Week In Review: New Songs / Music Video You Need to Check Out (February 23-29, 2020)

A lot of new music is released over the course of any given week. This one was no exception as we saw a plethora of new songs and music videos hit the internet, vying for our collective attention. It was an especially good week for rock and pop, with Neck Deep, Four Year Strong, Gorillaz and Sheppard were among those who put out new tunes.

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

1.       Neck Deep, “Lowlife”: UK pop-punk band Neck Deep have announced a new album, ‘All Distortions Are Intentional,’ and are back with a new single. “Lowlife” is rough around the edges instrumentally and lyrically, hitting on more of the traditional angry, disaffected youth punk attitude than the songs of ‘The Peace and the Panic.’ The band adds this element without losing the melodic and memorable qualities that got them noticed in the first place. (video)

2.       Sheppard, “Don’t Believe In Love”: Australian family band Sheppard move ever closer to the pop end of their pop-rock sound with “Don’t Believe In Love.” The choruses are upbeat and fun with as bit of the island-y groove that made their early work so great. George Sheppard’s falsetto verses are a bit more sullen, soulful and electronic-tinged. As a whole, it’s another very catchy track from the band. (video)

3.       Gorillaz feat. Fatoumata Diawara, “Desole”: The second in Gorillaz’s Song Machine project, “Désolé” has a cool, low-key tone and easy groove that balances electronic beats and worldly melody. Starting out rather minimal, the addition of horns and strings near the end makes the sound fuller without losing any of the effortlessness. (video)

4.       Four Year Strong, “Get Out Of My Head”: “Get Out Of My Head” is melodic hardcore at its catchiest. The rough, thrashing guitars and lightly gritty hardcore vocals are aggressive yet tuneful. It’s an earworm that will surely get stuck in your head. The video has this tongue-in-cheek, underground 90s-style quality to it, which makes this a great watch as well. (video)

5.       SZA & Justin Timberlake, “The Other Side”: “The Other Side” has a great groove and beat that feel both modern and mid-2000’s pop-R&B at the same time. It brings back memories of ‘Justified’-era Timberlake.” His and SZA’s vocals meld beautifully, like they were made to sing together. The song makes you want to get up and dance. (video)

6.       Luke Rathborne, “Ordinary Woes”: There’s a certain punk-y, garage-rock-y sound to “Ordinary Woes” I found really dragged me in. The song is lively and upbeat, led by fast-paced guitars and driving snare drum that keep it barreling along. (video)

Further Listening:

·         I’m Glad It’s You, “Big Sound”: (bandcamp)

·         Suicide Machines, “Anarchist Wedding”: (video)

·         Alanis Morissete, “Reasons I Drink”: (video)

·         Dave Godowsky, “Better Just To Be”: (video)

·         Taylor Swift, “The Man”: (video)

This week saw some great new rock and pop songs hit the internet. With the weekend here, now is the perfect time to take a look back at some of the best. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new songs you’ve been digging this week in the comments below.

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As one of Long Island’s top independent record shops, 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.

Vinyl Sales Continue to Grow, Streaming Dominates Music Industry in 2019

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, takes a brief look at the RIAA, Nielsen and BuzzAngle’s Year-End numbers

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has released their 2019 year-end report Tuesday. With Nielsen Music and BuzzAngle’s reports having come in January, we now have a more complete idea of what the music industry’s revenue and cultural trends were over the last year. A year of growth for the industry, streaming dominated the field while vinyl continued its rapid rise in the physical sales space.

In 2019, the music industry saw its fourth straight year of double-digit growth, taking in more than $11.1 billion in revenue, a 13% increase over 2018’s $9.8 billion.

Streaming was the biggest part of the revenue equation in 2019. Jumping nearly 20% over 2018’s numbers, the format ended the year with more than $8.8 billion in revenue. That means streaming now makes up 79.5% of all revenue brought in by the music industry. It also means, according to Billboard’s reporting, that streaming’s revenue exceeded the music industry’s yearly earnings for every year between 2008 and 2017. Much of that came from paid subscription services (Apple Music, Spotify’s paid tier), which grew by another 25% this year.

While streaming was popular in the US, video was an even more lucrative venture in the rest of the world. According to both Nielsen and BuzzAngle, YouTube outpaced paid services like Spotify and Amazon Music, especially when it came to genres like K-pop and Bollywood.

