VNYL Subscription Box Review – June 2016

VNYL is a pretty interesting subscription service for record collectors. When you sign up for this service, you fill out a 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 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: $36 per month

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 (free), and UK, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Australia, France, Canada at an additional cost

Check out all our VNYL reviews and the Subscription Box Directory!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

VNYL often sends a flyer advertising their new releases. One of the perks of membership is access to the member store, where they have a variety of albums for sale at a discount. Records purchased in the member store are shipped free with your next month's regular shipment.

I chose #GRILLANDCHILL as my "#VIBE" for this month. I'm starting to feel like the #VIBEs don't really mean anything unless you choose one that's tied to a specific release. My curator for this month was Jamie (pictured above). He writes:

"Hey Anna, Hope you've been enjoying the selections so far! This month I got you a classic lost record by psych-folk loner, Rodriguez. I also grabbed you an amazing dream-pop record by Deerhunter member, Lotus Plaza. If you like Dungen & Tame Impala, I think you'll find something here. Lastly, since you like Ty Segall, I got you a record by garage-pop rockers, Dead Gaze. Enjoy! Jamie"

Cold Fact by Rodriguez ($19.98 on Amazon)

When I heard this, I thought, how am I just now learning about Rodriguez? But as I researched, I found that I am not alone. He actually released this amazing masterpiece of revolution rock in the 60's, toured, and then disappeared until very recently, when he was rediscovered as a day laborer in Detroit. In the meantime, he had become a counter-culture hero is South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, with this album going multi-platinum many times over. How cool is that? As for the music itself, it's really good stuff. Maybe like a more straightforward Bob Dylan with a better voice and more talent? I don't want to oversell it, though. I really, really am enjoying this record.

Spooky Action at a Distance by Lotus Plaza ($84.48 on Amazon)

This is my least favorite of the three albums VNYL sent this month, but I still love it! I do love Dungen, Deerhunter, and Tame Impala, so of course this was a huge hit with me! I also love that this is rare vinyl, and even used copies are selling for $40! Score!

Dead Gaze 10" EP ($4 on Discogs)

I'm so happy to have received this little EP! First, look at that beautiful orange vinyl. Soooooo pretty! Second, these tunes are great! It's just some good fuzz rock, not too gritty, with underwater vocals. I love it!

Verdict: The day I get my VNYL in the mail is one of my favorite mail days all month! This is the best month I've had in a long time, and I'm so happy that my curator has finally understood what I really want. I want psych rock! Thank you! The value this month was outstanding due to the inclusion of a rarity, standing at about $110, which is incredible for a $36 box. I'm a huge VNYL fan, and I've discovered tons of great new music because of them.

What do you think of VNYL? What did you get this month?