Week In Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (February 17-23, 2019)

Over any given week, a lot of new music is released, so much so that it can be difficult to keep track of it all. This week was no exception, as we saw plenty of new songs and music videos hit the internet for our listening / viewing pleasure.

The weekend is a great chance to catch up on the music you may have missed. That’s why Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of the week’s hottest new tracks. Here are seven (and a few more) from the last seven days we know you'll enjoy as much as we did.

1.       Simple Creatures, “Strange Love”: “Strange Love” is what Blink-182 would sound like if they suddenly turned into a synth-pop band. It’s definitely a 50-50 blend of Blink and All Time Low, only with drum machines and no snot-nosed punk undertones. It does have a feel-good vibe and memorable melody, which if you’re like me, will have you humming and singing along on first listen. (video)

2.       Weezer, “High As A Kite” & “Living In L.A.”: Weezer are back to promoting their upcoming self-titled, “black” album, releasing two new songs this week. “High As A Kite” starts out innocent-sounding enough, but changes into a harder jam with buzzing guitars about 2/3 of the way through. The video continues the band’s penchant for pop-culture spoofs, this time taking on ‘Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood’ and creating a topsy-turvy scenario where “Mr. Rivers” and band are completely blitzed and scaring away their audience of children. “Living In L.A.” has a completely different sound to “High.” It’s a much more synth-heavy track with a solid, danceable vibe that surprises. It’s far from the darkness that the band promised on the album, but definitely a strong song. (“High” and “L.A.”)

3.       Mötley Crüe, “The Dirt (Est. 1981)”: Written for the band’s upcoming biopic, “The Dirt (Est. 1981)” has that classic Mötley Crüe sound. It’s an energetic, aggressive jam with heavy guitars and easily accessible melody. Machine Gun Kelly’s rap verses are some of the best I’ve heard in a collaborative song in a while, as they actually make sense within the context of the song. No afterthoughts here, just plain, old-fashioned rock. (video)

4.       Yungblud & Halsey feat. Travis Barker, “11 Minutes”: While “11 Minutes” isn’t the most original of tunes, Yungblud and Halsey put their own unique twist on the song’s complex heartbreak tale. The song ventures into the more pop-oriented, hip-hop influenced sound Yungblud has said he wanted to explore on his upcoming album. He does it well (not as well as he does rock, in my opinion), giving a compelling vocal performance alongside Halsey’s already pop-tested vocals. However, it’s the catchy melody that will ultimately have this song doing very well on pop radio in the coming weeks. (video)

5.       Rob Thomas, “One Less Day (Dying Young)”: From the first notes of “One Less Day,” the listener is swept up in the song’s positivity.  The song’s lyrics feel life-affirming in a world where it seems like suicide has become the answer to life’s problems. I honestly hope this song’s beautiful message saves lives. (video)

6.       Vampire Weekend, “Harmony Hall”: The more I hear “Harmony Hall,” the more I enjoy it. Its melody has this Elton John-meets-90s alt-rock vibe that really grows on you. This week the band released a very 90s-influenced video for the song that features the band in various scenes that pay homage to videos from the likes of Gin Blossoms, Live and Blink-182, as well as cameos from Jonah Hill and Blood Orange, and Ezra Koenig making Spirograph pancake art. (video)

7.       Maty Noyes, “New Friends”: “New Friends” is a super catchy track about one-sided friendships. Noyes has a fresh take on pop music that makes the song stand out.The song comes with an ultra-creepy, 80s B-movie horror video, which portrays Noyes murdering her friends and playing around with their bodies, reanimating them with electricity and making a “new friend” by sewing them together (thankfully the video doesn’t show that part). (video)

Further Listening / Watching:

1.       The Dangerous Summer, “Where Were You When the Sky Opened Up” (video)

2.       UV Rays, “Boys” (Soundcloud)

3.       New Found Glory, “The Power Of Love” (video)

4.       Andy Grammer, “Don’t Give Up On Me” (video)

From the hot rock sounds of Mötley Crüe and Weezer to the top pop of Yungblud and Rob Thomas, this week was filled with great new music ready to be heard. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new tracks 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 top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a wide variety of genres. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking to find something new to you 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.

