the city. There is even a show from The Sway Machinery to kick off Rosh Hashanah right.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves live music. That’s why we’ve once again compiled a list of some of the hottest shows happening in the New York area this weekend. Here are eight that are sure to get you out of the house and rocking out.

1.       Paul McCartney: Paul McCartney released his 17^th studio album, ‘Egypt Station,’ today. To celebrate, the former Beatle is playing a secret show somewhere in the city. The singles from the new album have been somewhat hit or miss, but he’s sure to play some of his classics, so you won’t be disappointed. If you can’t find his “Grand” performance, the show will also be streamed live on McCartney’s YouTube page. (Friday, Undisclosed)

2.       Ziggy Marley: Ziggy Marley released his seventh studio album, ‘Rebellion Rises,’ earlier this year. The reggae singer and son of the legendary Bob Marley drew inspiration for the album from his father’s ‘Exodus’ album, as well as the cultural events for the album, which critics have praised for its timeliness. Marley is currently touring behind the album, hitting the New York area tonight. (Friday, Rooftop at Pier 17)

3.       Ozzy Osbourne: Now that he’s finished putting Black Sabbath to rest, Ozzy Osbourne is hitting the road solo for one last large-scale US trek with his ‘No More Tours 2’ tour. The “Prince of Darkness” will be pulling from his more than five decades of hits, saying on his website that he wants the tour to be “a huge celebration for my fans and anyone who has enjoyed my music over the past five decades.” The tour hits Long Island this weekend with Stone Sour in tow. (Saturday, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater)

4.       Jamiroquai: It’s been more than 12 years since UK funk-rockers Jamiroquai have played a show in New York. However, following the release of their eighth studio album ‘Automaton,’ last year, the band’s first in seven years, they have made their way across the pond. After scattered shows in the states, the band plays a sold-out show in Queens this weekend. (Saturday, Forest Hills Stadium)

5.       Orgy: Industrial rocker’s Orgy’s breakthrough album ‘Candyass’ turns 20 this year. Hear tracks from that album and more when the band takes the stage on Long Island this weekend on their Bring Your Army tour. Motograter, Brand of Julez, The Crowned, Prey Upon and Mevius will be opening the show. (Saturday, Revolution)

6.       Strung Out: This year marks the 20^th anniversary of California punk rockers Strung Out’s album ‘Twisted By Design.’ The band is currently celebrating on their “Twenty Years of ‘Twisted By Design’” tour, which will be wrapping up its first leg this weekend with shows in New York and Pennsylvania. Support for these shows comes from After the Fall and Make War. (Saturday, Brooklyn Bazaar)

7.       Pitchfork’s OctFest: Pitchfork is bringing OctFest back for a second year this weekend, this time taking over Governor’s Island for two days of live music, craft beer and gourmet food. This year’s festival will have more than 90 breweries represented and an expanded musical line-up with some heavy-hitting headliners. Headliners for Saturday’s festivities include Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy and Vince Staples, while Sunday will feature headlining sets from Nile Rodgers & Chic, Yo La Tengo and The Flaming Lips. (Saturday & Sunday, Governor’s Island)

8.       Sway Machinery: Jewish indie-rockers The Sway Machinery will be ushering fans into Rosh Hashanah with an intimate club set Sunday night. Prior to the show will be a short holiday service and meditation. This event is being held by Because Jewish, who will be holding services for both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (all of them with Sway Machinery frontman Jeremiah Lockwood) at venues around the city. (Sunday, Nublu Classic)

The New York music scene does not disappoint this weekend as there are lots of hot shows happening over the next few days. From rock and reggae to hip-hop and dance, there is something out there for everyone. If you’re still looking for something to do this weekend, check out one of the shows above or any of the other small club shows happening around the area and rock out.

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Live music and records go hand in hand. That’s why you should drop by Vinyl Bay 777 before you hit the venues to pick up music from some of these 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.

