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 #leafmealone as my "#VIBE" for this month. My curator for this month was Jamie (pictured above). He writes:
"Hey Anna, Saw you wanted more psych rock, so I got you a solo J. Mascis LP. I also got you a new band that does some psych-y, garage-y, shoegaze stuff, Nude Beach. And lastly, I got you a great 70s inspired guitar record by now defunct Chicago band, Smith Westerns. If you like Ty Segal, you'll find something here. Enjoy! Jamie"
Tied to a Star by J Mascis - Value $20.54 on Amazon
I once told my best friend that I love J Mascis so much that I would gladly buy an album of him brushing his teeth, and I stand by that. Amazingly, I did not already have this one on vinyl, so this is a SUPER MEGA SCORE!!! For those that may not know, he is the main force behind Dinosaur Jr. and an amazing solo artist in his own right. In my opinion, he is the best guitarist alive today. Also, note that this album came with a free MP3 download code! Double score!
This awesome album poster was also included in the record sleeve! Fun!
II by Nude Beach - Value $13.95 on Amazon
Jamie was right about this album being garage-y, but it is definitely not psych or shoegaze. I like it, but I'm not sure what he meant by that. It has the classic NYC rock sound, and it actually reminds me a bit of The Wallflowers or possibly Springsteen.
I guess this is the month for getting fun album posters!
Dye It Blonde by Smith Westerns - Value $14.99 on Amazon
I LOVE THIS ALBUM. One of the best things that can happen with VNYL is that you can be introduced to something new and beautiful that you have never heard before, and that is exactly what happened here. I have heard of Smith Western before, and I've probably heard a tune or two from them at some point, but I've never sat down and listened to a whole album. Until now! And I'm so glad I did!
Verdict: The day I get my VNYL in the mail is one of my favorite mail days all month! This month was awesome, and I am completely stoked about two of the three albums. The third album wasn't bad, either! The value this month totals about $50, 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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