As for traditional sales, the numbers stayed relatively steady. While there was a dip, the RIAA reports it was only 0.6% over 2018, making up $1.15 billion of the year’s revenue. While CD sales once again dropped, this time 12%, they still made up the bulk of physical sales at $615 million. Vinyl continued to gain on CDs, though, rising 19% to take in $504 million in 2019, the only physical format to experience any gain. That’s the 14^th straight year of growth for the vinyl medium and puts it squarely in striking distance to potentially take over that dominating sales spot from CDs.

Digital sales took a nosedive, however. Following a trend that has been occurring for a few years now, digital single and album sales dropped 18%, taking in $856 million in 2019, the first time that number has dropped below $1 billion since 2006.

In total, digital (streaming and sales) made up 87.2% of the music industry’s 2019 revenue, physical sales made up 10.3% and synch royalties (radio) made up 2.5%.

According to Nielsen, Post Malone, Drake, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande were the year’s top-selling artists. Post Malone’s ‘Hollywood’s Bleeding’ took the top album spot (including track-equivalent albums and streaming-equivalent albums), however Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’ topped total album sales, digital album sales and physical album sales for 2019. Vinyl sales continued to trend towards catalog album popularity with the Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’ topping the list. Billie Eilish’s ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go,’ is the only current album in the vinyl top 10, coming in a number 2. Digital belonged to Lil Nas X’s single “Old Town Road” for both sales and on-demand streaming.

In terms of genre statistics, R&B and hip-hop were the most consumed overall. However, when it came to physical album and digital album and song sales, rock came out ahead.

The music industry experienced a lot of growth in 2019. Music consumption grew along with the increasing popularity of streaming. While sales have decreased again, especially in digital, vinyl continues to be a bright spot, gaining year-over-year for a 14-year high. These numbers point to a lot of change in the way we consume musical media and what we can expect to see in the future.

---

Get your physical music fix at Vinyl Bay 777. As one of Long Island’s top independent record shops, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres to suit the tastes of 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 gems you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week In Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (February 16-22, 2020)

A lot of new music is released over the course of any given week. This one was no different as we saw a wealth of new songs and music videos hit the internet this week, especially when it came to rock and pop.

With the weekend here, now is the perfect time to take a look back at some of the musical highlights of the week that was. Vinyl Bay777, Long Island’s music outlet, has once again scoured the internet for some of the hottest new tracks of the last seven days. Here are eight (and a few more) of our favorites that we think are worth a second listen.

1.       Waxahatchee, “Lilacs”: The mix of alt-country twang and folk-y indie-pop on “Lilacs” is bright and upbeat. It’s easy-going melody makes for a pleasant listen while the steady metronome-like beat is easy to follow. (video)

2.       The 1975, “The Birthday Party”: “The Birthday Party” is an ethereal track that contrasts the 80s feel of much of what The 1975 has been putting out lately. A more deconstructed kind of song (it lacks a chorus), the melody’s relaxing qualities mask the rather stressed lyrics about what Matty Healy has called “the interesting social minutiae of house parties.” The video portrays the relaxed aura of the song, using “digital detox” site mindshower as a jumping off point for a computer animated visual that looks like a 1990s Sims game filled with memes. (video)

3.       The Strokes, “Bad Decisions”: The Strokes continue their comeback with their latest single “Bad Decisions,” a garage-rock-tinged indie-rock track that sounds like the band at their early 2000s best. The 80s-inspired, upbeat melody borrows from Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself,” though the band puts it through their distinct sonic lens, making it feel both new and familiar at the same time. (video)

4.       Yves Tumor, “Gospel For A New Century”: “Gospel For A New Century” is an energetic track that mixes rhythmic soul with thrash-y rock guitars. The sound really jumps out and grabs a hold of your attention. (video)

5.       Ozzy Osbourne feat. Post Malone, “It’s A Raid”: The last single released before his new album, ‘Ordinary Man,’ was released this week, “It’s A Raid” finds Osbourne reuniting with Post Malone for an aggressive metal duet. It’s fast pace and thrash-y guitars make it one of the more chaotic songs on the album. The screaming crowd vocals at the beginning are a bit disconcerting, but add atmosphere to the hurried nature of the track. Malone adapts to the song’s harder tone, going to his deeper register in attempting to riff off Osbourne’s signature vocal. However, his back-up vocal role does more for the song than his verses do. (video)