Cold Weather Songs to Prepare You for the Next Winter Blast

With spring still a month away, New York is still dealing with the lingering cold and snowy weather the winter season brings. As we remain bundled in our blankets and coats, one must embrace the cold-yet-cozy feelings of the season. Music is a good way to do that, as there are a plethora of winter-themed songs that are sure to make the cold feel just a little bit cooler.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at some of these cold-weather tunes. From songs using the season as a metaphor for loneliness and reflection to those that aim to make you see the season’s beauty, here are five wintry tunes to help you get this latest bout of snowy weather.

1.       Mumford & Sons, “Winter Winds”: “Winter Winds” takes the cold weather of winter as a time for loneliness. The premise here is that the singer has found a girl to warm his lonely heart. But what his head is telling his heart is a good idea, his heart knows is not right. The latter part of the song is letting the girl down slowly, telling her that come spring she will find someone new. (video)

2.       Vampire Weekend, “Horchata”: With the snow and cold weather Winter provides, it can feel like you’ve known nothing else for the last three months. However, “Horchata” reminds us that even though the cold may be hard to take, soon we will be able to see the sidewalks again. (video)

3.       AFI, “Silver and Cold”: Not expressly about winter or weather, “Silver and Cold” refers more to coldness as a metaphor for sadness. Like much of AFI’s early work, there is this cold, sad, depressed element to the song, kind of like the Seasonal Affective Disorder many tend to feel at this time of year. (video)

4.       Simon & Garfunkel, “Hazy Shade of Winter”: “Hazy Shade of Winter” is a reflective narrative about the passage of time. The song finds the narrator reflecting on his life as it comes to an end, indicated by the winter’s brown leaves and hazy skies. As he remembers his sadness and regrets, he hopes to be remembered and urges his listeners not to lose hope as the seasons change. (video)

5.       Fleet Foxes, “White Winter Hymnal”: Frontman Robin Pecknold has said that the lyrics of “White Winter Hymnal” mean absolutely nothing. But that doesn’t mean that the vivid imagery of red scarves and white snow against the song’s sweet, choral melody doesn’t evoke a certain feelings. It’s a sound that truly embodies the season. (video)

As the latest layer of snow falls this afternoon, take some time to get cozy and embrace the wintry vibe with some cold-weather-themed music. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what wintry songs you love in the comments below.

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Find music for all seasons at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have 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 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 (February 10-16, 2019)

A lot of new music is released over the course of any given week. So much so that it can be hard to keep up with all of it.

This week was no different, as there was a lot going on when it came to new songs and music videos. We got new pop collaborations from Avril Lavigne & Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry & Zedd. Kacey Musgraves and St. Vincent followed up their respective Grammy successes with new music videos. There was a lot of new pop-punk singles from the likes of Stand Atlantic, The Interrupters, Escape The Fate, Andy Black and With Confidence. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has once again been scouring the internet to find the best new songs and music videos from the past week. Here are eight (and a few more) tracks from the last seven days we know you’ll love as much as we do.

1.       Stand Atlantic, “Toothpick”: A slow, contemplative song about her silent suffering, “Toothpick” really shows the depth of the band’s sound. Instead of the big pop-punk guitars and loud melodies, the song lets the words speak. Frontwoman Bonnie Frasier’s voice is very vulnerable against the acoustic-like melody of the electric guitar. (video)

2.       Avril Lavigne feat. Nicki Minaj, “Dumb Blonde”: Lavigne reclaims her headstrong musical persona on her latest single “Dumb Blonde.” A mix of chanted verses and sung choruses, the song is a proud anthem for those who don’t want to conform. Sure it’s simplified, but it’s also very catchy and easy to sing along with. Minaj’s involvement is a bit of a question mark, as one of the main lyrics in the song is “I’m not your stupid Barbie doll” and she has called herself a Barbie many times in the past (and in this song, go figure). (video)

