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Vinyl Mag’s Best of 2014

Posted on December 31, 2014January 8, 2015 by Vinyl Mag

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Best Albums

  • Strange Desire by Bleachers and The Outsiders by Eric Church (Hannah Smith)
  • A Toothpaste Suburb by Milo and Salad Days by Mac DeMarco (Trey Moss)
  • The Pinkprint by Nicki Minaj, Broke With Expensive Taste by Azealia Banks, and 2014 Forest Hills Drive by J. Cole (DeShonna Johnson)
  • The Balcony by Catfish and the Bottlemen (Jackie Citero)
  • This Is All Yours by Alt-J (Nikki Smith and Emily McBride)
  • Also St. Vincent by St. Vincent and 1989 by Taylor Swift (Emily McBride)

Best Film

  • Gone Girl (Hannah Smith)
  • Godzilla or The Imitation Game (Trey Moss)
  • “The Lego Movie. Chris Pratt. Legos. Duh.” (DeShonna Johnson)
  • The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (Jackie Citero)
  • Annabelle.  “Wow, I think that’s the only movie I saw in theaters this year.” (Nikki Smith)
  • Birdman, Guardians of the Galaxy, and The Trip to Italy (Emily McBride)

Best Concert/Show/Festival

  • Eric Church (Hannah Smith)
  • Tall Tall Trees at the rooftop of the Georgia Theatre (Trey Moss)
  • “Does Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s On The Run HBO special count?” (DeShonna Johnson)
  • “Hands down Lockn’.  It just keeps getting better and better every year!” (Jackie Citero)
  • Roky Erickson with Black Angels at Terminal West (Nikki Smith)
  • Cabaret on Broadway, Rave of Thrones with Kristian Nairn (Hodor), and The Gaslight Anthem at Shaky Knees (actually, pretty much all of Shaky Knees).” (Emily McBride)

Best Beauty/Fashion Moment

  • “Sarah Jessica Parker’s ode to Oscar de la Renta at the Met Gala.” (Hannah Smith)
  • Erykah Badu’s short hairstyle (Trey Moss)
  • The delicate jewelry trend (Jackie Citero)
  • “The Chanel feminist protest, Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne’s Burberry campaign, and Alexander Wang’s collaboration with H&M. And, course, our first fashion shoot for Vinyl Mag!” (Emily McBride)

Best New Gadget

  • “I just got the iPhone 5, so I’m still fascinated by that. Yes, I do realize the iPhone 6 has been released. Yes, I’m behind the times.” (Hannah Smith)
  • “Amazon Echo is pretty neat, but it’s still in beta testing.” (Trey Moss)
  • “My new fridge so that I can rely on more than just Ramen for sustenance.” (DeShonna Johnson)
  • “Recently received a Kindle, and it has changed my world!” (Jackie Citero)
  • “Portable phone charger for South by Southwest. Life-changing.” (Emily McBride)

Best Book Read

  • “This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper. The movie is great, but I highly recommend reading the book if you have the time.” (Hannah Smith)
  • Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said by Philip K. Dick (Trey Moss)
  • Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris (DeShonna Johnson)
  • The Defining Decade – it’s a book I would recommend to anyone 18-29! It gives you such a different perspective on how you should be viewing your 20s. Wish I had read the book sooner!” (Jackie Citero)
  • And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini (Nikki Smith)
  • Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington and Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling (Emily McBride)

Best Black Friday/Cyber Monday Purchase

  • “The only thing I bought for Black Friday was one of those bulk packages of Maruchan Ramen.” (Trey Moss)
  • “A black pencil skirt from Target for only like 12 bucks.” (DeShonna Johnson)
  • “Topshop ear cuff for 30 percent off!” (Emily McBride)

Best Thing Learned from Pinterest

  • “I learned how to make healthy ice cream sandwiches using graham crackers, peanut butter, and bananas. Don’t knock it till you try it.” (Hannah Smith)
  • “Let me ask my mom.” (Trey Moss)
  • “Despite the exercise moves that I’ll probably never do, I found a pretty good infographic on preparing for and acing job interviews. Welcome to adulthood, kiddos.” (DeShonna Johnson)
  • “How to make really cute heart cutout cupcakes for Valentine’s Day.” (Jackie Citero)
  • “Tumeric mask and any natural remedies.” (Nikki Smith)
  • “So many crock pot recipes.” (Emily McBride)

