Vinyl Me, Please: Records Of The Month 2016
My 2016 membership* to Vinyl Me, Please is detailed in a previous post. I paid $299 for a 12 month subscription (which included three archived records: Hot Chip - In Our Heads/Lee "Scratch" Perry & The Upsetters - Super Ape/Black Sabbath - Paranoid) and have rated each monthly installment and outlined whether it was worth its share of the overall cost.
Shipping is included in the base price (I added $4 to every album to cover the cost of shipping and the black mailer the records come in). I find the cocktail recipes worth reading, but I haven't dedicated any time to trying them so they aren't mentioned below.
No. 37 - January:
Nada Surf - High/Low
First Impression: Does this record improve my vinyl collection and is there really an audience hungry for this?
What I Hear: "Deeper Well" is surprisingly not like most radio played bands in 1996. Fairly solid opening. "The Plan" flirts with MOR and granola. "Popular" seems smart on paper but never materializes as intended. "Sleep" is a nod to Sonic Youth, but the chorus stuffs it up pretty hard. "Stalemate" is a bouncy, sing-a-long, driven by catchy verses; chorus isn't as demanding. Side B is arguably musically more satisfying; vote is still out on the lyrics. Impressive pressing ($6)
No. 38 - February:
Big Bill Broonzy - Big Bill Broonzy Sings Folk Songs
First Impression: Hooray!!! Something I actually want! Way to go VMP! ($2)
What I Hear: Sound quality is superb. This record has pushed me to investigate Big Bill and play more guitar! I also have a new favorite song in "John Henry" ($9)
Collectibility: Heck yes! Pretty sure great album covers are worth the price of admission + 180g vinyl and liner notes too! ($3)
Art Print: A large, unbalanced train/guitar...a bit lacking...I'd rather have the album cover as a 12"x12" art print ($2)
Extras: Digital Download Card + VinylCuts 7" feat. Kaleo ($2)
Overall: This is what a monthly record club should be about; releasing classics not repressed for 25+ years! The jacket is a bit snug, which makes removing the vinyl record a tad frustrating, but good grief...what a stellar release!
Score: $22 out of $19.9333...
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No. 39 - March:
Låpsley - Long Way Home
First Impression: A new, debut record release...hmmm.
What I Hear: mild confidence, decent interplay between voice and electronics...($3)
Collectibility: a stroke of it...exclusive white 150g vinyl unique to VMP ($1)
Art Print: Framable piece from Jose Mertz! This is soon to be my favorite piece of artwork in 2016! Mertz gave a brief, but heartfelt written response to why he chose this print for Låpsley ($5)
Extras: 12"x24" Poster, Digital Download Card ($2)
Overall: I'm not convinced this is a necessary piece of vinyl. With all the possible choices VMP could have picked for new releases, I'm disappointed. While I agree on VMP supporting/encouraging young talent, this is a strike out.
Score: $15 out of 19.9333...
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No. 40 - April:
Fugees - The Score
First Impression: ...didn't I just see this CD in the discount bin?
What I Hear: Very little of this record is interesting to me. After twenty years, the popular songs rub close to parody and the skits are awful. Redeeming qualities are few and fleeting. I did find "The Score" to be potable as well as parts of Side C/D ($2.50)
Collectibility: Gatefold jacket, 2LP w/black and gold color split vinyl + 7" with 3 bonus tracks (???) and 12"x24" poster ($4)
Art Print: Arguably, the most true to any record thus far. This piece makes me listen hard for something I am clearly missing...($3)
Extras: Bonus 7" and Poster ($2)
Overall: I find a lot to dislike about this album. I understand I'm not going to celebrate or even like every album VMP sends, but my musical palette just nose-dived into some pretty overused colors.
Score: $15.50 out of $19.9333...
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No. 41 - May:
**The clouds open up, the Lord appears and comments on members being able to get more out their subscription. AMEN!!! ($2)
What I Hear: The perfect mix! Such a treasurable chest of beats and samples ($9)
Collectibility: Gatefold jacket/2LP, 180g clear vinyl, custom donut center labels (4 variations) and foiled numbering on back ($3)
Art Print: Humorous donut wearing a Tiger's ball cap! Go Detroit! ($4)
Extras: No, but the clear vinyl, artwork, and donut labels more than make up for it!
Overall: I'm grateful for the SWAP feature. After four months of lackluster choices, VMP has redeemed this club by letting the members control a part of the monthly decision making process. I only wish this feature started in January.