3.       The Regrettes, “Pumpkin”: With 50s girl-group harmonies and an alt-rockabilly feel, “Pumpkin” is a unique love song about finally understanding what love’s all about. It’s a seemingly timeless melody perfect for Valentine’s Day or your normal date night. (video)

4.       Kacey Musgraves, “Rainbow”: Fresh off her win for Album of the Year at the Grammys, Kacey Musgraves released a video for her latest single, “Rainbow.” The song is an uplifting country tune about things not always being as hard as they might seem now. Musgraves sings so delicately and sincerely on the track that you can’t help but be drawn in to the story. (video)

5.       GRiZ feat. Matisyahu, “A New Day”: The mix of Matisyahu’s laid-back melodic reggae and GRiZ’s electronic beats on “A New Day” is very pleasing to the ear. It doesn’t feel over-produced or dance-y. Instead, the electronic elements build off Matisyahu’s usual sun-drenched, uplifting sound and message. (video)

6.       Joey Graceffa, “Letting You Go”: YouTube sensation Joey Graceffa released a new single from his debut album this week and it’s a tearjerker. “Letting You Go” tells his personal story of his relationship with his mother, who fell victim to alcoholism and became a different person than he once knew. Paired with its video, the song will leave you feeling as heartbroken as he is. (video)

7.       Alyson Stoner, “Stripped Bare”: If you’ve ever wondered what happened to the child dancer from Missy Elliot’s early 2000s videos, she’s all grown up with a music career of her own. Alyson Stoner released a new single this week. “Stripped Bare” confronts Stoner’s child star past and takes her to a new level of self-understanding. Her voice is as clear and honest as her lyrics while the song’s melody is a catchy vehicle to get her message across. (video)

8.       The Interrupters, “Gave You Everything”: The Interrupters’ “Gave You Everything” is a fast-paced, energetic rock track full of ska-punk grit. Both the vocals and guitar-playing have this raw quality to them that make the song stand out. Not to mention it has a very catchy melody. (video)

Further Listening / Viewing:

1.       St. Vincent, “Masseduction” (video)

2.       Escape the Fate, “Do You Love Me” (video)

3.       Zedd & Katy Perry, “365” (video)

4.       Andy Black, “Westwood Road” (video)

5.       With Confidence, “Without Me (Paquerette)” (video)

6.       Jason Mraz, “Love Is Still The Answer”(video)

This week saw a lot of great new songs and music videos hit the web for our listening pleasure. Check out some of our favorite new tracks and let us know what 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 top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a plethora of genres to satisfy most music tastes. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking to find something new to listen to 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.

Anti-Love Songs to Blast This Valentine’s Day

We get it; Valentine’s Day isn’t for everyone. A day based around couples telling each other how much they love one another can make any single person feel “forever alone.” It’s not referred to as “Singles Awareness Day” for nothing.

Just like music has the power to bolster your feelings of love, it also has the power to support your hatred of it. From break-up songs and songs that disagree with the foundations of love to empowering anthems that stress loving yourself instead, there is an anti-love song for whatever you’re feeling.

With Valentine’s Day tomorrow, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at songs for those who’d rather the holiday didn’t exist. Here are six that make being single sound extra good.

1.       P!nk, “So What”: P!nk’s “So What” takes break-up songs to a new level. Born out of anger, the song focuses more on embracing one’s independence. A relationship doesn’t define a person. What’s important is being the rockstar that you know you are. (video)

2.       J. Geils Band, “Love Stinks”: The quintessential anti-love song, “Love Stinks” has been culture’s go-to song for those who have given up on looking. It acknowledges love’s inevitability, but maintains that the acts and its fickle nature are not worth it. (video)

3.       Beyoncé, “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”: “Single Ladies” was a massive hit when it came out in 2008 and for good reason. The song, in no uncertain terms, is an anthem for those without beaus the world over who are enjoying the single life. Just because your ex might get jealous doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be you. Because if he really liked you, he “should have put a ring on it.” (video)

4.       Puddle of Mudd, “She Hates Me”: Heartbreak sucks, especially if you really loved that person. “She Hates Me” laments one of these failed relationships. But instead of wishing that they were still together, the song documents the actual heart breaking. There’s a lot of anger and pain going on here, which someone can surely relate to. (video)