Best Trip Taken

  • “Nashville, Tn.  I’d never been before this year.” (Hannah Smith)
  • “A train ride to the Adirondacks with my buddy Mark.” (Trey Moss)
  • Shreveport, Louisiana. (DeShonna Johnson)
  • “A trip to Bald Head Island in North Carolina for my best friend’s wedding. SUCH an amazing island!” (Jackie Citero)
  • Lobsterfest in Maine (Nikki Smith)
  • “This has been the year of trips for me – it’s been fantastic! The Hamptons this summer. New Orleans to see a friend. Austin for South by Southwest. Chicago to see a friend. Monterey, Ca. to see a friend. Nashville to go see Hodor at Rave of Thrones. Favorite must have been New York City this Christmas to see Cabaret – that was a perfect trip.” (Emily McBride)

Best Moment at Vinyl Mag

  • “Being able to share my opinions through different reviews.” (Hannah Smith)
  • “Consistently missing deadlines and forgetting what day it is.” (Trey Moss)
  • “Becoming an intern and falling in love with Cara Delevingne!” (DeShonna Johnson)
  • “Every single moment of covering Electric Forest for Vinyl!” (Jackie Citero)
  • “Interview with King Buzzo of The Melvins.” (Nikki Smith)
  • “Getting to put together our first fashion spread.” (Emily McBride)

Resolutions

  • “I’ll decide in 2015.” (Hannah Smith)
  • “Acceptance to Indiana University’s graduate school program.” (Trey Moss)
  • “Worry less.” (DeShonna Johnson)
  • “To try something new or go someplace I’ve never been before every month!” (Jackie Citero)
  • “Plant a garden, and keep it alive.” (Nikki Smith)
  • “Just keep it up.” (Emily McBride)

Most Excited For in 2014

  • “Spending the summer in Athens for the first time.” (Hannah Smith)
  • “Pokemon League Champion. Graduating from UGA is a contender, I guess.” (Trey Moss)
  • “My 21st birthday!” (DeShonna Johnson)
  • “New music and bigger and better music festivals…Governor’s Ball, I’m looking at you! Oh! And we can’t forget about Better Call Saul coming next year!” (Jackie Citero)
  • “Becoming a senior at UGA.” (Nikki Smith)
  • “Better Call Saul for sure, and more exciting Vinyl stuff!” (Emily McBride)

 

10 Best New Artists of 2014

Posted on December 12, 2014March 11, 2015 by Hannah Smith

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This year has proved to be a milestone for many new artists in the music industry. Some of the most innovative songs have topped the charts across all genres. From Sam Smith to Sam Hunt, new artists have been bursting onto the scene since the beginning of the year and show no sign of slowing down any time soon.

10. Mary Lambert

Mary Lambert gained recognition with her part in Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s “Same Love.” Her debut album, Heart on My Sleeve, is full of her unique style, and it’s clear her personality shines through.

9. Benjamin Booker

Rock and blues artist Benjamin Booker’s debut album was released in August and instantly earned a spot among the Top 10 Billboard Alternative Albums. He received high praise from major music reviewers such as Rolling Stone, Paste, and SPIN. He also had the privilege of touring with the infamous Jack White and playing major festivals across the country.

8. Vance Joy

Australian artist Vance Joy released his much-anticipated debut album. For the past two years, he’s been booked for multiple festivals without an album, something few artists are able to do. His contagious ukulele-playing and simple lyrics landed him an opening slot on Taylor Swift’s 1989 tour this year.

7. Frankie Ballard

Frankie Ballard attracted listeners of all genres this year. His combination of country, blues, and rock offered a welcome change among the country superstars perpetually claiming the No. 1 spots. His first No. 1 single “Helluva Life” was the country song of the summer and later certified gold.

6. Iggy Azalea

Iggy Azalea became one of the biggest artists of the year after her and Charli XCX’s “Fancy” was released. Her much-anticipated debut album The New Classic sold over 50,000 copies in its first week, after the cancellation of many release dates prior. Azalea’s addictive rapping favored well on the radio and earned her a performance on Saturday Night Live.

