VYNL is a new, invite only, and pretty interesting subscription service for record collectors. When you are invited to sign up for this service, you fill out a pretty lengthy profile that includes not only your likes and dislikes, but also links to all of your profiles on digital audio services such as Spotify and Sound Cloud. They then ask you to choose a "#VIBE," which is an activity that you would like them to select the music for, such as studying or pool party. They then select 3 new albums and send to you based on all these criteria. My mind was kind of blown by this concept, and I decided to give it a try!
Important Note: Last month, I stated that the first month of VNYL is free, and I was completely wrong, and I am so sorry! It was an honest mistake.I couldn't find information anywhere on the website about how much it cost, etc., so I went ahead and subscribed, knowing it would show me what I owed during check-out. It showed $0, so I assumed it was free! Also, I had heard on the vinyl forums that they were moving from a rental service to purchase, so I thought perhaps I was getting in on the tail-end of that deal. Then when I received my records, the info card said "KEEP 'EM," so hopefully you can see why I thought they were free. Of course I would keep something I have paid for! Right?
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: VNYL
The Cost: $32 per month (free shipping)
The Products: Three BRAND NEW records chosen by a curator specifically for you, based on your profile, other digital audio services profiles, and selected "#VIBE" for that month
Ships to: US only
Also notice that I *did* start this subscription before they began their new model, because I received used records last month. I spoke with customer service and was told that henceforth, they will be sending only brand new records with this subscription. Again, I'm so sorry for any confusion!
Right off the bat, I'm pretty bummed that Ace is no longer my curator! He was super cute! This is a note from my new curator (or maybe they just rotate), Teal. It says:
"Hey Anna, Since you are a fan of the Pixies sure you already or will like the Violent Femmes. Enjoy! Teal"
This month, I chose #GAMENIGHT as my "#VIBE."
I am actually ashamed to say that I didn't already own this album in any format! I am so happy to have it now. This is a re-issue of the Violent Femmes' 1993 self-titled debut. This is a classic. Everyone should own this. Also, I was recently scolded by another audiophile for being so into the color of vinyl but rarely the weight. This reissue is pressed on 180 gram vinyl! It's so heavy!
Eric Burdon & The Greenhornes - LP
I had never heard of this before, but it's actually a pretty interesting record. You may know the 60's group The Animals - they did songs like "House of the Rising Sun," "Don't Let me Be Misunderstood," and "We've Gotta Get Out of this Place." The lead singer was Eric Burdon. So then in 2012, AT AGE 71, he records this LP with a garage band from Cincinnatti called the Greenhornes. Isn't that amazing? It sounds pretty good, too! Garagey-Bluesy-Punkish.
This was my favorite discovery in the box this month! I had heard the single "Who Needs You" before on the radio, and I really liked it! I am so glad to find out what the band is and to get a copy of this one! This is the second album from Chicago-area band The Orwells. I thought the outside wrapper was funny because it said something like, "11 ear-splitting teenage anthems," and they were actually pretty dead on!
The Verdict: I loved my shipment from VNYL this month! Teal may not be as cute as Ace, but she really picked out great albums for me! Punk is not my favorite genre at all, but these are really more rock than punk, and the Femmes have become mainstream by this point anyway. Also, I think the mood of these albums goes along really, really well with my #GAMENIGHT #VIBE, whereas my usual love of psych rock might be a little downtempo for a party. Great call! And lastly, I think $32 for three brand new albums shipped is a super value.
What do you think of VYNL?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.