5.       Natasha Beddingfield, “Single”: Natasha Beddingfield’s debut single “Single” isn’t anti-love. She even says in the lyrics that she’s not ruling it out. However, she does make it abundantly clear that she doesn’t need a man to make her feel good about herself. The song acts as her “declaration of independence,” stating that she’s doing just fine on her own. (video)

6.       Nazareth, “Love Hurts”: Another classic anti-love song, “Love Hurts” lists the painful things love can do to you, including scarring, wounding and burning. He sums it up with the line “Love is just a lie made to make you blue,” affirming his disbelief and saying that those who do believe in that kind of happiness are fooling themselves. (video)

Valentine’s Day can be hard for those who aren’t into the whole “love” thing. But there is a wealth of music to counter all the lovey-dovey imagery being thrown at you. Check out some of our picks above and let us know what songs get you through “Singles Awareness Day” in the comments below.

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Find you’re perfect Valentine’s Day soundtrack at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a range 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 music that spreads love or despises it, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week in Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (February 3-9, 2019)

A lot of new music gets released over the course of a given week and this one was no exception. Especially when it came to rock and indie, there were some pretty stellar song and music video entries over the last seven days. That includes new tracks from the likes of Charly Bliss, Andrew Bird, The Felice Brothers, Foxygen and more.

Now that the weekend is here, this is a great time to look back at some of the new songs and music videos released this week. That’s why Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has once again taken to the internet to compile a list of some of the best songs to come out over the last seven days. Here are six (and a few more) that we think are definitely worth checking out.

1.       Larkin Poe, “Honey Honey”: Blending indie rock and country with bluesy and jazzy undertones, “Honey Honey” has this distinct groove that really grabs your attention.  Rebecca Lovell’s slinky-yet-strong vocals are filled with conviction and power. (video)

2.       The Felice Brothers, “Undress”: Folk-rockers the Felice Brothers get political on their latest single “Undress,” the title track from their recently announced album. Starting out soft and slow, the song quickly picks up into an upbeat, pointed track demanding clarity from those in political and cultural power. The pace keeps building as the lyrics get more and more pressing, topping out with this great guitar solo as vocalist Ian Felice finally asks “When will we see the light of day.” (video)

3.       Charly Bliss, “Capacity”: “Capacity” is a bright-yet-tortured indie-pop track filled with plenty of catchy melodic moments that will have you humming along for the rest of the day. Reading into the lyrics, which deal with the burnout of trying to please everyone and not taking time for oneself, the song’s struggles are relatable. (video)

4.       Andrew Bird, “Sisyphus”: Andrew Bird’s storyteller-like way of relating weighty subject matter is evident in his latest single “Sisyphus,” which uses the myth’s story as a stepping off point to discuss the importance of human fallibility. The song comes off as an easygoing piece of whistle-rock, though its inner workings, like its lyrics, are fairly complex. (video)

5.       Chai, “Choose Go”: “Choose Go” feels like such an unconventional song to enjoy. Somewhere between J-pop and punk, the vocals are high-pitched and fast to the point of seeming almost chant-like, except they’re definitely not chanting.  (video)

6.       Pet Shop Boys, “Give Stupidity A Chance”: How do you make a political statement without making it sound like harsh criticism? You make it so innocuously sweet and innocent that you hope no one notices. That’s what Pet Shop Boys with their new single “Give Stupidity A Chance,” one of two new songs the duo released from their upcoming EP, ‘Agenda.’ The song is filled with so much peace and love in it’s “let’s hold hands and sing” melody that its lyrics containing thinly veiled criticisms of the current political and cultural climate seem contradictory. But it works really well. (video)

Further Listening:

·         C Duncan, “Impossible”: (video)

·         ionnalee, “Open Sea”: (video)

·         Set It Off, “Dancing With The Devil”: (video)

·         Foxygen, “Livin’ A Lie”: (video)

This week saw a lot of great new rock and indie songs and music videos hit the internet, vying for our listening attention. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what songs you’ve been digging this week in the comments below.