6.       A. Swayze & the Ghosts, “Mess Of Me”: “Mess Of Me” is an upbeat, pummeling track that takes its inspiration from early punk/new wave and melds it with the more aggressive punk sounds of the 2000s/2010s. Think Iggy Pop filtered through Against Me!. (video)

7.       RVG, “I Used To Love You”: A song for falling out of love, “I Used To Love You” tries to reason with the realities of two people growing apart. The swirling, airy guitars make the melody feel very open. As the song progresses the emotion grows, becoming more passionate and intense. (video)

8.       Man Man, “Cloud Nein”: “Cloud Nein” is an upbeat track in tone and melody, though the lyrics aren’t as cheery, essentially telling someone that they’re “in denial.” It’s a very interesting play off the expression “on cloud nine,” using the phrase’s original meaning as the melody and the homonyms of “nine / nein” as the basis for the lyrics. The video is reminiscent of Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice,” with the older gentleman dancing around the street as if nothing were about to happen. (video)

Further Listening:

·         All Time Low, “Sleeping In”: (video)

·         5 Seconds Of Summer, “Old Me”: (video)

·         Sparks, “Self-Effacing”: (video)

·         Alanis Morissette, “Smiling”: (video)

·         The Amity Affliction, “Forever”: (video)

This week saw a lot of great new rock and pop songs and music videos vying for our attention. With the weekend here, now is a great time to look back at some of the best. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new tracks you’ve been digging this week in the comments below.

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As one of Long Island’s top independent record shops, 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 to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Edison’s Phonograph and Its Impact on Music

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s Music Outlet, takes a brief look how the phonograph revolutionized how we listen to music

On February 19, 1878, a patent was issued for an invention that would revolutionize the way people would communicate for centuries to come. The invention, of course, was Thomas Edison’s phonograph.

Though the concept was not new (sketches of early devices had been found), Edison’s phonograph became the first to be put into practice. A groundbreaking machine, the device allowed someone to both record their voice and play it back. This idea would become the basis for all physical recordings through the 21^st century.

Edison’s first phonograph used an embossed diaphragm that made indentations on a piece of wax paper attached to a rapidly moving metal cylinder from the vibrations of a person speaking. He would later start recording to tin foil instead of the paper. A second diaphragm and needle unit on the machine was used to play the recording back.

Edison’s famous first recorded words? The nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

At the time, Edison knew this would be big, having brainstormed several ways this technology could be used by the public. In an article in the North American Review dated June 1878 (quoted in an article by the Library of Congress) he mentions such possibilities at dictation, audio books, music recordings, toys, answering machines and preservation of languages and sounds, among other ideas. Edison wasn’t far off, as many of these ideas came to fruition, especially recording music.

Obviously there were changes made over the years to improve the quality and availability of recordings, namely the switch to wax and the invention of discs to replace cylinders (which ultimately led to records and turntables). But the stage had been set, as listening and creating music would be changed forever. 

Phonographs brought music out of the concert hall and into the home, no personal musical ability required. It ushered in, as Smithsonian Magazine introduces it, “the beginnings of ‘on demand’ listening.” Someone could listen to a particular artist whenever they wanted, as many times as they wanted.

Because of this, listening also became less of a group activity and more of a personal journey. Defined genres started becoming a thing around this time as well, as phonographs were advertised as letting people each have their “own kind” of music. Listening to music has only gotten more and more personal as the years have progressed. While it has been argued recently that defined genres have been falling out of favor with the advent of streaming services, it has become even more common to see people with their headphones on immersed in the music on their digital device, enjoying music in an individualistic way.

Music itself changed as well. To comply with the limited amount of space on a cylinder, songs became shorter, usually two-three minutes. According to the same Smithsonian article, artists started writing for recording, giving examples of Igor Stravinsky’s “Serenade in A” and country and blues artists “chopp[ing] their tunes to perhaps one verse and two choruses.” While modern pop songs might be slightly longer (and, you know, full-length albums are a thing), the standard length of a song remains between three and five minutes to this day.

Over the last two centuries, the way we come to know music and listen to it has evolved. That is in no small part thanks to the phonograph player. The device let professional music come into the home and let people discover their individual tastes as independent listeners for the first time. Songwriting changed as well, developing the shorter song culture that is still standard form today. Even as technology continues to change the way we listen, the phonograph’s legacy remains an invaluable part of music’s history.

