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

A lot of music comes out over any given week. This week was no exception, as we saw plenty of new songs and music videos hit the internet. This was especially true for rock and pop, as we got some great new tracks from artists both new and established, including Foster The People, The Maine, Wallows, Lizzo and more.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again scoured the internet for the week’s best new songs and music videos. Here are seven (and a few more) that we know you’ll love as much as we do.

1.       Foster The People, “Style”: Foster The People’s latest single, “Style,” finds the band stepping away from dance rock of ‘Sacred Hearts Club,’ instead opting for a more straight-forward rock sound. The song’s melody is grimy and percussive, led by bass and snare drum hits and buzzing electric guitars.  (video)

2.       The Maine, “Broken Parts”: “Broken Parts” takes The Maine far from their pop punk roots, inching them closer to indie or pop rock. The verses are reminiscent of U2’s “One,” but the chorus has this big, down-tempo melody with a sound that could fill a room. (video)

3.       Lizzo feat. Missy Elliott, “Tempo”: “Tempo” is an unexpected listen for me, but it’s definitely worth it. Lizzo’s delivery is confident yet slinky against the song’s thumping beat. The lyrics are body positive in a not trying sort of way. Missy Elliott is a fine choice for the song, as her style fits in perfectly with its cadence (I just don’t understand why she’s copying Cardi B’s tongue-roll-thing). (video)

4.       Wallows, “Scrawny”: Wallows released their debut album this week, as well as dropped a video for their single “Scrawny.” The song is catchy and memorable with an upbeat melody that will have you tapping your toes. (video)

5.       AJ McLean, “Boy And A Man”: There is obviously a theme going on in AJ McLean’s songwriting lately. His latest solo single “Boy And A Man” sounds a bit like a countrified version of the Backstreet Boys’ latest single “No Place Like You.” That being said, the song still has so much sincerity and heart to its lyrics and the passion with which McLean sings. The video is a tearjerker too, chronicling a love that lasts from a young age until death. (video)

6.       Mumford & Sons, “Beloved”: The latest single from Mumford & Sons’ recently released ‘Delta’ album, “Beloved” is a touching song with heartbreaking lyrics about telling a loved one you love them before you no longer can. It’s melodic structure isn’t as twang-y as many of the band’s other songs, though it still manages to keep a pretty good pace for a sad song. The video adds faces to the story, featuring a young boy who spends one last day with his mother, who we find out is dying in a hospital and the adventure they had was all in his head. (video)

7.       Panic! At The Disco, “Dancing’s Not A Crime”: Like most of Panic’s music, “Dancing’s Not A Crime” is a feel good track with a big chorus and infectious groove that makes you want to get up and dance. The video features the return of the “Beebo” puppet from “Hey Look Ma, I Made It,” this time causing mischief backstage while Brendon Urie performs. (video)

Further Listening / Viewing:

·         Grayscale, “If I Ever See You Again”: (video)

·         Lennon Stella, “B****”: (video)

·         K. Flay, “Bad Vibes”: (video)

·         PUP, “Sibling Rivalry” and “Scorpion Hill”: (Rivalry & Hill)

·         Jason Ritter, “I Still Love You (Now And Then)”: (video)

·         Martha, “The Void”: (video)

·         Sleeper, “Paradise Waiting”: (video)

·         Dressy Bessy, “Stay True”: (video)

This week saw the release of many amazing new rock and pop songs and music videos. If you’re looking for some new tunes to add to your weekend playlist, check out some of our favorites above. Then, let us know what new songs you’ve been digging in the comments below.

---

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 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. Whether you’re looking for 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.

Women’s History Month: Female Artists Making Waves in Music Today

From the early years of rock and roll to today’s up-and-coming crop of young artists, there have been so many amazing and talented women in music. Especially nowadays, there are so many women taking the reins of their music careers and finding success.

March is Women’s History Month and to celebrate, Vinyl Bay777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at some of the female artists dominating music right now. Here are seven of today’s most important voices you should be listening to.