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Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top new independent record shop. With thousands of titles to choose from in a wide array of genres, there’s something for nearly every music lover. 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 to find something new to love 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 (January 27-February 2, 2019)

A lot of new music gets released over any given week and this week was no different. That was especially true for pop and rock, with new tracks from the likes of Cage The Elephant, AJR, Sheppard, Galantis with OneRepublic, Billie Eilish and more seeing the light of day.

The weekend is the perfect time to take a look back at the week’s best new songs and music videos. That’s why Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has once again taken to the internet to compile a list of some of the best songs to come out over the last seven days. Here are seven (and a few more) that we think are definitely worth checking out.

1.       Galantis feat. OneRepublic, “Bones”:  An upbeat, folk-pop dance jam, “Bones” is that toe-tapping, feel good kind of song that makes you want to sing along. Of course, OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder is a master of this sound, so it’s no surprise that it sounds this way. But it’s still a great listen if you want to be in a great mood. (video)

2.       One OK Rock, “Wasted Nights”: “Wasted Nights” is a fun, pop-y rock song about being young and hanging out with your friends. Frontman Takahiro Moriuchi’s powerful vocals mixed with the pomp of the instrumental make the song feel big and anthemic, drawing the listener into it’s massive sound. (video)

3.       Ben Platt, “Bad Habit”: You can take the boy off Broadway, but you can’t take the Broadway out of the boy. ‘Dear Evan Hanson’ alum Ben Platt is trying to break into pop music this year with his debut album, ‘Sing To Me Instead,’ set for release in March. In the lead-up, he dropped the first single “Bad Habit,” this week and it sounds like it came directly out of a Broadway show. The feeling comes from the song’s heavily piano-driven melody, as well as Platt vocalizing as if he were on stage. Such added bravado makes the song sound a bit intense. However, the song is too catchy not to include on this list. (video)

4.       Snakehips feat. Rivers Cuomo & KYLE, “Gucci Rock N Rolla”:  Though I’m not really a big fan of putting luxury brand names into song titles, you can’t help but be taken away by the groove of “Gucci Rock N Rolla.” Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo has the perfect soft vocals for this kind of song and KYLE’s rap verse adds to the easy, happy vibe. (video)

5.       Cage The Elephant, “Ready To Let Go”: “Ready To Let Go” has this slinking, creeping vibe that take’s the band’s usually upbeat, rhythm-heavy alt-punk style and turns it on its head. The song, the first single from their just announced fifth studio album, ‘Social Cues,’ is slow and twisty with a bit of psychedelic notes that enhance its eerie spinning feeling. (video [Note: This video is NSFW])

6.       AJR, “100 Bad Days”: AJR have a brand new song out this week. “100 Bad Days” slows things down a bit, focusing more on the beat and groove. There is more of an electronic element in this song than those from their previous album. Even though it’s a different sound, the song still has that fun, reggae-tinged vibe that made them blow up over the last two years. (video)

7.       Sheppard, “On My Way”: Like much of Sheppard’s music, “On My Way” is a bright, upbeat, feel good song that sweeps you up and gets you excited. The galloping percussion and hand clapping set the tone and momentum for the song, providing a base for the uplifting melody and that running-in-the-wilderness feel. With this song being their official entry into Australia’s Eurovision final, they have a real shot at taking the win and going on to the main event. (video)

Further Listening:

-          Funeral Advantage, “Peach Nectarine” (Soundcloud)

-          Hub City Stompers, “Father’s Day” (video)

-          Masked Intruder, “Please Come Back To Me” (video)

-          Billie Eilish, “bury a friend” (video)

-          PUP, “Kids” (video)

-          Marianas Trench, “Only The Lonely Survive” (video)

-          Wallows, “Are You Bored Yet?”  (video)

This week saw the release of a lot of great new music, especially when it came to rock and pop. Check out some of our favorite new songs and music videos above and let us know what tracks 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 top new independent record shop. We have thousands of titles in stock 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. Whether you’re looking for something you’ve never heard before 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.