VNYL Subscription Box Review – August 2015
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?
VNYL
How do subscribers rate VNYL?
get email alerts
add to list
Want more VNYL? See our:
Never miss a post: get email alerts about VNYL!
Enable notifications (
) to get the latest VNYL spoilers, reviews, deals, and news delivered to your inbox.
Written by Anna Rodriguez
OK so just posted on another review about trying to choose monthly service for my daughter’s 17th birthday. This could possibly be a hit..no pun intended! Possible issue(s), other than invite only, is as a 47yr old I’m very excited about vinyl…the 17 year old hhhmmm..not so much. Is that the only format available? I did see mention about other digital formats. Birthday coming fast so any feedback most appreciated. She loves music..
Hi Jenn! I’m pretty sure the only format they send is vinyl, but some records do have a code for digital downloads included. Not all, though. If she hasn’t expressed an interest in collecting vinyl, this might not be the best service for her. Hope that helps!
Yuck is one of my favorite bands, and further, one of the bands whose music I think is really enhanced on vinyl. I think it’s fine to say that something isn’t to your taste, but calling a band’s album ‘unremarkable’ seems a bit rude to me. Perhaps it will grow on you, and you will find their music as special as I do.
No offense intended, Purpa. As I said, it’s not bad, to me personally, but to each his own. Glad you love them!
I love your candid descriptions and personal point of view which is helpful to us newbie readers, so please keep doing what you are doing, I didn’t feel you were rude at all, just clear and candid about your preferences. If you like it, good for you, if you don’t, it is simply one person’s opinion, no harm, no foul but part of the job of a reviewer.
Thanks nurse! I certainly don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings though. It really is just my opinion. I appreciate your support!