Classic Vinyl – Luno

Post Malone – Stoney – Modern Classic Vinyl | LUNO

luno — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 02:23:42 +0000

It’s hard to believe that it was just two years ago that Post Malone released Stoney, launching his career into the stratosphere of the hip-hop world, and making a major splash for his first introduction into the mainstream. The record’s notoriety after its release has grown since its debut, and has resonated with its audience in a way that few recent records have been able to achieve, especially for an artist that hasn’t been given the major label marketing push that many of the top-40 mainstays receive.

On tracks like “No Option” and “Leave,” Post Malone showcases his vibe at its best, laid back, with a voice that doesn’t 100% fit the mold of other current artists in trap. It almost has a throwback 90s feel to it in some ways, but there is a deeper level he achieves with his tracks than the typical throwback party anthem. There’s another dimension of depth that seems to be resonating with his fans, an emotional chord that he effortlessly strikes on almost every track from Stoney. While he is rooted purely in hip-hop, one of his other passions is emo music, and this complexity is on full display on tracks that strike a balance of his two favorite worlds like “I Fall Apart.”

Whereas the traditional function of emo music is pure catharsis and release of angst for its listener, there’s a perspective that comes across in Post Malone’s lyrics and delivery that almost achieves celebratory heights. There are other artists in trap that display an emotional complexity, but this usually comes across as a representation of the binary, either party anthems or slow jams. But its the nuance and his turn of phrase displayed, unusual word usage paired with his voice and delivery that makes this debut what it is. The record was even able to withstand a guest appearance from Justin Bieber, which actually is one of his best cameos, and sees him blending into the Post Malone aesthetic.

This record is well produced and sounds excellent in its vinyl format, and is an exciting journey from first track to last. Make no mistake this album is primarily a trap record, but Post Malone is one of the first who has taken this extremely minimal sonic pallet, and woven it into a flow that pushes this genre into new territory, to become a genre defining work that will influence a flood of new talent entering the game.

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Classic Vinyl Album – Frank Zappa – Hot Rats | LUNO

luno — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 11:28:51 +0000

This tribute to one of the all time greatest musicians, and in my opinion of of his finest albums, won’t even approach honoring this genius’ groundbreaking achievements or introduce him to you in a way in which he deserves. Frank Zappa’s music and his records can only be experienced, any attempts to classify or categorize him, or even describe what the experience of listening to Frank Zappa’s Hot Rats is like will fail miserably. There are so many places we could start with his prolific and amazing catalog of music, but because this is how I learned about him, and discovered what it was he was tapping into, it’s the only way I can leave you a bread crumb trail to explore what remains an extremely visionary recording almost 50 years after its original release. A record and artist so far ahead of his time, that many of us are just starting to catch on after all these years. Frank Zappa’s Hot Rats is an incredibly experimental work, that is almost classically symphonic in nature, and for some who pick up this amazing LP, they’ll liken it more to jazz and rock, but honestly it goes beyond and shatters the conventions of each of those styles, and somehow becomes one of the most immediate and dare I say addictive records you will ever purchase. There are moods and feelings showcased here that are so nuanced and beyond description that the only way to know what I’m talking about is to buy the original vintage analog vinyl album, if you partake in herbal refreshment no one is going to stop you, especially in the states of California, Washington and Colorado, and just clear you mind and be open to let the music take you on a journal unlike any that you’d expect or would be prepared for.

So now that I’ve exercised my evangelical style rant, it’s important for me to point out that this one album is just a drop in the bucket of one of the greatest catalogs of music ever released. His work with the legendary Mothers Of Invention, his collaborations with other incredible artists including Captain Beefheart, Don Van Vliet (who can be heard on Hot Rats), runs a staggering gamut of styles and genres, so much that there are times when you will experience disbelief that all of this music came from the same artist. Do yourself a favor, go out and buy a copy of Frank Zappa’s Hot Rats, play it on an a record console that will do it justice, and make today the first day of the rest of your life.

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Are Vinyl Records Environmentally Friendly? | LUNO

luno — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 18:36:41 +0000

Other than being used as coasters, there’s little else to do with your older, less valuable vinyl records than throwing them out. The problem is that this is not great for the environment. With sales of vinyl records continuing to increase, now is certainly the time to figure out how they can be manufactured more responsibly. That is why companies are looking for other materials that can be used. Traditionally, vinyl records contain heavy metals, black carbon, plastics, and other toxic materials.

In the Netherlands, a group of eight companies known as Green Vinyl Records are using alternative vinyl compounds to make records. They use injection molding to speed up the manufacturing process before each record is stamped. Compared to the pressing of records with steam, injection molding saves on both time and energy. Part of the problem is that it is hard to get record manufacturers to change over to a more environmental product. After decades of making vinyl records a certain way, it’s hard to get companies to change their minds. Some are skeptical that the precious vinyl sound will be lost or changed. As Matt Earley, vice president of sales and marketing for Gotta Groove Records said in a recent article: “PVC is a very stable plastic with an extremely low flammability and low static charge, so it has always been the ideal material for records.”

In case you’re wondering why go through the trouble of creating a new form of vinyl records, when the existing albums can just be recycled, the answer has a lot to do with cost. Yes, vinyl is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and can be broken down and recycled. But creating a new product out of PVC can be as much as five times cheaper than creating a recycled PVC product.

Enjoy your favorite tunes on a modern record console.

Order that experience today, at iamluno.com.

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