Freddie Mercury at 72: Six Influential Songs Written by the Queen Frontman

On this day in 1946, Farrokh Balsara, better known by his stage name Freddie Mercury, was born. Making a name for himself as the frontman for rock band Queen, the singer’s four-octave vocal range and grandiose performance style became legendary, launching him and the band to rock stardom. Following his passing in 1991, Mercury has remained an influential voice in music more than 25 years on.

In honor of his 72 birthday, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of the most memorable Queen songs penned by Freddie Mercury. From operatic epics to simple rock gems, here are six songs that show the genius in Mercury’s writing.

1.       “Killer Queen”: “Killer Queen” was the band’s first big hit, bringing them fame outside of their native UK. Written about a “high class call girl,” the song’s style is bold and show-stopping, building the character’s reputation through detailed lyrics and layered instrumentals. (video)

2.       “Bohemian Rhapsody”: “Bohemian Rhapsody” takes the listener on a journey, telling the story of the song’s narrator in the most theatrical way possible. Running nearly six minutes and broken up into six distinct parts, it’s an entire story in one song. The song became the band’s magnum-opus, giving them their first number one and going multi-platinum several times over (more than any of their other singles) with many publications considering it the band’s best work. (video)

3.        “We Are The Champions”: Starting out slow and sincere, lamenting about the band’s rise, “We Are The Champions” builds into this grand melody filled with pomp and triumph. This makes it perfect for big crowd sing-a-longs (it was supposedly written with those in mind), which is exactly what it has gone on to do. The song is nearly inescapable at sporting events where has become a favorite among teams celebrating game victories. (video)

4.       “Don’t Stop Me Now”: Based around a hyped-up piano melody, “Don’t Stop Me Now” explodes with a speed and zest that energizes the listener upon impact. The lyrics mirror the intensity of the song’s caffeinated instrumentation. It’s also one of their more hard rock-leaning pieces, focusing more on the instrumentation than theatrics. Mercury’s vocals are also noticeably raw, pushing the limits of his vocal abilities. (video) 

5.       “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”: Not all of Mercury’s tunes have to be big show-stopping numbers. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” was reportedly written in 10 minutes from an idea he had in the shower. According to an interview with Melody Maker, Mercury said that the song was written on the guitar with the few chords he knew, keeping its melody simple. The song’s early rock ‘n’ roll feel provides a shocking contrast from the band’s usual fare, as well as a complexity to their sphere of influence. (video)

6.       “Under Pressure”: Generally considered to be one of Queen’s best songs of all time, “Under Pressure” is also one of their more culturally aware. Written by Queen as a whole (though usually attributed to Mercury) and performed as a duet with David Bowie, the song laments the “pressures” of the world and loving your fellow man/woman. The song has a lot of the theatrical gusto that had been the mark of Queen’s style for more than a decade at that point, especially as the song builds into the chorus. However, it also shows a bit of restraint, not soaring too high as to overshadow the lyrical content. (video)

Freddie Mercury has left an indelible mark on music over the course of his short career. With influences that ranged from the theatrical to different modes of rock, he helped Queen create a sound and presence that would remain unique and unmatched to this day. As his music continues to reach new audiences through live performances from the rest of the band and continued radio airplay, Mercury’s musical legacy will continue to live on for years to come.

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Find music from Freddie Mercury and more legendary artists at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres ranging from rock and pop to blues, jazz, R&B, hip-hop and more. 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 gems you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Happy Birthday Beyoncé: Her Nine Most Memorable Singles

On this day in 1981, Beyoncé Knowles was born, gracing the world with a talent that would define a generation of R&B and pop music. Regarded as one of the most powerful women in music today, her career continues to entertain and empower fans all over the world.

Getting her start with Destiny’s Child in the late 1990s, Beyoncé released four successful albums before breaking out on her own in the early 2000s. Over the last 15 years, she has been able to translate that success into a prolific solo career, releasing six solo studio albums and collaborating with the biggest names in music. Her most recent album, a collaboration between her and husband Jay-Z under the name The Carters called ‘Everything Is Love,’ debuted at number one upon its release earlier this year.

