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: Trio includes 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. Solo includes one BRAND NEW record chosen for you.
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 #TREATYOSELF 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). This is the first time I've had a curation by Jamie! He writes:
"Hey Anna, How's it hanging? This month I got you a couple of NYC bands; Sharkmuffin (all lady, heavy outfit including drummer from Hole) and Ex Cops - a great dream-pop band, with some similarities to Tame and Flaming Lips. Lastly, I got you a heavy post-punk record by Nashville band, Tower Defense. Enjoy! Jamie"
Chartreuse by Sharkmuffin - $18.85 on Discogs
I'm pretty picky when it comes to female vocals, but it's the only way to go when it comes to good old fashioned feminine rage! This is a really fun, funny, punky release from 2015, and it's right up there with L7, Hole, and the Cycle Sluts in this genre. It's so visceral! Love it!
True Hallucinations by Ex Cops - $18.82 on Amazon
This album from 2013 may also be from a NYC band, but it's really different. It definitely does have that dream pop quality that Jamie mentions, but to me it sounds a lot like the Shins. Dream pop is not really my thing, but it's pretty good! I may have to dig a little deeper into it.
Stay Inside by Tower Defense - $7 on Bandcamp
I really like the album artwork on this little 12", and of course I love the clear green vinyl! Unfortunately, I don't really like the music very much, personally. I'm not much of a post-punk fan.
Verdict: The day I get my VNYL in the mail is one of my favorite mail days all month! I found two great new albums that I really like, plus a good one to trade at the next local record show. The value this month is about $45, which is great 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?
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