---

Whatever form of technology you use to listen to physical music, Vinyl Bay 777 has you covered. As one of Long Island’s largest independent record shops, 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 (February 9-15, 2020)

A lot of new music is released over the course of any given week. This one was no exception as the last seven days saw a wealth of new songs and music videos hit the internet. This was especially true when it came to rock and pop, as we saw releases from the likes of AJR, Billie Eilish, The Strokes 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 think are worth a second listen this weekend.

1.       AJR, “BANG!”: “BANG!” is a catchy piece of pop-rock with a head-bobbing beat that drives the song and keeps the listener’s interest throughout. The big, show-stopping melody builds off the pace of the beat (keeping time with the well-placed rhythmic snapping), bringing in island-y vibes with the added brass. (video)

2.       Billie Eilish, “No Time To Die”: Billie Eilish was given the honor of recording the next ‘ James Bond’ theme song, which was released this week. Eilish’s brother/producer Finneas really got the vibe on “No Time To Die” perfect, as it has that certain jazzy, dramatic, anthemic quality you expect in a ‘Bond’ theme. Surprisingly, Eilish’s fragile vocals work really well in the song’s dramatic context as well. I mean, obviously Finneas is good at writing for his sister’s voice, but as a ‘Bond’ theme, it doesn’t disappoint. (video)

3.       The Strokes, “At The Door”: The Strokes announced their first album in seven years, ‘The New Abnormal,’ and gave fans a taste of what they could expect with single “At The Door.” Surprisingly minimal for a band known for their garage-rock sound, the song mostly consists of Julian Casablancas’ mournful vocals and synth-y, electronic bursts and light piano. Casablancas carries the melody as the instrumentals swirl around him, building as the song progresses. (video)

4.       Falling In Reverse, “The Drug In Me Is Reimagined”: Falling In Reverse have revamped their 2011 breakout single “The Drug In Me Is You.” The revised song has this beautiful, haunting vibe that exchanges post-hardcore guitars for dramatic piano and sweeping cello. It feels like there’s more meaning drawn out from the slowed down melody. (video)

5.       The Used, “Paradise Lost”: The Used turn John Milton’s poem “Paradise Lost” into a ripping hardcore jam. Switching between soft and heavy vocals, Bert McCracken sings as the guitars buzz around Milton’s words. Sometimes the words and instrumentation stagger, at points letting the words take over for emphasis and at others letting the powerful instrumental carry the impact. (video)

6.       Brendan Benson, “Good To Be Alive”: “Good To Be Alive” finds itself at a crossroads between contemplating mortality and celebrating life for what it is. The song goes from contemplative indie-rock ballad in the verses to upbeat electronic dance track in the chorus twice in the span of four minutes, connecting the two hemispheres through shared percussion and electronic elements. (video)

7.       Grimes, “Delete Forever”: “Delete Forever” feels more like 90s alt-rock than her normal electronic fare. The acoustic guitar dominates the melody, really showing off Grimes’ vocals. The added violin flourishes give it a bit of an added alt-country vibe. (video)

Further Listening:

·         Set It Off, “One Single Second”: (video)

·         Hollywood Undead, “Upside Down”: (video)

·         Zachery Allan Starkey, “XXX”: (video)

·         Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Be Afraid”: (video)

·         The Bombpops, “Double Arrows Down”: (video)

·         Brian Fallon, “21 Days”: (video)

·         New Found Glory, “Greatest Of All Time”: (video)

·         Jacob Jeffries, “Let You Down”: (video)

There were a lot of great new rock and pop songs and music videos released this week. With the weekend here, now is the perfect time to take another listen. Check out some of favorites above and let us know what new tracks you’ve been digging this week in the comments below.

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As one of Long Island’s top independent record shops, 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.

Unconventional Love Songs for an Unconventional Valentine’s Day

Tired of the same overplayed love songs? Does your love not fit into a neat little box?

Not all love songs have to be the sappy numbers we all know and have heard a thousand times. There are plenty of tunes that convey love in all its offbeat, unconventional forms.

With Valentine’s Day coming up this Friday, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is looking at some of the more unconventional love songs out there in the world. Ranging from pop to punk and everything in between, here are five offbeat songs to listen to with your other half.

