Category Archives: vinyl

2021 In Review

Another year has passed and again we’ve had to deal with planning and attending events around the never-ending coronavirus pandemic. Although we joyously headed back out to concerts, movies, and sporting events this spring and summer, we operated with limited hours until June and there wasn’t a Record Store Day in April. Thank goodness we had many notable new releases to get us through it all! Here’s how the year played out:

As part of Delco Arts’ Spring Fling in May, we hosted an event with author and painter, George H. Rothacker. Paintings and prints of his Rock Legends were available for sale and we presented a slide show of the paintings on the big screen throughout the day.  George was on-site to sign his memoir, “The Diverse Artistic Universe of George H. Rothacker: A Memoir with Pictures,” too.

We went back to regular hours in June, started staying open late once a month for evening shopping, and we resumed our Band Fan Nights with music and videos by Santana and Jimi Hendrix. We held the first of two RSD Drops but without live music, food, or drinks.

July featured the second RSD Drops event and a Band Fan Night featuring The Doors in honor of the 50th anniversary of Jim Morrison’s passing.

We celebrated the Stones at our August Band Fan Night and sadly lost Charlie about a week later.

Our September Band Fan Night featured The Faces, Humble Pie, Robin Trower, and Ten Years After and we hosted a FirstGlance Film Festival Preview Party and ticket giveaway.

For Delco Arts Week in October, we hosted a special a screening of Shawn Swords’ documentary, “Charlie Gracie Fabulous.” Charlie joined us for the event so we surprised him with an award for his contributions to the arts and music in Delaware County. We also participated in Kids Music Day, hosting a music-themed craft for kids.

Record Store Day Black Friday took place in November without a hitch and we held Pop-Up Shops for Finding Shelter and Animal Friends of Lansdowne, fundraisers for the two animal rescues on Small Business Saturday.

As 2021 comes to a close, we’re thankful that we were able to stay open and present at least a reduced number of special events under the circumstances. We’re hanging in there with the help of great music and hope you are too!  Thanks for shopping with us!

March into Laurel Canyon

Laurel Canyon Music Scene

Laurel Canyon is a mountainous neighborhood/canyon located in the Hollywood Hills region of the Santa Monica Mountains, in the Hollywood Hills West district of Los Angeles. In the mid-sixties and early seventies, the vibe of this neighborhood was inspiration for many artists.  It was a chill environment where musicians hung out together at each other’s houses and collaborated, jamming on their acoustic guitars. The music created during this time was melodic and featured some of the best harmonies ever recorded.

Here are a couple of great albums that convey the spirit of those times.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Déjà vu (1970) – Déjà vu was the second album by CSN and their first as a quartet with Neil Young.  It features the song “Our House” which was written by Graham Nash while he was living with Joni Mitchell in Laurel Canyon. It’s an account of their day – simple and beautiful.

John Mayall – Blues from Laurel Canyon (1968) – Mayall lived in the Laurel Canyon area from 1969-1979. This album forms a record of his visit there and it was innovative for its time, especially by the standards of blues recordings. Fun fact – there were no visible track divisions on the vinyl album.

The Mamas and the Papas – The Mamas and the Papas (1966) – There was some drama in the group during the release of their second record.  Michelle Phillips was kicked out of the group, was replaced and then rejoined.  In the meantime, the album cover art which featured Michelle was re-shot with a new lineup and a new title, Crashon Screamon All Fall Down.  Some advance pressings with the new cover and title were released but once Michelle returned to the group, the original cover and title were reinstated.  Copies of Crashon are now very collectible.

Funky February Featured Titles

Growing up, we always listened to records in my house (no big surprise there).  My Mom wasn’t into the crooners or soft rock/singer-songwriters.  She loved something funky so I always had a steady stream of music that made you want to get up offa that thing.  So for February, in honor of her, here are some funky featured titles you might like to add to your collection:

Parliament – The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein (1976) – The album is notable for featuring horn arrangements by ex-James Brown band member, Fred Wesley.

Prince – Around the World in a Day (1985) – Prince’s seventh studio album features his backing band The Revolution. Psychedelically funky, it features the hit, “Raspberry Beret.”

