Week In Review: New Songs and Music Videos You Need to Check Out (September 22-28, 2019)

A lot of new music is released over the course of any given week and this one was no exception. The last seven days saw a myriad of new songs and music videos hit the internet, especially when it came to rock and pop. Waterparks, Yungblud and Huey Lewis & The News are just some of the artists with new music out this week.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again scoured the internet for some of the week’s best new songs and music videos. Here are six (and a few more) we think are worth checking out.

1.       Ice Nine Kills, “IT Is The End”: I like the theatricality of “It Is The End.” A tribute to the film ‘It,’ the song is part circus funhouse and part metalcore shout-fest in the best, most balanced way possible. The video elevates the song with its production and storytelling. (video)

2.       Yungblud, “Hope For The Underrated Youth”: “Hope For The Underrated Youth” goes on a dramatic journey. The song is slow compared to some of his others, but its drawn out nature allows for so much passion to be delivered in his lyrics. He makes a clear point about the collective state of mind of youth nowadays, then highlights it with a near-hopeful chorus that is oozing with feeling. (video)

3.       Waterparks, “High Definition”: Not as electronically driven as their previous singles (though Awestin Knight does seem to make his voice vibrate in the beginning), “High Definition” feels like a step back into the pop-punk sound of their last album. The song is soft and slow, an easy and impactful pace to deliver its biting lyrics. (video)

4.       The Darkness, “Easter Is Cancelled”: The title track from The Darkness’ upcoming concept album, “Easter Is Cancelled” is a bit everywhere, shuffling between loud and soft parts, sometimes multiple times within a 30 second period. This accentuates the dramatic nature of the song and its place in the story. Lead singer Justin Hawkins’ high falsetto works well at both frequencies, moving as easily between the two as the guitars switching between heavy metal power riffs and ethereal power ballad grace. (video)

5.       Jeff Lynne’s ELO, “From Out of Nowhere”: The 1970s never ended as far as Jeff Lynne’s ELO is concerned. “From Out of Nowhere,” the title track from the band’s just announced new album, sounds as if no time has passed. The song is light and melodic, highlighted with falsetto back-up vocals and a churning guitar melody that makes you feel like you stepped out of a time machine. (video)

6.       Huey Lewis & The News, “Her Love Is Killin’ Me”: Huey Lewis & The News is back after a ten year hiatus and they’ve never sounded better. The mix of swing and rock on their new single “Her Love Is Killin’ Me” is infectious and will have you up and dancing from the start of its saxophone-led intro. (video)

Further Listening:

·         SNST, “It’s Hard To Be Loved (By You)”: (video)

·         Broken Bells, “Good Luck”: (video)

·         Shinedown, “Attention Attention”: (video)

·         The Beatles, “Here Comes The Sun”: (video)

·         Bayside, “Bury Me”: (video)

·         Jimmy Eat World, “All The Way (Stay)”: (video)

This week saw a lot of great new songs and music videos hit the internet. The weekend is the perfect time to take a look back at some of the best. Check out some of our favorites above and then let us know what new 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 top 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. Whether you’re looking for something new to you or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Jewish High Holiday Songs by Popular Artists

The Jewish High Holiday of Rosh Hashanah starts this weekend. A celebration of the Jewish New Year, the holiday begins a period of renewal and reflection leading up to the day of repentance, Yom Kippur.

While not abundant, there have been a few times where High Holiday themes have made their way into our popular culture, including music. There are even some popular artists who have taken the music of the holiday and made it their own.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at some of these traditional Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur songs that have made their way into popular music and culture. From early movies to dramatic renditions of classic tunes to popular riffs on traditional words, here are three songs to set the holiday tone.