1.       Courtney Barnett: Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett has a no-nonsense wit about her when it comes to writing music. Her lyrics are honest and direct, often holding more weight than the actual melodies themselves. One of her most recent singles, “Nameless, Faceless,” explores the dichotomy between how women view the world verses how men do.

2.       Janelle Monàe: Janelle Monàe has been turning heads ever since the release of her 2007 EP ‘Metropolis.’ But it wasn’t until last year’s ‘Dirty Computer’ that people really started to take notice of the singer’s creativity, earning her a Grammy nod for ‘Album of the Year.’ Whether its in her music or the film roles she takes on, Monàe has also been an advocate for women’s, black and LGBTQ rights, saying during an interview with Rolling Stone last year, “I want young girls, young boys, nonbinary, gay, straight, queer people who are having a hard time dealing with their sexuality, dealing with feeling ostracized or bullied for just being their unique selves, to know that I see you.”

3.       St. Vincent: A free-spirited pop artist, St. Vincent (real name Annie Clark) has perfected the art of the eclectic and brought it to the mainstream. Her 2017 album ‘Masseduction’ became her first top 10 release and earned her two Grammy Awards. She has never rested on her laurels though, continuing to evolve her sound and style at every turn.

4.       Beyoncé: A classic at this point, Beyoncé is not just one of the most important female artists of our time, but one of the most influential artists ever, period. From her beginnings in Destiny’s Child to her current solo work and multi-million dollar empire, she dominates the field. Her music is incredibly powerful as well, penning female empowerment anthems like “Independent Woman,” “Single Ladies” and “Girls (Who Run The World).”

5.       Alicia Keys: Like Beyoncé, Alicia Keys has been one of the most powerful female voices of our generation. Her music speaks to the spirit and essence of who we are as people. Songs like “Girl on Fire” and her latest single “Raise a Man” deliver a message of love and action with power and grace. Her star only grows brighter as she continues to prove herself to be not just a singer or piano player, but an artist.

6.       Lady Gaga: Over her decade as “mother monster,” Lady Gaga’s influence has proven more powerful than her music. Pioneering her “Born This Way” philosophy, she has helped millions of young girls and those questioning their identities find themselves and to be comfortable in their own skin.

7.       Lzzy Hale: Frontwoman for metal band Halestorm, Lzzy Hale has been one of the most influential rockers in metal in recent history. More than two decades after forming, the band is at the top of its game and continuing to rise. Like her female rock role models, Hale proves that women can rock hard and be role models for others who want to do the same.

There are a lot of powerful women in the music today challenging what it means to be a female artist in a male-dominated industry. Between pop’s heavy hitters, rockers and avant-garde artists who change their style with every new idea, there is so much creative energy and power coming from this generation of female artists. The artists above, as well as many others, are proof that women are influencing the future of music and culture.

---

Find music from powerful female musicians new and old at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top 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.

Week In Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (March 10-16, 2019)

Another week has come and gone and with it came a slew of new music just waiting to be heard. That was especially true with rock and pop music this week, as we saw new songs from the likes of Steve Aoki with Blink-182, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Noah Kahan and Direct Hit, as well as new videos from Vampire Weekend and Carly Rae Jepson.

With another weekend upon us, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has once again searched the internet for the best new songs and music videos to add to your weekend playlist. Here are seven (and a few more) that are worth checking out.

1.       Steve Aoki featuring Blink-182, “Why Are We So Broken”: You would think that with Blink-182’s involvement on the song, “Why Are We So Broken” might sound more like a remixed pop-punk jam. However, Steve Aoki pulls all the pop-punk out of it, leaving you with Mark Hoppus and Matt Skiba’s vocals over Travis Barker’s heavily mixed percussion. It’s more EDM than moshpit, but not in a bad way. It is still an enjoyable, danceable track. (video)

2.       King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, “Fishing For Fishies”: “Fishing For Fishies” is a quirky song to say the least. Frontman Stu Mackenzie’s falsetto is light against the song’s airy, bouncy melody. It’s a sound that feels like walking on a sunny day whistling to oneself happily. The video is just as quirky, putting the band into a cartoony, watercolor ocean world. (video)