War – The World is a Ghetto (1972) – War’s fifth album was number one on Billboard and was Billboard magazine’s Album of the Year as the best-selling album of 1973.

A Look Back at 2019

It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 6 years since we opened!  We’re so grateful for the support of our customers and because of you, we had a great 2019. We thank you for allowing us to bring music into your homes and hearts!

As 2019 comes to a close, we look back at some of the in-store events we planned for YOU this past year.  As we continue to cultivate a community of music and movie lovers, we look forward to hosting up-and-coming bands, indie filmmakers and artists in 2020 too!

Music

Georgia-based singer/songwriter and troubadour, Adam Klein

Record Store Day celebration in association with WPHL-dB URock Radio Philadelphia featuring live performances by Three Fourteen, Eddie Everett & Kevin Tarzanin

Open Mic Events with host Peter Kardas

Band Fan Nights on the Big Screen

Movies

Remember the 27 Crusaders – Produced by Character Driven Productions and Thistle Dew Studio

Show Us Ur Shorts in Association with FirstGlance Films

More

Colors of Life and Love Book Signing

Record Store Day 2019 – April 13th

Vinyl Revival Parties on Record Store Day with

Live Music, Exclusive Releases, Swag and Snacks

Vinyl Revival is proud to be participating in Record Store Day, an international day to celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store, on April 13, 2019.  Vinyl Revival will stock a selection of titles that are Record Store Day exclusive, limited edition and first releases.  As part of the Record Store Day celebration, there will be free in-store performances in association with WPHL-dB URock Radio Philadelphia featuring musicians Kevin Tarzanin and Eddie Everett.  There will also be a performance by Vinyl Revival favorites, Three Fourteen. Vinyl Revival will give out free Record Store Day promotional materials with purchases and provide light refreshments and drinks for shoppers during extended store hours from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Vinyl Revival and WPHL-dB URock Radio Philadelphia have programmed live entertainment for customers’ shopping enjoyment which will be broadcast live to the net during store hours on Record Store Day. Performing is vocalist and bass player Kevin Tarzanin from the reggae/ska band Bullbuckers, drummer Eddie Everett from Eddie Everett’s Academy of the Sweet Beats and the reggae and blues-influenced rock jam band, Three Fourteen.  Along with their originals, Three Fourteen plays songs by their favorite artists such as The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, and many other rock groups.

Three Fourteen will play at 1 p.m. and Eddie and Kevin will play at 2:30 p.m. Music and merchandise by the performing bands will be available for sale at Vinyl Revival.

Additionally, Vinyl Revival will host a book signing with T.L. Wahid, creator of Colors of Life and Love.  Featuring real people and real photos, the adult coloring books promote well-being and living well.

For a complete list of titles being released for Record Store Day 2019, visit http://recordstoreday.com/.

 

2018 in Review

2018 in Review

Thanks to all of our customers for a great 2018!

In addition to selling new and vintage vinyl, we’re trying to create a community where customers can have conversations centered on music, movies and more.

Here’s a look back at some of the in-store events we planned for YOU this past year. Hope to see you talking music at one of our special events soon!

Music

Just Roses

Record Store Day celebration in association with WPHL-dB URock Radio Philadelphia featuring live performances by Fred Masherino, Anthony Caserta and The Transmission NOW

The Transmission NOW

Jon Shain

Peter Kardas

Peter Kardas

Open Mic Events

Movies

The History of Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Show Us Ur Shorts

DEATH by MetaL

DEATH by MetaL

More

FirstGlance Film Festival Preview Party

Jimi Hendrix Celebration

Thanks for supporting our indie record store!

Make it a Very Vinyl Christmas!

Shopping for a music lover this year? Here are some of our top picks for those on your gift list.

  1. Record player – A portable record player makes a great first turntable. With built in speakers, 3 speeds and RCA output, just plug it in and play.
  2. 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.
  3. Music-themed jewelry – Accessorize your outfit with treble clef and eighth note earrings or necklaces and pins with trumpets, pianos, drums and more.
  4. Art & Books – Shop a large selection of art and books from local artists and authors including autographed books by Charlie Gracie and T. Morgan. 
  5. Gift Certificates – Give the gift of music with a Vinyl Revival gift certificate and let your music loving friends and family do their own shopping.

