All killer, no filler!
Join us for our Band Fan Night on Saturday, September 25th at 7:30 p.m. We’ll be celebrating The Faces, Humble Pie, Robin Trower, and Ten Years After.
Enjoy live clips on the big screen, lively discussion, and music by the groups.
Feel free to bring your band memorabilia for show and tell!
With COVID cases on the rise, we recommend that attendees wear a mask.
$5 admission at the door.
Join us on Sunday, October 3, 2021 for a special Delco Arts Week event taking place during Lansdowne’s Arts on the Avenue Festival!
Vinyl Revival and director Shawn Swords will host a special presentation of Swords’ documentary, “Charlie Gracie Fabulous” at 2 p.m. with a guest appearance by Charlie Gracie!
“Charlie Gracie Fabulous” chronicles the life and career of Rock and Roll Pioneer, Charlie Gracie. His #1 hit “Butterfly” knocked Elvis from the top of the charts in 1957 and sold over three million copies worldwide. He was the first artist on the Cameo-Parkway Record Label to have hits, bankrolling the company, thus enabling it to launch the careers of a dozen successful artists. He was the first solo American rock and roll star to bring the music to the British concert stage. Paul McCartney, Van Morrison, Graham Nash, and Ray Davies are among his biggest musical admirers. The late George Harrison called his guitar technique “brilliant.” He continues to be a great ambassador for rock and roll, performing the roots of rock and roll all over the world.
This is a FREE event but tickets are limited! To reserve your space, please RSVP at info@vinylrevivalrecords.com.
Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, we recommend that attendees wear masks at the event.
I’ve wanted to see “Summer of Soul (Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” ever since I heard about its premiere at Sundance earlier this year. So when I saw that it was playing in the area, I decided to make my first movie theater visit in over a year. I am so happy that I did!
For those unfamiliar with the film, “Summer of Soul” is a feature documentary about the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival which celebrated African American music and culture, and promoted Black pride and unity.
The directorial debut of Questlove from The Roots, the never-before-seen performance footage was fantastic and I loved how it was weaved into the overall historical and cultural context along with present-day interviews with attendees and performers.
The series of shows, directed and emceed by singer and DJ Tony Lawrence, took place over six weeks in the summer of 1969 at Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park) in Harlem and attracted a combined audience of over 300,000. The shows were filmed. TV wasn’t interested. The footage sat for 50 years…until now.
The archived footage was restored and it looks and sounds amazing! Some of the footage featured in the film includes performances by: Stevie Wonder who even played the drums at one point, B.B. King, Sly and the Family Stone, David Ruffin, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Nina Simone, The Staple Singers, Mahalia Jackson, The 5th Dimension, Hugh Masekela, Herbie Mann, Mongo Santamaria, and more!
There was a variety of musical styles and artists but the two performances that stood out for me were The 5th Dimension singing “Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In” and Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples sharing singing duties on one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s favorite songs – “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.”
An interview with Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. about their performance was particularly touching. McCoo spoke about how some people thought that The 5th Dimension was not Black enough. She said that playing to the predominantly Black crowd who embraced them made her happy.
And the vocals in the performance of “Precious Lord” will give you goosebumps. In an interview for the film, Mavis spoke of her great love for Mahalia and that sharing the mic with her that day in Harlem was one of the best moments of her life.
I find it so disappointing that I never heard about this incredible festival before but I am so glad that Questlove and the documentary team decided to share the music, history, joy, pride, and culture of the Harlem community with us now!
I can’t say enough good things about this film. I loved it and if you love music, you will too!
All killer, no filler!
Since July 3rd marks the 50th anniversary of Jim Morrison’s passing, our July Band Fan Night on Saturday, July 24th at 7:30 p.m. will celebrate The Doors!
Enjoy live clips on the big screen, lively discussion, and music by the group. Feel free to bring your Doors’ memorabilia for show and tell!
Since Pennsylvania lifted the mask mandate on June 28th, masks will be optional.
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
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
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
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
More
FirstGlance Film Festival Preview Party
Jimi Hendrix Celebration
Thanks for supporting our indie record store!
Thanks to all of our customers, 2017 was another great year!
Not your ordinary record store, Vinyl Revival offers music, movies and more! Here’s a look back at some of last year’s events.
Music
Record Store Day celebration with live performances by The Wiretappers, The Sean Taylor Experience, Danny Varughese, Feenix, MLC, Big Terrible
Third Man In Concert
Bobby Messano Concert
Three Fourteen Concert
Movies
After Dark Japan Night Japanese Cinema
The Cut: The Journey of the Men and Women of Duffy’s Cut
Art-Centric Documentary Screening Series
Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story
Duffy’s Cut Documentary
More
La Giara Book Signing with Minas
Direct-to-Vinyl Field Recordings
Confessions of a Teenage Disc Jockey – T. Morgan Book Signing
Thanks for supporting our indie record store!