1.       Ludo, “Love Me Dead”: Late 2000s pop-punk band Ludo’s biggest hit, “Love Me Dead” is about being in love even if the other person drives you crazy. Singer Andrew Volpe’s lady in this “cancerous” relationship is referred to as a “high-maintenance” narcissist, “bitter and dumb” and a “parasitic psycho, filthy creature,” among other things, but she is still his “sugarplum.” He still sees the beauty in her and loves how she knows him so well. No matter how “awful,” he loves her. (video)

2.       Pinhead Gunpowder, “On The Ave”: An acoustic track from punk band Pinhead Gunpowder’s short 2008 reunion, “On The Ave” details a couple living and loving in the moment. The details in the song are a bit messy for your typical love song (it’s not every day a couple in love brags about being bloody from hopping over a fence or having to kick down a door in a burning building), but it’s chorus about time being fleeting, taking things slow and savoring the memories is a nice sentiment that you don’t care about the gory details. (video)

3.       Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Maps”: Written by Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman Karen O about her then boyfriend Angus Andrew (Liars), “Maps” begs for the singer’s love to stay with her. O’s vocals are vulnerable as the chorus of “Wait, they don’t love you like I love you” intensifies with every repetition. (video)

4.       The Darkness, “I Believe In A Thing Called Love”: One of the most over-the-top rock songs of the early 2000s, “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” takes the 80s classic rock sound and turns it on its head. It’s a love song in hyper overdrive about the way his girl makes him feel. He talks about how his heart pounds when she touches him, making him believe that they can do anything together. The lyrics are a bit silly and “daft” (to take a quote from frontman Justin Hawkins himself), but sometimes love is that intense. (video)

5.       Say Anything, “Alive With The Glory Of Love”: Love conquers all, even Nazis. Say Anything frontman Max Bemis wrote “Alive With The Glory Of Love” about his grandparents who survived the Holocaust. The song is intense in a hopeful way, with a bursting, full-volume chorus that lets you know that no matter what, everything will be okay. (video)

When it comes to love songs, there is more out there than just the sappy, overplayed songs you hear on the radio. Whether it’s an over-the-top rock song about your heart being aflutter, one that details a dysfunctional relationship filled with admiration or one that tells a story about how love conquers all, there are some unconventional tracks out there that fill in the broader scope of what a love song can be. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what your favorite offbeat love songs are in the comments below.

---

Find the perfect music for your Valentine’s Day playlist at Vinyl Bay 777. As one of Long Island’s top independent record shops, 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, 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 (February 2-8, 2020)

A lot of new music is released over the course of any given week. This week was no exception, as we saw a plethora of new songs and music videos hit the internet. That was especially true for rock and pop this week, as Green Day, Hayley Williams and 5 Seconds of Summer were just some of the artists who released tracks 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) of our favorites that we think are worth another listen.

1.       Beach Bunny, “Promises”: There’s something raw about Lili Trifilio’s vocals on “Promises.” The way her voice stretches to be heard against the thick-layer of garage-rock-y guitars and percussion feels almost desperate and angry, adding to the song’s punchy lyrics. (video)

2.       The 1975, “Me & You Together Song”: The 1975 have finally released a video for their latest single “Me & You Together Song.” The 90s nostalgia vibe of the video goes well with the lightly 90s-inspired melody of the song. It kind of makes me want to listen to “Kiss Me” for the millionth time, which is a plus in my book. (video)

3.       5 Seconds of Summer, “No Shame”: Another highly catchy pop-rock track from 5SOS, “No Shame” hits on elements of both late-2000s pop-punk (think All-American Rejects’ “Gives You Hell”) and swoon-worthy 2010s boy bands (who they’ve been lumped with in the past). The video is full of zany vignettes that get stranger and stranger as the clip progresses, something you’d expect to see out of pop-punk bands in the 90s. (video)

4.       Green Day, “Meet Me On The Roof”: Green Day released one last single to coincide with the release of their new album, ‘Father of All Motherf******,’ on Friday. “Meet Me On The Roof” is an upbeat, 60s-inspired early-rock jam spun through the Green Day lens. The song’s sock-hop vibe is fun and the Evel Knievel / ‘Happy Days’ “jump the shark” video concept is apt as a visual.  (video)

5.       Hayley Williams, “Cinnamon”: Hayley Williams released yet another solo single this week. “Cinnamon” starts off with the same withdrawn but jazzy melody and off-beat percussion of “Leave It Alone” and “Shimmer.” Then, something clicks about 2/3 of the way through the song, prompting the tempo to increase and the mood to change. The song suddenly becomes more alive and confident, something approaching closer to what she’s crafted for Paramore over the last couple of years. (video)