It’s a Party on Record Store Day

Vinyl Revival Parties on Record Store Day with Live Music,

Exclusive Releases, Swag and Snacks

 

Vinyl Revival, 35-37 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA, is proud to be participating in Record Store Day, an international day to celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store, on April 21, 2018.  Vinyl Revival will stock a selection of titles that are Record Store Day exclusive, limited edition and first releases.  As part of the Record Store Day celebration, there will be free in-store performances in association with WPHL-dB URock Radio Philadelphia.  Participating musicians include The Transmission NOW and Fred Mascherino from Taking Back Sunday/The Color Fred/Terrible Things. Vinyl Revival will give out free Record Store Day promotional materials with purchases and offer complimentary light refreshments and drinks for shoppers during extended store hours from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Vinyl Revival and WPHL-dB URock Radio Philadelphia have programmed a slate of live entertainment for customers’ shopping enjoyment which will be broadcast live to the net during store hours on Record Store Day. Performing is guitarist and singer Fred Mascherino from Taking Back Sunday/The Color Fred/Terrible Things.   Mascherino has played in several popular alternative/indie Philadelphia bands, toured with The Vans Warped Tour and played with The Lemonheads and Josh Eppard from Coheed and Cambria to name a few. Also playing are The Transmission NOW, a powerful Lehigh Valley based edgy punk band made up of members from Vertigo Society, Imidazole, Digger, The Long Morrow and Cordova.  Their latest album, Happy Hour, was released in July 2017.

Music and merchandise by the performing bands will be available for sale at Vinyl Revival. Stay tuned for performance schedule!  More bands TBA.

For a complete list of titles being released for Record Store Day 2018, visit http://recordstoreday.com/.

Vinyl Revival is located at 35-37 N. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne, PA 19050.  For more information or to sign up for their e-newsletter, visit www.vinylrevivalrecords.com, follow them on Facebook or call 610-284-3537.

Top 5 Requested Record Store Day Releases

We’re just one month away from our biggest party of the year – Record Store Day! It’s  an international day to celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store and this year, the official ambassador, Run the Jewels, is helping  us celebrate!

I’ve asked what everyone is looking to get on April 21st and the answers range from The Beau Brummels to Soundgarden.  But out of all the phone calls, emails and Facebook messages we’re receiving, these are our top 5 requested Record Store Day releases:

AC/DC – Back in Black – When this album was released in 1980, many of us listened to it on cassette.   Now you can hear it the same way – perfect for your boom box or car tape deck.

Steve Earle & the Dukes – Live From the Continental Club – If you’ve ever seen these guys live, then you know this will be a stupendous album to add to your collection!  The double LP is limited to 2000 copies and features “Guitar Town”, “Copperhead Road” and more.

Grateful Dead – Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA 2/27/69 – Originally released as part of the limited- edition CD boxed, Fillmore West 1969: The Complete Recordings, the Grateful Dead’s Fillmore West, San Francisco 2/27/69 show will be issued on vinyl for the first time exclusively for Record Store Day 2018.  The limited -edition 4-LP is on 180 gram vinyl, has an 8th side etching and a worldwide run of 9000. If you don’t already have the box set, this is one to get.

Led Zeppelin – “Friends”/”Rock And Roll” – Zep is one of my all-time favorite bands and apparently yours too!  I’ve been getting many requests for the band’s first Record Store Day title featuring two previously unreleased tracks, both produced by Jimmy Page.  This unique single includes a Sunset Sound Mix of Led Zeppelin IV’s “Rock And Roll” and “Friends” from Zeppelin III recorded at Olympic Studios, London. This limited edition yellow 7” single features a large hole and shaped adaptor and is housed in a printed paperboard sleeve.

Pink Floyd – Piper at the Gates of Dawn (mono) – The original mono version was named one of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time so of course a lot of our customers want this one!  This psychedelic debut was their only album completed with original vocalist/guitarist Syd Barrett and features the early classic “Interstellar Overdrive”.

In addition to these Record Store Day Exclusive releases, we hope to have hundreds of other titles, some of the Limited Run Regional Releases and RSD “First” Releases.

Check out our Facebook page to get the latest news on our April 21st Record Store Day event.

It’s a fun day so we hope to see you!