1.       Leonard Cohen, “Who By Fire”: It’s not hard to find Jewish imagery in Leonard Cohen’s music. For instance, in “You Want It Darker,” he repeats the word “hineni” (“here I am”) over and over as if calling out to G-d about all the bad things that happen in the world. While “hineni” is a popular prayer on the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it’s not the first time he’s pulled from these holidays’ prayers. In 1974 he released a song called “Who By Fire,” which riffs off the “Unetanneh Tokef,” a confessional prayer said during Yom Kippur. Cohen changes some of the words, making the language a bit more current and ending with the line “who shall I say is calling?” instead of the traditional “On Rosh Hashanah it is written, On Yom Kippur it is sealed.” (video)

2.       Barbra Streisand, “Avenu Malkainu”: Translated as “Our Father Our King,” Streisand released her rendition of traditional High Holiday hymn “Avenu Malkainu” in 1997.  Her version is very dramatic and grandiose, amp-ing up the feeling of begging for forgiveness during the time of renewal and repentance. (video)

3.       Al Jolson, “Kol Nidre”: Performed by Al Jolson in the 1927 version of ‘The Jazz Singer,’ “Kol Nidre” is the initiating prayer of Yom Kippur, performed during a special service the beginning evening of the holiday. The prayer asks G-d to dissolve all of our promises from the previous year to start the New Year with a clean slate. Jolson’s performance comes during a pivotal moment in the film where he takes over for his dying cantor father, leading his congregation during the ritual service. (video)

Though not as prevalent as the music of Christmas or even Hanukkah, there are still songs within popular culture that honor the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Check out the popular renditions of some traditional prayers and psalms above and have a happy and healthy new year.

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Find music from these artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands to 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. 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 15-21, 2019)

Another week has come and gone, bringing with it a slew of new music for our entertainment. This week saw a lot of great new songs and music videos hit the internet, especially when it came to rock and pop. Maroon 5, Bayside, Mandy Moore and Wilco are just some of the many artists who put out new tracks over the last seven days.

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 10 (and a few more) that we think are worth taking some time this weekend to check out.

1.       Nurvus, “Fake”: From its first notes, “Fake” grabs you and sucks you into its high energy pop-punk bounce. There’s a certain rawness to the vocals and instrumentals too that’s kind of messy and chaotic, but engaging. (video)

2.       Maroon 5, “Memories”: “Memories” has a more island-y feel than the big pop productions Maroon 5 has been delivering recently. The sound really highlights the unique reggae-tinged notes in Adam Levine’s vocals. It’s a dreamy mix of new Maroon 5, old Maroon 5 and The Police that’s quiet and reflective. (video)

3.       The Menzingers, “Strangers Forever”: With driving guitars and steady kick and snare drum beats, “Strangers Forever” barrels through feelings of heartbreak and anger with abandon. It’s upbeat Americana-punk vibe is energetic and almost nostalgic-sounding does a good job of covering up the anger in the lyrics. (video)

4.       Bayside, “Interrobang”: Bayside go for artistry on their latest single “Interrobang.” The song’s dark, melodic “emo”-punk is very much on brand for the band, it’s low bass hum giving it that underlying dark vibe throughout. However, there’s a half-speed, noodle-y breakdown in the middle that changes the song’s pace and direction briefly, highlighting the guitars in an almost dreamlike stage. When the guitars snap out of their trance, the song revs back up to its original darkness. (video)

5.       Stand Atlantic, “Hate Me (Sometimes)”: “Hate Me (Sometimes)” is a bright, melodic pop-punk track. It’s upbeat and catchy in a way that harkens back to early 2000s bands like All Time Low, but with a spunkiness that feels very current. (video)

6.       The Interrupters, “Bad Guy”: I try not to recommend too many cover songs, but The Interrupters add to Billie Eilish’s hit “Bad Guy” in a way that makes it all their own. First, they hike up the tempo to something a bit more ska-friendly. Then, they bring up the vocals to something more substantial than a whisper, taking out the creep-y factor of the original. Finally, the addition of horns really brings life and bounce into the recording. It all comes together for this upbeat track that completely changes the original dynamic of the song. (video)

7.       Elephant Stone, “Land Of Dead”: “Land Of Dead’s” garage-rock-meets-goth vibe is intriguing. On the surface the song is upbeat and easy. But boiling underneath are these sludgy undertones that darken the entire mood. (video)