6.       Grey Daze, “Sickness”: “Sickness” has a much more familiar, Linkin Park-like vibe than “What’s In The Eye.” You can hear the heaviness and struggle in Chester Bennington’s voice as he powers through the heavy, low rumble of the guitars, bass and percussion. The stray saxophone near the end is a nice touch, summing up the gravity of the song. (video)

Further Listening:

·         Christine and the Queens, “People, I’ve Been Sad”:  (video)

·         Pottery, “Texas Drums Pt I”: (video)

·         Le Couleur, “Concorde”: (video)

·         Dogleg, “Kawasaki Backflip”: (video)

This week saw a lot of great new rock and pop songs and music videos hit the internet. With the weekend here, now’s a great time to take a look back at some of the best and most memorable. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new tracks you’ve been digging this week in the comments below.

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As one of Long Island’s largest independent record shops, we have thousands of titles to choose from in an array of genres to suit the tastes of 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.

Artists Who Keep/Kept Their Identity a Secret

Slipknot’s most mysterious new member has been unmasked. Lovingly referred to as “Tortilla Man,” a social media post from the Postojna Cave in Slovenia revealed that Michael Pfaff was the unknown masked percussionist that took Chris Fehn’s place following a lawsuit. The band had been refusing to divulge who Tortilla Man was, as none of the band’s members ever had an official reveal.

Like the masked members of Slipknot, there are many other bands out there that would prefer to remain anonymous, whether their identities have been revealed or not.

In honor of Slipknot's new member, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at some of these mysterious bands. Here are seven artists/bands who started out or remain anonymous behind their masks.

1.       Iamamiwhoami: In December 2009, a mysterious electronic artist going only by iamamiwhoami went viral on YouTube, producing short bites of well-produced, genre-defying music coupled with videos that would completely conceal her and her collaborators’ identities. Diligent followers of the singer continually tried to decode who might be behind the channel, whether it was someone well-known (among the names being thrown around were Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera) or someone trying to gain traction with some brilliant marketing. Speculation came to an end in March 2010 when the video for “t” revealed the singer’s full, undistorted face, showing her to be Swedish artist Jonna Lee.

2.       Ghost: The entire idea of metal band Ghost was meant to be shrouded in mystery. Aside from their lead singer, who has gone by various stage names (Papa Emeritus I, II, III & Nihil, Cardinal Copia) over the years only to be revealed as Tobias Forge in 2017 during an intense legal battle, all of the band members are corralled into the designation of “nameless ghouls.” Each member wears identical outfits and face-concealing makeup, giving them no identity at all.

3.       The Network / Foxboro Hottubs: It’s fairly well-known at this point amongst fans that both The Network and Foxboro Hottubs feature members of perennial pop-punk favorites Green Day. However, none of their identities have ever been officially revealed. That’s especially true for The Network, who came on the scene in 2003 and released one album through Adeline Records that same year (a mistake if they wanted to remain anonymous from Green Day as the label was run by frontman Billie Joe Armstrong). The six-member band all wore masks and claimed to have been “brought together by an ancient prophecy.”

4.       Static-X: In 2019, industrial rock pioneers Static-X revealed that they would be reuniting for their first album in 11 years in memory of their late frontman, Wayne Static and to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of their breakout album, ‘Wisconsin Death Trip.’ For the tour they planned to mount, the band hired a singer, who decided to go by the name Xer0 and wear a mask designed to look like Static’s. Though people have tried to decipher who Xer0 might be (Edsel Dope, frontman for Dope and an opener for the Static-X reunion tour is generally thought to be behind the mask), his identity has not yet been revealed.

5.       PPL MVR: Dressed as yeti-like creatures, PPL MVR blew up in 2014 despite no one knowing who was behind the masks. According to their website, they are: “A band of unknown origin, the one and only PPL MVR explores myth and mystery through hefty guitar riffs and transmogrified vocals. They venture outside the selfie-obsessed waters we all willingly swim in to find solace in ritual and our pure animalistic nature. There is an ancient power in coming together to stand in a sacred place and chant, sing songs, pump our fists in the air, and venerate.” For a while it was speculated that the band could be a side project of New York hardcore band Brand New, especially when a link on Brand New’s website brought fans to a PPL MVR video. This theory may have been debunked, but my research can’t find where that information comes from.

