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 used 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!
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
I guess my new curator, Teal, is here to stay. She writes:
"Hey Anna, for your #poolparty have some artist I think you'll enjoy. Talking with Hands is a awesome group I really think you'll like. Jackson Scott is psch rock and a similar style to Tame Impala. Enjoy, Teal"
This month, I chose #POOLPARTY as my "#VIBE."
Yuck - Glow & Behold ($15.99 on Amazon)
Teal didn't mention this pick in her note. It's kind of unremarkable, so I guess that's why. It's your standard alt-rock fare. It's not bad at all, just nothing really special to me personally.
Talking With Hands - The World and Ourselves ($5 on bandcamp)
This is also indie rock, but it's a lot more indie (since I could only find the vinyl on bandcamp), and a lot better rock! I like this one! It's just a lot more interesting as alt rock goes.
Plus I love the translucent red vinyl! This is the back of the album cover. I guess his hands are mostly talking about holding fruit.
Jackson Scott - Melbourne ($14.99 on Amazon)
I went and saved the best for last again - this album rules! I love psych rock, and he has some serious gems on this album. Plus I have a soft spot for southern boys (Asheville, NC). Teal mentions that his style is similar to Tame Impala, and it is, but I think he sounds a lot more like Ty Segall. I love both of them, so it's a big win for me either way!
The Verdict: VNYL rules! I am a little obsessed with this subscription! It is such a cool way to discover new artists and grow my record collection! This month I got two albums I really think I will enjoy and one that I am a little ambivalent about, but I still like it. I also think the value is great although a little skewed this month. The values add up to about $36, which is still more than the purchase price, so I'm happy with that. I say it's skewed because bandcamp does not always refect a typical retail value as bands set their own prices. In any case, the value is good in my opinion. My only comment about this month's package is that although the curation was excellent, this playlist would make for a pretty chill pool party!
What do you think of VYNL?
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