Score: $22 out of $19.9333...
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No. 42 - June:
First Impression: 👏 ($2)
What I Hear: Groovy, guitar forward rock 'n' roll from Zimbabwe. Opener "Coming Home" is fantastic; deep bass, impressive guitar solo, and generous vocals. Title track's chorus rubs familiarity with early period Hendrix. Final track on Side A, "Bump Bump, Babe" is thick and funky like disco, without the aftertaste. Bookends nicely.
Collectibility: Absolutely! 180g green and yellow tie dye vinyl, 20 page liner booklet and gatefold jacket ($3)
Art Print: Double-sided, flower power, Yellow Submarine era colors and design. Not my flare, but fits and seems like a sensible partnership ($2)
Extras: Liner notes are thorough and the sheer weight of the packaging points to a truly dedicated release ($3)
Overall: A ROTM with purpose. Historical listening and reading. Great addition for all collections!
Score: $24 out of $19.9333...
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No. 43 - July:
No. 44 - August:
Score: $19 out of $19.9333
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No. 45 - September:
**How To Be A Human Being doesn't need a vinyl release! Bring on Soulville! ($2)
What I Hear: Soulville is a smoky, late night reverie. Music for raining mornings, gentle parties, relaxing, and ___ ($8)
Collectibility: Etched center! My copy was not numbered (up to 7500 were). A slight letdown ($2)
Extras: None. Quite possibly the lightest ROTM package to date.
Overall: Great swap...a sit down, relax with a gin based beverage, and let Webster and Co. do the rest.
Score: $21 out of $19.9333...
No. 46 - October: 
Beck - Odelay
First Impression: My gut wants Sea Change, but I haven't spent much time with Odelay, so keeping this ROTM makes some sense. ($1)
What I Hear: A hodgepodge of pop songs, weird recordings, different than I remember ($7)
Collectibility: 180g bourbon vinyl with black marbling and pressed at Pallas! ($3)
Art Print: Was there an art print? I seem to be missing it!
Extras: Great looking sticker and a folded poster ($2)
No. 48 - December:
Art Print: Gorgeous painted portrait of the Songstress/High Priestess herself! ($5)
Shipping is included in the base price (I added $4 to every album to cover the cost of shipping and the black mailer the records come in). I find the cocktail recipes worth reading, but I haven't dedicated any time to trying them so they aren't mentioned below.
*I actually joined in December of 2015 with Nils Frahm's Spaces, but for the sake of clean years, I'm starting with January.
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Nada Surf - High/Low
First Impression: Does this record improve my vinyl collection and is there really an audience hungry for this?
What I Hear: "Deeper Well" is surprisingly not like most radio played bands in 1996. Fairly solid opening. "The Plan" flirts with MOR and granola. "Popular" seems smart on paper but never materializes as intended. "Sleep" is a nod to Sonic Youth, but the chorus stuffs it up pretty hard. "Stalemate" is a bouncy, sing-a-long, driven by catchy verses; chorus isn't as demanding. Side B is arguably musically more satisfying; vote is still out on the lyrics. Impressive pressing ($6)
Collectibility: First stand-alone vinyl pressing! 150g orange vinyl w/gatefold jacket and 8 page liner note/booklet ($3)
Art Print: A 12"x12" promo shot of the band. Boo! Seems like something either wasn't ready in time or no artist was interested in creating an original piece for this album. Major loss! ($1)
Extras: None!! Not even a gosh darn digital download card (I am, however, partial to the inner protective sleeve and this was pressed at QRP).
Overall: A dash above sub-par. Certainly better than half of the CD's I wasted cash on in high school, however, any appreciation points I can muster aren't for wishing I'd listened to Nada Surf instead of Stroke 9. Rather, "Yay, I have the only stand alone vinyl pressing." Which leads me back to, "Does this album really need a stand alone vinyl release?"
Score: $14 out of $19.93333...
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Big Bill Broonzy - Big Bill Broonzy Sings Folk Songs
First Impression: Hooray!!! Something I actually want! Way to go VMP! ($2)
What I Hear: Sound quality is superb. This record has pushed me to investigate Big Bill and play more guitar! I also have a new favorite song in "John Henry" ($9)
Collectibility: Heck yes! Pretty sure great album covers are worth the price of admission + 180g vinyl and liner notes too! ($3)
Art Print: A large, unbalanced train/guitar...a bit lacking...I'd rather have the album cover as a 12"x12" art print ($2)
Extras: Digital Download Card + VinylCuts 7" feat. Kaleo ($2)
Overall: This is what a monthly record club should be about; releasing classics not repressed for 25+ years! The jacket is a bit snug, which makes removing the vinyl record a tad frustrating, but good grief...what a stellar release!