8.       Tsunami Bomb, “The Hathors”: “The Hathors” is a dark yet upbeat piece of heavy pop-punk. Singer Kate Jacobi has an amazing voice that’s clear against the song’s thrashing guitars. (video)

9.       Spearmint, “24 Hours in A and E”: Somewhere between classical and indie-rock, “24 Hours in A and E” is in a genre all its own. The band creates this big sound by adding an entire string section to their more traditional rock guitars and bass. (video)

10.   Mandy Moore, “When I Wasn’t Watching”: Mandy Moore shows off a more mature sound in her first new song in a decade, “When I Wasn’t Watching.” Her vocals are demure and restrained, not marred by any over the top flourishes or super overblown instrumentation. It’s certainly not the bubble gum pop that made Mandy Moore popular in the late 1990s-early 2000s, but I’m sure Moore is more than happy to put that sound behind her. (video)

Further Listening / Viewing:

·         Green Day, “Father Of All…”: (video)

·         P!nk, “Hurts 2B Human”: (video)

·         Grade 2, “Tired Of It”: (video)

·         Alessia Cara, “Rooting For You”: (video)

·         Cursive, “Black Hole Town”: (video)

·         Wilco, “Everyone Hides”: (video)

A lot of great new pop and rock songs and music videos have hit the internet this week. With the weekend now in full swing, this is the perfect time to get a little bit of new music on your speakers. 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 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.

Jimi Hendrix 49 Years Later: Looking Back at the Legendary Guitarists Most Iconic Songs

It has been 49 years since legendary singer / guitarist Jimi Hendrix passed away. He was just 27 when he overdosed on a mix barbiturates and alcohol in 1970.

Over the course of his short life and career, Hendrix had a huge impact on music. His guitar work and compositions, and in particular his use of the wah-wah pedal and effects like distortion and feedback, were nothing but revolutionary for a time when hard rock and psychedelia were starting to come into their own. More than five decades later, Hendrix’s music is still influencing artists and inspiring new fans around the world in a multitude of genres.

To honor the life of Jimi Hendrix, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at the revolutionary guitarist’s most iconic songs. Here are six that helped change the trajectory of rock music forever.

1.       “Purple Haze”: Rolling Stone’s number two greatest guitar song of all time and Q Magazine’s number one, “Purple Haze” became Hendrix’s signature song. It’s lyrical hook, “‘Scuse me while I kiss the sky,” and its accompanying guitar riff, as well as his usage of the 7#9 chord (dubbed the “Hendrix chord”) are iconic pieces of rock history. Released on his debut album, ‘Are You Experienced?,’ it was the echoes, harmonics and effects that Hendrix added post-initial recording that made the track stand out.   

2.       “All Along The Watchtower”: Originally written and recorded by Bob Dylan, Hendrix’s version of “All Along The Watchtower” ended up overshadowing the original. Dylan didn’t seem to mind, as he has said that Hendrix’s version “overwhelmed” him and in turn influenced the way that he played the song from then on.

3.       “The Star-Spangled Banner”: Performed live at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, Hendrix’s performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner” was nothing short of stunning. His rendition was both a proclamation of love for his country as well as a political statement about the Viet Nam War. People have likened the sounds he made with his guitar to those of gunfire and “bombs bursting in air.” He didn’t need to put words to it, as the playing was powerful enough on its own.

4.       “Foxy Lady”: Another iconic rock track, “Foxy Lady” takes Hendrix’s usage of feedback and brings it into a blues setting. All Music calls his vocals “full of passion and desire,” while it’s “howling guitar” gives it “dynamism and vitality.”

5.       “Hey Joe”: Originally written by Billy Roberts in 1962, Hendrix’s slowed down, Tim Rose-inspired version became the most well-known recording of the song. It gave him his first top 10 U.K. single. The amount of personality Hendrix exuded in the recording was infectious, which was one of the factors that made him so popular in the years to follow.