We look forward to offering a wider variety of new and vintage vinyl and becoming Delco’s go-to spot for alternative music and movie experiences.
Vinyl Revival Celebrates 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 22, 2017. 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 by Big Terrible, the Funky Rebels, MLC (Mid-Life Crisis), and The Wiretappers, free Record Store Day promotional materials with purchases, plus complimentary light refreshments and drinks during store hours from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
In celebration of Record Store Day’s 10th anniversary, Vinyl Revival has programmed a slate of live entertainment during store hours for customers’ shopping enjoyment. A wide variety of genres including singer-songwriter, hard rock, alternative and classic rock covers will be performed by several groups throughout the day. Musicians include The Wiretappers, a mandolin and guitar trio playing both originals and covers, the acoustic duo MLC playing cover songs from the Lumineers to Rod Stewart, the Funky Rebels, a newly formed band comprised of musicians who met at World Cafe Live’s weekly Philly Rising open mic night who will blend the rap, pop punk and singer-songwriter genres, and closing out the day’s events will be blues-soaked heavy rock by Philadelphia power trio, Big Terrible. Since their formation in 2006, Big Terrible has been a stand out in the local hard rock/indie scene due to their expert technical skills and good ole-fashioned songwriting. Their most recent album, Monument was released in March 2015 and is an addition to their impressive collection of releases such as Rotten City in 2013 and Face the Stone in 2009.
Music and merchandise by the performing bands will be available for sale at Vinyl Revival. For more information and the performance schedule, visit http://vinylrevivalrecords.com/.
For a complete list of titles being released for Record Store Day 2017, visit http://recordstoreday.com/.
We had a great 2016 thanks to you, our customers!
Here’s a look back at some of last year’s events. We had a great time at our live shows, indie film screenings, book signings, Record Store Day events, and more. We look forward to offering a wider variety of new and vintage vinyl and programming more unique events that you can enjoy in Lansdowne!
In a world where digital has become the norm, nothing beats the rich sound quality of vinyl. Whether you have been hanging onto your 45s since the 1950s, or you are new to record collecting, there are practices that you can implement to keep those melodious sounds spinning for years to come. Amoeba Music created a helpful video on how to care for records. Read on for the most important things you can do to keep your vinyl in top condition.
Store them upright
If you’ve ever helped a record collector move, then you know that vinyl is heavy. All of that weight can negatively impact the grooves in your records. Rather than stack them on top of one other, store them vertically. This prevents warping and damage from the weight of other records, and it protects the packaging from wear.
Optimal Temperature
Heat can damage your records. Keep them in a cool and moisture-free environment to prevent warping.
Proper Packaging
Records often have an internal and external sleeve. The original sleeves will protect your vinyl to an extent, but dust and dirt are drawn to the grooves. Sound Matters recommends using polyethylene sleeves to provide an additional barrier against dirt.
Keep them clean
Cleanliness is essential for keeping your records in good shape. Even if you store them properly in their sleeves, the very act of taking them out of the package can be a chance for dust to get into the grooves. All that spinning creates a static charge that attracts dirt. You should clean your LPs before each use, regardless of how clean they seem to be.
Clean your records with a soft brush to remove dust. There are carbon fiber brushes made especially for this. Apply little to no pressure with the dry brush, and move the brush in the same direction as the grooves.
If dry-brushing fails to remove dirt, then you will need to use a different approach. There are a number of methods for cleaning your records. One of the safest involves using vinyl cleaning fluid with a microfiber cloth. Dab a small amount of cleaning fluid onto the microfiber cloth, and gently wipe the record in the same direction as the grooves. Using too much pressure can scratch the record or press dirt more deeply into the grooves.
Don’t forget to clean your needle with a soft brush. Give your turntable a thorough dusting too.
Handle with care
Picking up a record is like picking up a photograph. You don’t want your fingers to touch anything holding content. Gently slide LPs from their packaging, and hold them by their edges. Touching the center label will not impair sound quality either. Just keep in mind that the oil from your skin can damage whatever it touches.
Vinyl records have unprecedented staying power and a sound quality that is all their own. Show them some love, and they be around for generations to come.
Jessica Kane is a music connoisseur and an avid record collector. She currently writes for SoundStage Direct, her go-to place for all turntables and vinyl equipment, including VPI Turntables.