Score: $22 out of $19.9333...
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Låpsley - Long Way Home
First Impression: A new, debut record release...hmmm.
What I Hear: mild confidence, decent interplay between voice and electronics...($3)
Collectibility: a stroke of it...exclusive white 150g vinyl unique to VMP ($1)
Art Print: Framable piece from Jose Mertz! This is soon to be my favorite piece of artwork in 2016! Mertz gave a brief, but heartfelt written response to why he chose this print for Låpsley ($5)
Extras: 12"x24" Poster, Digital Download Card ($2)Overall: I'm not convinced this is a necessary piece of vinyl. With all the possible choices VMP could have picked for new releases, I'm disappointed. While I agree on VMP supporting/encouraging young talent, this is a strike out.
Score: $15 out of 19.9333...
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Fugees - The Score
First Impression: ...didn't I just see this CD in the discount bin?
What I Hear: Very little of this record is interesting to me. After twenty years, the popular songs rub close to parody and the skits are awful. Redeeming qualities are few and fleeting. I did find "The Score" to be potable as well as parts of Side C/D ($2.50)
Collectibility: Gatefold jacket, 2LP w/black and gold color split vinyl + 7" with 3 bonus tracks (???) and 12"x24" poster ($4)
Art Print: Arguably, the most true to any record thus far. This piece makes me listen hard for something I am clearly missing...($3)
Extras: Bonus 7" and Poster ($2)
Overall: I find a lot to dislike about this album. I understand I'm not going to celebrate or even like every album VMP sends, but my musical palette just nose-dived into some pretty overused colors.
Score: $15.50 out of $19.9333...
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Weezer - Pinkerton
SWAPPED** for J. Dilla - Donuts
First Impression: I don't like Weezer enough to warrant having any of it on vinyl...
First Impression: I don't like Weezer enough to warrant having any of it on vinyl...
**The clouds open up, the Lord appears and comments on members being able to get more out their subscription. AMEN!!! ($2)
What I Hear: The perfect mix! Such a treasurable chest of beats and samples ($9)
Collectibility: Gatefold jacket/2LP, 180g clear vinyl, custom donut center labels (4 variations) and foiled numbering on back ($3)
Art Print: Humorous donut wearing a Tiger's ball cap! Go Detroit! ($4)
Extras: No, but the clear vinyl, artwork, and donut labels more than make up for it!
Overall: I'm grateful for the SWAP feature. After four months of lackluster choices, VMP has redeemed this club by letting the members control a part of the monthly decision making process. I only wish this feature started in January.
Score: $22 out of $19.9333...
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Wells Fargo - Watch Out!
First Impression: 👏 ($2)
What I Hear: Groovy, guitar forward rock 'n' roll from Zimbabwe. Opener "Coming Home" is fantastic; deep bass, impressive guitar solo, and generous vocals. Title track's chorus rubs familiarity with early period Hendrix. Final track on Side A, "Bump Bump, Babe" is thick and funky like disco, without the aftertaste. Bookends nicely.
The vinyl splatter on Side B looks great. Deep, bright yellow in the center and fading greens. Musically, more complex than Side A and showcasing the band's range; Stax to Westbound to Volt to Trojan Records. Curiosity sparked! ($9)
Collectibility: Absolutely! 180g green and yellow tie dye vinyl, 20 page liner booklet and gatefold jacket ($3)
Art Print: Double-sided, flower power, Yellow Submarine era colors and design. Not my flare, but fits and seems like a sensible partnership ($2)
Extras: Liner notes are thorough and the sheer weight of the packaging points to a truly dedicated release ($3)
Overall: A ROTM with purpose. Historical listening and reading. Great addition for all collections!
Score: $24 out of $19.9333...