6.       “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”: Hendrix’s only British number one single, “Voodoo Child” is considered by many to be one of the greatest songs ever recorded. The song is a take on Muddy Waters’ “Rolling Stone” lasting 15 minutes and featuring some of his most impressive effects work. It was the product of a late night jam session, but ended up being recorded for his third album, ‘Electric Ladyland.’

Jimi Hendrix’s iconic guitar style and compositions have been a big influence in rock for more than five decades. His most iconic singles paint a picture of his talent, showcasing his futuristic use of effects and distortions. Gone too soon, Hendrix’s music remains as influential as it was when it first came out and will be for decades to come.

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Find music from Jimi Hendrix and more iconic artists 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. 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 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 8-14, 2019)

A lot of new music is released over the course of any given week and this one was no exception. Over the last seven days we saw a wealth of new songs and music videos hit the web. This was especially true for rock and pop, as we got some great new tunes from the likes of Green Day, Weezer, the Backstreet Boys and more.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again searched the internet for the week’s best new songs and music videos. Here are six (and a few more) that we think are worth checking out this weekend.

1.       Steve Aoki & Backstreet Boys, “Let It Be Me”: “Let It Be Me” is the perfect mix of the Backstreet Boys’ feel good pop and Steve Aoki’s beats and mixing. The song is seamless as both a dance track and a pop track. It’s upbeat and dance-worthy with a brightness meant to put a smile on your face. (video)

2.       Louis Tomlinson, “Kill My Mind”: The rock inspiration in One Direction alum Louis Tomlinson’s latest single “Kill My Mind” is a delightful surprise on first listen. It’s got a big, upbeat pop-rock sound that makes you want to get up and jump around. This song will get stuck in your head whether you like it or not. (video)

3.       Waterparks, “[Reboot]”: Waterparks’ latest single “[Reboot]” feels almost alien. Its pop-punk-meets-electronic-meets-hip-hop vibe is earcatching. Frontman Awsten Knight spits out lyrics at a pace and frequency during certain parts that would give Eminem a run for his money. The melody puts the electronics front and center, covering the heavy bass and drums in a thick filter of synths and computer effects. (video)

4.       Art Alexakis, “The Hot Water Test”: When Everclear frontman Art Alexakis wants to get upfront about a subject that is exactly what he does. His new single, “The Hot Water Test,” from his upcoming debut solo album, ‘Sun Songs,’ was written about his Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis in the most blatant, wordy way possible. It’s hard not to come at this song expecting it to sound like Everclear. Alexakis does a good job at bridging the gap though. Lyrically, the song isn’t that different than something he would have written for the band. The change comes in the melody and instrumentation, which while not super out there, are a bit rawer. The guitar has more twang to it. It’s bluesier and less polished. Because it’s mainly guitar and vocal, it comes off as a bit more intimate.  (video)

5.       Weezer, “The End Of The Game”: Weezer has been on a creative bent lately, releasing three albums in the course of two years. This week they released, “The End Of The Game,” the first single to a fourth album, ‘Van Weezer,’ out next year. It’s a song heavy on the rock side, leading off with some Van Halen-inspired guitar riffs and holding strong with ‘Blue Album’-era guitars throughout. The melody sounds like a punched-up version of something from one of their more recent albums (the name of which is eluding me at the writing of this article). This song sounds promising for the upcoming album. (video)

6.       Green Day, “Father Of All…”: “Father Of All…,” the new single from pop-punk legends Green Day, goes in a completely different direction than what the band has put out under their name before. The first thing you hear is frontman Billie Joe Armstrong’s falsetto-ish vocals taking over for his usual nasal tenor (he said in an interview that he was trying to channel Motown and Prince). Then you hear the chaotic instrumental and lyrics of the song, which have a sort of punk-meets-surf rock vibe. Despite just how different it is, the song is rather enjoyable. It’s upbeat, it has a good, fun energy… It’s perhaps what may have come if the Foxboro Hot Tubs released another album. (video)

Further Listening:

·         The Who, “Ball And Chain”: (video)

·         Kim Gordon, “Air BnB”: (video)

·         Twin Peaks, “Oh Mama”: (video)

·         MakeWar, “Oh, Brother”: (video)

·         Charlie Puth, “Mother”: (video)

This week saw the release of a lot of great new rock and pop songs and music videos. 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, 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.