6.       The Residents: Around since the 1960s, The Residents is as much an art collective as they are a band. Releasing over 46 works together, the group’s identities have never been known due to their signature giant eyeball helmets and refusal to grant interviews. Over the years there were many speculations about who could have been in the band, including members of The Beatles, the Dead Kennedys, Devo among them. In 2017, it was revealed that Hardy Fox, one of the band’s Cryptic Corporation crew members, was one of the primary composers for the band.

7.       Masked Intruder: One of the hottest and most intriguing up-and-coming punk bands of today, Masked Intruder keep their identities a mystery in conjunction with their convict stage personas. Instead, all four members go by the color of their ski masks.

There are many artists and bands that choose to be anonymous with the world. Some start their rise to fame this way, like iamamiwhoami, creating an air of mystery and getting people to sleuth out who they are. Others choose to continue and grow their careers anonymously by embedding it in the fabric of their act, like Ghost or Masked Intruder. Whether people end up finding out who’s behind the mask in the end or not, there is one thing that’s clear: everyone loves a little mystery.

---

Find music from some of these mysterious artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777. As one of Long Island’s top independent record shops, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a wide range 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. 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 (January 26-February 1, 2020)

A lot of new music is released over the course of any given week and this one was no exception. This week saw a plethora of great new songs and music videos hit the internet, especially when it came to rock and pop.

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 six (and a few more) that we think are worth a second listen this weekend.

1.       Gorillaz feat. slowthai & Slaves, “Momentary Bliss”: The first installment of Gorillaz’s teased ‘Song Machine’ project, “Momentary Bliss” takes elements of reggae, hip-hop, punk and indie-rock and mashes them into something cohesive and downright enjoyable. Slowthai’s rapping is rhythmic while Slaves frontman Matt McAndrew’s vocals are reserved and gentle. The change in dynamics throughout the song’s instrumentation, from loud choruses to softer verses, is also remarkable. (video)

2.       Neon Trees, “Used To Like”: “Used To Like” is the kind of pop-heavy dance-rock song you expect from Neon Trees. The lyrics, which find frontman Tyler Glenn trying to salvage a dying relationship, are less upbeat, though you can’t really tell from the melody. There’s no desperation audible from the melody, just the last bits of optimism in trying to keep things the way they are. In that instance, it’s a bit more of a “grown-up” feel than the band’s previous music. (video)

3.       Hayley Williams, “Leave It Alone”: Paramore’s Hayley Williams released a second single from her upcoming solo debut. With “Leave It Alone,” she goes in a bit of a jazz-infused indie-pop direction. The song’s drum machine beat and slow, calculated vocals have a steady, minimalist vibe. It’s not as dark and eerie as the electronic vibe of “Simmer,” but you can tell the sounds are related. (video)

4.       Dua Lipa, “Physical”: “Physical” feels like such a darker song than it actually is. The 80s-inspired dance track has this rough, sexy vibe to it, accentuated by Dua Lipa’s powerful performance. As she describes it, there is a bit of “Flashdance” to it, but with a modern take that makes it perfect for hitting the club. (video)

5.       Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, “Blue Moon Rising”: “Blue Moon Rising” is an unexpected dance-pop mover from Brit-pop legend Noel Gallagher. The song’s snare-heavy percussion and soft vocals and ethereal guitars and synths are a welcome change, and new perspective on his rock sound. (video)

6.       H.E.R., “Sometimes”: Premiered on stage at the Grammy’s, H.E.R. blew people out of the water with her latest single “Sometimes.” The song is soulful and upbeat. Her voice and sound remind me of Alicia Keys, but with more of a bluesy vibe. (video)

Further Listening:

·         The Men, “Breeze”: (video)

·         The Black Watch, “Brilliant Failures”: (video)

·         The Suicide Machines, “Awkward Always”: (video)

·         Pearl Jam, “Dance Of The Clairvoyants (Mach II)”: (video)

·         Braids, “Young Buck”: (video)

·         The Rentals, “Great Big Blue”: (video)

Over the last week, we saw a lot of great new songs and music videos hit the internet. With the weekend here, now is the perfect time to look back at some of the best. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new tracks you’ve been digging this week in the comments below.

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As one of Long Island’s top independent record shops, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a broad array 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 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.