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Badbadnotgood - IV
First Impression: These guys dazzled on Ghostface Killah's Sour Soul...($1)
What I Hear: Relevant jazz criss-crossing hip-hop flavored terrain. Sounds for early mornings and late summer nights. Side A jump ropes as a lounge act; Side C/D are far more jazz heavy and focused ($7.50)
Collectibility: Jacket color exclusive to VMP/2LP on red coral vinyl ($2)
Art Print: lighter fare/inspiration questioned...my copy was also smudged...($1)
Extras: Die-cut sticker of the record cover/plastic digital download card with album cover on it and a small photo card with spiritual/non-spiritual advisors...($2)
Overall: Vocal contributions from Sam Herring and Colin Stetson on tenor sax...what an addition! I spun all four sides well into August. The plastic sleeve has has a sticky residue on both top and bottom flaps. Makes for hard reentry...
First Impression: These guys dazzled on Ghostface Killah's Sour Soul...($1)
What I Hear: Relevant jazz criss-crossing hip-hop flavored terrain. Sounds for early mornings and late summer nights. Side A jump ropes as a lounge act; Side C/D are far more jazz heavy and focused ($7.50)
Collectibility: Jacket color exclusive to VMP/2LP on red coral vinyl ($2)
Art Print: lighter fare/inspiration questioned...my copy was also smudged...($1)
Extras: Die-cut sticker of the record cover/plastic digital download card with album cover on it and a small photo card with spiritual/non-spiritual advisors...($2)
Overall: Vocal contributions from Sam Herring and Colin Stetson on tenor sax...what an addition! I spun all four sides well into August. The plastic sleeve has has a sticky residue on both top and bottom flaps. Makes for hard reentry...
I can't remember what SWAP choices there were, but I have two more left.
Score: $17.50 out of $19.9333...
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Score: $17.50 out of $19.9333...
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My Morning Jacket - Z
First Impression: It Still Moves nudges timeless, but a welcomed choice nonetheless. ($1)
What I Hear: This pressing is suspect. Certainly not as drastic of departure of sound as I initially remember. I think my surprise was coming from It Still Moves' artwork vs. Z's bizarre surrealism. This record will continue to age well, but this pressing is janky ($8 for the music/-1 for the pressing)
Collectibility: color variant on gatefold jacket with 2LP splattered vinyl. Looks great! ($3)
Art Print: a draft of what would become the album cover for 'Z'...fitting addition, not necessarily framable ($2)
Extras: Digital Download + extra song and Lyric Booklet ($2)
Overall: First VMP release I'd listened to dozens of times prior (CD). Solid addition, but something is off with this pressing...static free sleeves please!
First Impression: It Still Moves nudges timeless, but a welcomed choice nonetheless. ($1)
What I Hear: This pressing is suspect. Certainly not as drastic of departure of sound as I initially remember. I think my surprise was coming from It Still Moves' artwork vs. Z's bizarre surrealism. This record will continue to age well, but this pressing is janky ($8 for the music/-1 for the pressing)
Collectibility: color variant on gatefold jacket with 2LP splattered vinyl. Looks great! ($3)
Art Print: a draft of what would become the album cover for 'Z'...fitting addition, not necessarily framable ($2)
Extras: Digital Download + extra song and Lyric Booklet ($2)
Overall: First VMP release I'd listened to dozens of times prior (CD). Solid addition, but something is off with this pressing...static free sleeves please!
Score: $19 out of $19.9333
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Glass Animals - How To Be A Human Being
SWAPPED** for Ben Webster - Soulville
First Impression: Not for me!
**How To Be A Human Being doesn't need a vinyl release! Bring on Soulville! ($2)
What I Hear: Soulville is a smoky, late night reverie. Music for raining mornings, gentle parties, relaxing, and ___ ($8)
Art Print: Framable. An edgy, sophisticated piece I wish I had painted. Great addition! ($5)
Extras: None. Quite possibly the lightest ROTM package to date.
Overall: Great swap...a sit down, relax with a gin based beverage, and let Webster and Co. do the rest.
Score: $21 out of $19.9333...
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Beck - OdelayFirst Impression: My gut wants Sea Change, but I haven't spent much time with Odelay, so keeping this ROTM makes some sense. ($1)
What I Hear: A hodgepodge of pop songs, weird recordings, different than I remember ($7)
Collectibility: 180g bourbon vinyl with black marbling and pressed at Pallas! ($3)
Art Print: Was there an art print? I seem to be missing it!
Extras: Great looking sticker and a folded poster ($2)
Overall: A lifetime record for some, less nostalgic for me...but I sure sense its value. If VMP only ran this company until they released 100 records, I'd understand this inclusion (can't be said for most of 2016's releases).