New Albums to Watch for in September 2019

With September here, the summer release season is starting to come to a close, though there is still a lot to look forward to. This month has already given us some big albums from the likes of Post Malone, Alessia Cara and Lindsey Stirling, and there is still plenty more on the way.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’re once again looking ahead at some of the highly anticipated and best-bet albums still to come in September. Here are seven (and a few more) that we think will be worth keeping an eye out for this month.

1.       Goo Goo Dolls, ‘Miracle Pill’: The Goo Goo Dolls have a penchant for writing upbeat, feel-good songs and I expect no different from their upcoming album ‘Miracle Pill.’ The title track is an upbeat, piano and guitar-driven track with heavy bass that sounds in line with their most popular tracks. Single “Indestructible” is just as solid. (9/13)

2.       Korn, ‘The Nothing’: Korn releases their 13^th album, ‘The Nothing,’ this weekend. Many have been comparing the darkness and vibe of singles like “Never Gonna Find Me” and “Can You Hear Me” to that of the band’s debut self-titled album, though there is definitely more to it than that. There’s also a harshness to these songs that’s informed by new influences, feelings and experiences that keeps the sound fresh. (9/13)

3.       Blink-182, ‘Nine’: The songs coming off Blink-182’s upcoming album ‘Nine’ has so far been a bit all over the place musically, ranging from upbeat and bouncy (“Darkside,” “Blame It On My Youth”) to punk-y (“Generational Divide”) to low key (“I Really Wish I Hated You”). The only things that unites the songs is how dark and questioning the lyrics are. However, the band seems a bit more cohesive on these songs, finally embracing Matt Skiba’s voice and style, working that into their sound more. (9/20)

4.       Liam Gallagher, ‘Why Me? Why Not.’: ‘Why Me? Why Not.’ finds Oasis vocalist Liam Gallagher continuing the modified Brit-pop sound he cultivated with his 2017 debut solo album ‘As You Were,’ except this time co-writing all of the songs on the album. Songs like “Once” and “One of Us” are nostalgic looks back at the good old days in a very Oasis-like style. “Shockwave” and “The River,” on the other hand, are darker and heavier than his previous music. All are solid tracks that might just make for a strong album.(9/20)

5.       Keane, ‘Cause And Effect’: It’s been five years since Irish rockers Keane went on hiatus. But now they’re back with a brand new album, ‘Cause And Effect,’ out this month. Lead single “The Way I Feel” is upbeat, pop-y and very catchy, the perfect comeback track for the pop-rock band. Latest single “Love Too Much” isn’t as standout, but is still pretty solid. For those who haven’t listened to Keane since the early 2000s (like me), you will be pleasantly surprised. With such solid tracks, this could be an album worth hearing. (9/20)

6.       Tegan and Sara, ‘Hey, I’m Just Like You’: Tegan and Sara look towards the past with their upcoming album ‘Hey, I’m Just Like You.’ Filled with tracks written while the twins were still in high school, the completed songs sound like a blast from their pop-punk-leaning past. (9/27)

7.       Hellyeah, ‘Welcome Home’: Recorded just prior to the passing of Vinnie Paul Abbott in June 2018, ‘Welcome Home’ is the final album to feature the iconic metal drummer. The album was finished in Abbott’s memory and, according to Blabbermouth, “driven by their love, loyalty, reverence and respect for their fallen brother.” (9/27)

Further Listening:

·         Pixies, ‘Beneath the Eyrie’: (9/13)

·         The Lumineers, ‘III’: (9/13)

·         Fitz and the Tantrums, ‘All The Feels’: (9/20)

·         Brittany Howard, ‘Jaime’: (9/20)

We might already be a week into September, but there are still a lot of albums to watch out for in the coming weeks. Check out some of our ones to watch above and let us know what upcoming albums you’re excited for 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 variety of genres to suit most music lovers’ 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 for something new to you or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.