Category Archives: Uncategorized

2020 Year-End Review

Every year around this time, I put together a recap of in-store events; music, movies, and more. This year, I can’t say that I have much to write. 

Other than the February Rolling Stones and March British Blues Fan Nights that squeaked in just before the non-essential business shutdown, we, unfortunately, have not been able to host up-and-coming bands, indie filmmakers, and artists in 2020.

However, outside of store events, I DID recently have the opportunity to be involved in a couple of very cool music-related experiences.

In November, I had the exciting opportunity to interview Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor on itsashort.com as part of the FirstGlance Film Festival.  Corey starred in Bad Candy, a fun gory horror film that screened at FirstGlance.  I was a little nervous (really, A LOT nervous), but he was easy to talk to, and I even got a chance to ask him about his debut solo album, CMFT*.  I love when my film and music worlds collide! You can check out the interview here.  

Then in early December, I volunteered for the Share Food Program along with a group of Low Cut Connie fans that have bonded through the Tough Cookies Facebook page. Little did we know that lead singer Adam Weiner would surprise us; I’ve met him before, after shows, but he helped box canned goods and performed a socially distanced  acoustic set that included songs from LCC’s new album Private Lives* for all of the volunteers. It was such a special up close and personal experience; I will never forget it. Check out the band’s December 2nd Facebook post to see some photos from the event.

2020 has had its share of challenges, but we are hanging in there!  We hope that all of you are too!  We’re so grateful for your support, and we look forward to seeing everyone at in-store events in 2021.  Thank you for allowing us to bring you the healing power of music.  We especially need it this year.

*CMFT and Private Lives are available at Vinyl Revival.

Songs for Independence

This 4th of July, we are not able to enjoy parades and fireworks, the Welcome America Festival concert and events, or large backyard barbecues with family and friends.  So if you’ll be celebrating at home, I thought I’d put together a few songs that you can include on your Independence Day playlist.  

Elton John – “Philadelphia Freedom,” (1975) – Elton John’s Greatest Hits Volume II– Though not written as a song about independence, the song’s 1975 release aligned with the U.S. bicentennial celebration and became somewhat of an anthem.  The single was actually written for tennis star Billie Jean King and was dedicated in part to the Philadelphia sound.

Richie Havens – “Freedom” – Woodstock: Music from the Original Soundtrack and More (1970) – At Woodstock, Havens needed to play longer than planned because some artists were running late. He improvised the old spiritual “Motherless Child” and gave us “Freedom.”

Grand Funk – “We’re An American Band” – We’re An American Band (1973) – The band’s seventh studio album was their first collaboration with producer/engineer Todd Rundgren. The single, which chronicles time on the road, was originally released on translucent yellow vinyl.

Music Lover’s Gift Guide

Have a music lover on your gift list?  With only 10 days left until Christmas, here’s a Gift Guide with 10 picks from us that are sure to make any rock-and-roller happy.

 

  1. Recycled Record Home Décor – Album clocks, bowls, coasters or Christmas ornaments made from recycled records are sure to please any vinyl lover.
  2. Shot Glasses – Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd or AC/DC shot glass sets are a great addition to any bar.
  3. Rock and Roll Games – Band album cover puzzles or Woodstock playing cards make great stocking stuffers.
  4. U2’s Joshua Tree 30th Anniversary Box Set – This box set is a must-have for any U2 fan on your list.
  5. U2’s Songs of Experience LP – Rolling Stone Magazine just gave this new U2 release 4.5 stars.
  6. Record Player – Know someone that doesn’t have a record player but wants to start listening to vinyl?  A portable record player makes a great first turntable.  With built in speakers, 3 speeds and RCA output, you can just plug it in and play.
  7. Record Store Day Black Friday Exclusive Record Releases – Buying for a record collector? Record Store Day Black Friday exclusive, limited edition, picture discs, and colored vinyl records are a welcome addition to any collection.
  8. Art & Books –Have someone who appreciates shopping local? If so, then a handcrafted piece of art by a local artist or a book by a local author is a great gift. 
  9. Rock Wear – Tie-Dye is not just for hippies! Tie-Dye shirts or rock t’s are always a big hit.
  10. Gift Certificate – Give the gift of music simply with a Vinyl Revival gift certificate and let your music loving friends and family shop for their faves.

Too Late for Ticketmaster Voucher Redemption?

I go to A LOT of concerts so I knew that there was a class action suit against Ticketmaster and that I was probably going to get some kind of credit for tickets.  Since the lineup for Made in America was just announced and I planned to buy tickets, I was hoping that I could use the “credit” toward those tickets but after reading an article in philly.com yesterday, it looks like you can only use the voucher(s) for eligible shows.

I signed into my account to see if I indeed had a voucher(s) and it looks like I do but there’s a message saying that all eligible ticket vouchers have been redeemed and the first wave of eligible events has been closed.  WTH.  I have lots of promo codes that don’t expire until 2020 so I hope to get to use them all.  I guess I’ll need to keep my eyes open to make sure I don’t miss the next wave of eligible tickets. Keep your eyes open too if you have vouchers.