3.       Noah Kahan, “Mess”: Kahan’s latest single “Mess” is an acoustic pop treat. It’s light, catchy acoustic melody is in the vein of artists like Vance Joy, keeping that pop of joy in its lyrics about acknowledging your flaws and starting over. (video)

4.       Vampire Weekend, “Sunflower”: Vampire Weekend has released a trippy video for their latest single “Sunflower.” Directed by actor Jonah Hill and featuring cameos from Jerry Seinfeld, the video finds frontman Ezra Koenig singing and walking around NYC haunts Zabars and Barney Greengrass as the scenes spin around, speed up and slow down. (video)

5.       W. H. Lung, “Second Death of My Face”: “Second Death of My Face” is a piece of bouncy synth-pop that will have you tapping along on the first listen. His voice is husky and breathy against the upbeat synth-drum-guitar combo. (soundcloud)

6.       Direct Hit, “Altered States”: “Altered States” sounds like it could have come out of the 1980s. The song starts with distorted, robotic vocals before hitting out with Direct Hit’s trademark pop-punk style for the chorus. It’s a memorable melody and one that will have you headbanging along. (video)

7.       Daniel Norgren, “Let Love Run The Game”: Right from the start, “Let Love Run The Game” is soulful and genuine. The melody is a slow, careful mix of blues and country, making for the perfect bit of Americana rock. (video)

Further Listening:

·         Dead Bars, “Regulars”: (bandcamp)

·         CJ Ramone, “Blue Skies”: (video)

·         Carly Rae Jepson, “Now That I Found You”: (video)

There was a lot of great new rock and pop songs and music videos that came out over the past week. If you’re looking to add something new to your playlist this weekend, check out some of our favorite tracks above. Then, let us know what new songs and videos you’ve enjoyed this week in the comments below.

---

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, memorabilia and more 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.

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

A lot of new music is released over the course of any given week and this week was no exception. There were plenty of new rock and pop songs and music videos that hit the internet this week from established artists and new-comers alike.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again combed the internet for the week’s best new tracks. Here are six (and a few more) that we hope you’ll like as much as we do.

1.       *repeat repeat, “Hi, I’m Waiting”: There’s this very 90s indie-pop feel to “Hi, I’m Waiting,” the latest single from up-and-comers *repeat repeat’s upcoming, Patrick Carney-produced album, ‘Glazed.’ The melody is upbeat yet soft and mellow, drenched in sunlit vibes that bring to mind the positivity of The Beach Boys and the melodic work of Pixies or The Shins. (video)

2.       George Ezra, “Pretty Shining People”: George Ezra’s latest single “Pretty Shining People” shows there’s more range to Ezra’s voice than just that smooth, deep baritone. The song’s vibrant, upbeat chorus transcends that, stretching his range to include some tenor notes, even hitting a high falsetto for a split second somewhere near the end. Besides that, the song is very joyful and catchy, which will leave you smiling, dancing and singing along. (video)

3.       Marshmello feat. CHVRCHES, “Here With Me”: Marshmello goes for “Happier” round two with their latest collaboration, “Here With Me,” which features vocals and instrumentals from CHVRCHES. Despite the breathy phrasing at the beginning of each verse (I honestly don’t get why that kind of phrasing is so popular right now), the song is a delightful piece of indie-pop.  The melody is catchy and the lyrics are sweet and sensitive. This is sure to be all over alternative radio very soon. (video)

4.       Cage The Elephant, “The House Is Glass”: Cage The Elephant move in a very different direction with their latest single, “The House Is Glass.” The song is striking because of frontman Matt Shultz’s menacingly rhythm-spoken vocals. He’s backed by an 80s-synth-rock melody and distorted guitar that ends in a cacophony of noise. (video)

5.       Vampire Weekend, “Sunflower” & “Big Blue”: Vampire Weekend released two more songs from their upcoming fourth album, ‘Father Of The Bride.’ “Sunflower” challenges the roles of rhythm section and voice. They first set things up with a funky, sparse bass groove. That groove is then taken over by vocal scatting. “Big Blue” is less focused on groove, instead taking more of an acoustic-led approach. Both songs are minimal-sounding tracks with easy-going feels, which seems to be the theme of the new album. (“Sunflower” & “Blue”)