Score: $17 out of $19.9333...
Score: $17 out of $19.9333...
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No. 47 - November:
The Books - The Lemon of Pink
First Impression: Highly surprised! Familiar with this recording. Hopefully a good sign of what's to come! ($2)
What I Hear: Immersing collage. Works wonderfully on vinyl. The samples and repetition is wildly inspiring. Abstract without drifting too far. Not musique concrète, however there's lot's of extra musicality and sounds, but never off putting. Without question VMP's most atypical, left field release. Not sure the half-speed mastering is detectable to my ears, but I appreciate it ($8)
Collectibility: This release breathes deeply! Reimagined cover and well-thought out. Possibly the most intentional release I've yet to receive from VMP ($3)
Art Print: A tad busy, slightly off theme from rest of the album's colors and design ($2)
Extras: In addition to the new packaging, this ROTM comes with a download card and a well composed 16 page full-sized liner booklet about the album w/ track commentary ($4)
Overall: Excellent revisit and on board with every choice VMP and The Books materialized...just not completely sold on the art print.
Score: $21 out of $19.9333...
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Nina Simone - Nina Simone Sings The Blues
First Impression: Great choice for the season! My membership renewal was contingent on getting the same deal I signed up with (year membership for $299 + 3 archived records). I emailed VMP and asked for this and although this wasn't a possible option, customer service credited my account to sweeten the deal ($2)
What I hear: Stellar backing band...loaded with talent. Call and response! "Do I Move You?" is such a stand out song. Good lord! ($9)
Collectibility: Pressing is good. Gatefold jacket + 180 gram and vinyl color is perfect. Great art print ($3)
Extras: I appreciate the outer protective sleeve. Tired of the sticky resealable flaps. Despite being a record club, I find not receiving a digital download a skosh off putting ($1)
Overall: Helped me confirm another yearly subscription. Essential addition.
Score: $24 out of $19.9333...
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In conclusion, 2016 was not as spectacular as I had hoped. Yes, Fugees and Weezer probably tallied some up ticks in membership, but the inclusion of new releases (Låpsley and Glass Animals) and an odd, 20th anniversary release for Nada Surf were whiffs.
With Nada Surf I couldn't help but think someone goofed. Maybe another record was slated for that month (someone missed a deadline) and they needed a bailout (I do remember reading, somewhere, about Big Bill Broonzy being held up). This could explain the Låpsley record too.
With Nada Surf I couldn't help but think someone goofed. Maybe another record was slated for that month (someone missed a deadline) and they needed a bailout (I do remember reading, somewhere, about Big Bill Broonzy being held up). This could explain the Låpsley record too.
I imagine some of these ROTM could have found interest as an exclusive in the Member's Only Store. But releasing new music has got to be far cheaper for VMP to press.
SWAPS proved redeeming. I'm curious how this feature will grow (if at all).
Very few of the art prints wowed me. While not part of the 2016 season, acquiring Ben Webster's Soulville along with J. Dilla's Donuts provided two 12"x12" prints I've framed. Melana Bass's dazzling caricature of Nina Simone and Jose Mertz's stunning print for Låpsley also received wall space.
Top 3:
Wells Fargo - Watch Out!
My overall favorite move made by VMP. Hopeful more ROTM lean this way.
Nina Simone - Nina Simone Sings The Blues
CLASSIC. Sounds superb. Great package.
Big Bill Broonzy - Big Bill Broonzy Sings Folk Songs
Essential.
Duds:
Glass Animals - How To Be A Human Being
Blah. Borrowed this CD from the local library after swapping to give it a full listen. I see through the forced authenticity. Not a vinyl need. Not a good record.
Låpsley - Long Way Home
Not a poor recording; just not necessary on vinyl.
Fugees - The Score
I can understand why VMP went after this record, but I don't care to play it.
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12. Glass Animals - How To Be A Human Being (SWAPPED)
11. Weezer - Pinkerton (SWAPPED)
10. Låpsley - Long Way Home
9. Nada Surf - high/low
8. Fugees - The Score
7. Beck - Odelay
6. BBNG - IV
5. My Morning Jacket - Z
4. The Books - The Lemon of Pink
3. Big Bill Broonzy - Big Bill Broonzy Sings Folk Songs
2. Nina Simone - Nina Simone Sings The Blues
1. Wells Fargo - Watch Out!
$232 out of $299 (not including the above mentioned archived ROTM)
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