Not only has Beyoncé been a powerful force in music, but her music has had a powerful force on culture. Throughout her career, the singer has made it a point to release songs with empowering themes, especially when it comes to women’s rights and black culture.

In honor of Beyoncé’s 37^th birthday, Vinyl Bay777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of her most memorable singles. Here are nine that have left a lasting impact on music and culture as a whole.

1.       “Crazy In Love”: One of her first singles as a solo artist, “Crazy In Love” cemented Beyoncé as a force in pop music. The upbeat love song gave her her first solo number one in the US, outdoing her previous collaborative single with future husband Jay-Z, “03 Bonnie & Clyde.” It would also lead her debut album, ‘Dangerously In Love,’ to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. (video)

2.       “03 Bonnie & Clyde”: Speaking of “Bonnie & Clyde,” This track became the first non-Destiny’s Child track for Beyoncé to chart in the US and the start of a beautiful relationship between her and Jay-Z. Not only would they get married six years later, but the two would continue to collaborate, including on a full album as The Carters earlier this year. (video)

3.       “Irreplaceable”: A break-up song for the ages, “Irreplaceable” is as much about empowerment as it is about the kiss-off. After all, she is a strong women who can find herself another man easily. The song was another huge hit for the singer, hitting that number one spot in even more countries, proving that with her second album she was here to stay. (video)

4.       “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”: By 2008, Beyoncé was already known as a powerful woman in the music industry and hasn’t shied away from it in her music. But when she released “Single Ladies” that year, something had clicked within the cultural consciousness that really made a connection. The song ended up becoming her most well-known solo single by far and an anthem for women everywhere. “Single Ladies” went multi-platinum in multiple countries while the video sparked a dance craze that swept the world. (video)

5.       “Halo”: A true ballad, “Halo” showed a bit of vulnerability from the singer. It didn’t all have to be about asserting dominance, but being able to admit that a significant other can be your “saving grace.” Upon its release, the song was everywhere on pop and adult contemporary radio, becoming one of her biggest hits as well. (video)

6.       “Run the World (Girls)”: Picking up where “Single Ladies” left off, “Run The World” makes an even more blatant, bold statement for female empowerment. The song’s chant-like delivery made it more of a rallying cry, perhaps something you would hear at a political march. People are still putting the song’s title and message on t-shirts as an empowerment slogan, so its impact has lasted far beyond its time on the charts. (video)

7.       “Formation”: “Formation” isn’t as memorable as its cultural impact. From the moment she stepped out with her dancers as a guest at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2016, stealing the show with her provocative and attention grabbing performance, the world knew there was something at work. The boldness of the song mirrored the boldness of her last album, ‘Lemonade,’ which focused on her identity as a black woman and went in a much more political direction than anything she had released previously. (video)

8.        “Survivor”: Before hitting it big on her own, Beyoncé was serving up the empowerment anthems with her group Destiny’s Child. The title track and lead single from their third studio album, “Survivor” showed a level of confidence and strength in their lyrics that became a defining mantra for the group. (video)

9.       “Independent Women, Part I”: Originally written for the ‘Charlie’s Angels’ film in 2000, “Independent Women, Part I” became more than a soundtrack smash. The song’s chorus proudly states that the ladies of Destiny’s Child do not need to depend on anyone else for their success. Many found that message to be empowering, as it became one of the group’s longest-charting hits. (video)

Through her work with Destiny’s Child and her solo career, Beyoncé has been a tremendous force in the music industry for more than two decades. She has been able to inspire women of all races and creeds with her inimitable voice and empowering music. With a work ethic that pushes the boundaries of what pop music can be, Beyoncé’s music will continues to inspire more generations.

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Find music from Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child and more influential 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 that range from R&B and Hip-Hop to rock, pop, dance, jazz and everything in between. 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.