6.       Grim Streaker, “Today New York”: The song sounds like it should have come out during the 1970s CBGB scene. It’s not easy to find a female-fronted, truly punk band that sounds as crisp and easy-to-listen to as this. (video)

Further Listening:

·         The Black Keys, “Lo/Hi”: (video)

·         The Get Up Kids, “Satellite”: (video)

·         The Drew Thomson Foundation, “Break”: (Soundcloud)

·         Wallows, “Sidelines”: (video)

·         Bouncing Souls, “Favorite Everything”: (video)

·         Ben Platt, “Temporary Love”: (video)

This week saw the release of many great new songs and music videos, especially when it came to rock and pop. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new tracks you loved this week in the comments below.

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top new independent record shop. Located in Plainview, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres to suit the tastes of most music lovers. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for 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.

New Albums to Watch for in March 2019

So far, March has been a very impactful month for music releases. We’re not even a full week into the month and already we’ve seen some of the most anticipated new releases of the year hit shelves, including titles from the likes of Weezer, Gary Clark, Jr., Hozier, In Flames, Queensryche, Solange and Bryan Adams.

Those titles are just the beginning. With the month not even half-way over yet, there is still a wealth of highly anticipated titles on the horizon set to drop in March.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at the new albums still to come in March 2019. From rock and pop to metal and beyond, here are six albums you’ll want to watch out for this month.

1.       Buckcherry, ‘Warpaint’: ‘Warpaint’ sees hard rock band Buckcherry return to the more radio-ready songs of their early years. For the album, the band reunited with producer Mike Plotnikoff, who also worked on the band’s breakthrough 2005 album ‘15.’ As much as it is familiar, the band also looks to be expanding their sound and exploring new influences on the album, with a handful of tracks adding a bit of a country-tinge to their hard rock sound. (3/8)

2.       The Picturebooks, ‘The Hands of Time’: A friend told me about The Picturebooks the other day, and I have to say, I’m really excited to hear more. The band mixes heavy alt-rock with folk and blues to create this high-energy, hoedown-ready sound that will have you up and dancing in no time. Check out the title track from their upcoming album and hear what I mean. (3/8)

3.       Karen O and Danger Mouse, ‘Lux Prima’: Yeah Yeah Yeah’s frontwoman Karen O and producer / musician Danger Mouse are finally releasing their first collaboration, ‘Lux Prima,’ this month. A mix of soul and psych-rock, the sound of songs like “Woman” are a bit of a departure from Karen O’s punk roots, but not unwelcome. (3/15)

4.       Billie Eilish, ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go’: Billie Eilish has been having a breakout year so far. The low sung, kind of creepy “bury a friend” and latest single  “Wish You Were Gay” have been doing exceedingly well on alternative radio, propelling the 17-year-old singer to selling out shows in large venues across the country. All that and her debut album doesn’t even come out for another couple of weeks. (3/29)

5.       Simple Creatures, ‘Strange Love’ EP: Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus and All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth set aside the pop-punk sound both bands are known for with their new collaboration Simple Creatures, instead going for a more pop-rock one. So far, the duo has released two very different tracks, the fast-paced electronic tinged “Drug” and the more 80s pop-inspired title track. Hoppus and Gaskarth seem to have a great cooperative relationship, so I’d be interested to hear what comes out. (3/29)

6.       Ben Platt, ‘Sing To Me Instead’: Best known as the originator of Evan Hansen in Broadway’s ‘Dear Evan Hansen,’ Ben Platt makes the transition over to pop singer with his debut album, ‘Sing To Me Instead.’ From the first few singles, there is a chance the album will end up sounding a bit show tune-y, though you never know. Perhaps the album will be more like his last single “Grow As We Go,” showing off a more singer-songwriter pop-vibe. (3/29)

March 2019 is shaping up to be a great month for new music with a plethora of hot new albums still to come. Check out some of our picks above and let us know which albums you can’t wait hear in the comments below.

---

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 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 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.

Week In Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (February 24-March 2, 2019)

There is a lot of new music comes out over in any given week. This week was no different, as there were a plethora of new rock and pop songs and music videos released for our listening and viewing pleasure.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again took to the internet to find the best new tracks from the past week. From the latest pop jaunt of New Kids On The Block and the reemergence of The Jonas Brothers to the latest rock tracks from metal pioneers Queensryche and newcomers A R I Z O N A, here are eight (and a few more) that we know you’ll love as much as we do.

1.       New Kids On The Block, “Boys In The Band (Boy Band Anthem)”: “Boys In The Band” is the self-aware pop track that you never knew you wanted. Name-dropping nearly every boy band from the 1970s to today, the song is, like the video states, a lesson in the history of the subgenre. The song’s melody is easy to swallow and Debbie Gibson’s Nicki Minaj-like addition to the song is a nice touch. The video has the men dressing up like boy bands from different generations to prove their point further that this is not a trend exclusive to any one decade, but everyone still loves it. Cameos from *NSYNC’s Lance Bass, Debbie Gibson, Bell Biv Devoe and Naughty By Nature give even more weight to the subject as examples of the subgenre’s popularity. (video)

2.       Queensryche, “Blood Of The Levant”: Flanked by heavy guitars and urgent vocals, “Blood Of The Levant” is a dramatic sludgy rock jam with a big melody. There is also something very poignant about the video’s “stand against oppression” theme in today’s political climate. (video)

3.       Michael Bublé, “Forever Now”: Though not one of his more anthemic tunes, “Forever Now” makes up for that in sincerity. A down-tempo ballad about the love he has for his son, the song is filled with touching moments and brutal honesty. There is no holding back how he feels because everything is feeling. No matter how old his son gets, he will always love him unconditionally. (video)

4.       A R I Z O N A, “Find Someone”: “Find Someone” is an indie-rock track with 80s dance-rock vibes. Though it starts out on the slower side, the song picks up steam as it approaches each big chorus. As it continues, it comes to this big, joyous apex that leaves you in a state of euphoria by the end. Also, the video has cute furry animals. (video)

5.       Jonas Brothers, “Sucker”: The Jonas Brothers reunited this week, releasing their first new song together in six years. Slinky and pop-y at the same time, “Sucker” has a much more mature sound than their previous work, tingeing their pop-rock sound with elements of indie-rock. Such could open them up to an audience outside of the Radio Disney-like station they had been relegated to. (video)

6.       Ben Platt, “Grow As We Go”: The first of Ben Platt’s singles to not sound like a Broadway show tune, “Grow As We Go” is a beautiful love ballad about sticking together and growing as a couple. His performance puts him in the company of singers like Jason Mraz and Gavin DeGraw. (video)

7.       Cokie The Clown, “Punk Rock Saved My Life”: Cokie The Clown, the alter-ego of disgraced NoFX frontman Fat Mike, can be very crass at times. However, “Punk Rock Saved My Life” instead comes off more confessional, telling us bluntly about his sad life and the path that brought him to punk and founding of NoFX.  (video)

8.       L7, “Burn Baby”: L7 have not lost an ounce of attitude in the two decades since their last album. Case in point, the first single off the band’s upcoming ‘Scatter The Rats,’ “Burn Baby.” The song screams 90s alternative rock, mired in a mixture of grunge and punk attitude that will leave you feeling nostalgic and thoroughly rocked at the same time.  (video)

Further Listening:

·         Hey Guy, “Stereo”: (Soundcloud)

·         Bars of Gold, “Sometimes”: (video)

·         The Drums, “626 Bedford Avenue”: (video)

·         Bad Religion, “Chaos From Within”: (video)

·         Stella Donnelly, “Tricks”: (video)

A lot of amazing new songs and music videos were released over the past week. Now that the weekend is here, now is the perfect time to take a look back, as well as catch up on the ones you may have missed. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new songs you’ve been jamming out to this week in the comments below.

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s top new independent record shop. We have thousands of titles to choose from in a wide variety of genres to suit most music fans. 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 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.