5. The Cadillac Three

Country rock band The Cadillac Three has embraced the sound of Lynyrd Skynyrd and added their own unique modern twist. Because the lead vocalist wrote hits for country superstars like Keith Urban and Tim McGraw, the band’s songwriting is spot on. With the addition of some talented musicians, the trio recreated an old sound in their own image and is steadily gaining popularity.

4. Hozier

Hozier became popular after his stellar performance on Saturday Night Live a few weeks ago. His debut album achieved the No. 2 position atop the Billboard 200 and the lead single “Take Me To Church” has steadily climbed as well. Because the single doesn’t sound like the conventional radio single, it’s impressive to see the artist’s growing popularity.

3. Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor released her instant hit “All About that Bass” this year. While she self-released two albums in 2011, she just recently signed to a record label from which the single was released, along with an EP. The single has captured the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been reluctant to let go for the past 8 weeks. Her studio album is expected to be released in mid-January of next year.

2. Sam Smith

Sam Smith is one of the biggest artists of the year with an internationally successful single and sold-out shows across the globe. The single “Stay With Me” propelled Smith to stardom and solidified his promising potential.

1. Bleachers

Bleachers released their debut album in July. Seasoned band member Jack Antonoff doubles as lead vocalist for the band and lead guitarist for the band Fun. Antonoff truly put everything into the songwriting on the band’s album Strange Desire, clear through the powerful lead single “I Wanna Get Better.”

The Best Subscription Boxes

Posted on December 10, 2014January 7, 2015 by Sarah Bennett

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The market for subscription boxes has blown up within the past year. Companies like Dollar Shave Club and Birchbox have exploded over commercial TV and Facebook; but for the growing number of those who don’t have cable television, the words “subscription box” might be new or completely foreign.

Subscription boxes are themed boxes that are delivered to your doorstep monthly or quarterly, for a relatively cheap price. Most include samples of lesser-known or expensive products that the average person wouldn’t normally try, so it’s a win/win situation for both the company and the customer.

The majority of boxes are geared toward adult women and the beauty industry, which is great for women, considering the steep prices of quality products.

However, with the popularity of subscription boxes has, naturally, come the growing numbers of options. Sifting out the duds from the gems takes a lot of research and sometimes faith, considering one month’s box could be perfect and the next could be filled with products that will just collect dust. Luckily, some boxes seem to stick out more than others:

5. Nina Garcia Quarterly

At $100 (every three months), this quarterly box is the ultimate splurge. Although you’ll only be receiving four a year, fashion journalist Nina Garcia tends to pick products that aren’t only high-end, but super useful. These boxes tend to value over $400 each, so even though you’ll be taking a risk with your credit card, you’re likely to see a high reward.

4. PopSugar Must Have

For $40 per month, PopSugar will deliver more than just beauty samples to your doorstep- past boxes have included everything from purses to mini exercise balls. The site also offers boxes for men and themed boxes such as a “Bridesmaid Box”. Maybe for the more experienced subscriber or just outright adventurous, PopSugar tends to offer an array of cute products each month.

3. Sample Society

At $15 per month (plus tax), this box is slightly more of a splurge, but for good reasons. Sample Society is a box put out by Allure Magazine and each month includes five deluxe samples, each reviewed by their editors and sent to you in a mini-mag. Each box also includes a $10 off coupon (on a $50 purchase) on BeautyBar.com. Although they may seem similar, Sample Society tends to have higher quality and more interesting products each month.

2. Ipsy

Similar to Birchbox, Ipsy is $10 a month, shipping included. After signing up, you’ll take a beauty quiz and mid-month you’ll be sent 4-5 “deluxe” samples or full-sized products, picked by the company. Ipsy also packages each box in a makeup bag, which can become great gifts. Ipsy also works on a points system, but is much more social media based- you can get points for sharing a variety of promotions on Facebook for points. If you’re iffy about sharing, you can also earn points through reviewing products. Each product review is 10 points and 500-1000 points will buy you a full-sized version of something from their website.

1. Birchbox

For only $10 a month (that includes shipping), subscribers are sent 4-5 beauty and lifestyle samples that they get to pick ahead of time. Most products in this box tend to be high-end and this box works on a points system. You can earn points by giving feedback, referring friends and buying full-sized products (1 point per dollar spent). After 100 points, you get a $10 store credit to the website- not too shabby.

10 Best Soundtracks of All Time

Posted on November 27, 2014March 11, 2015 by Hannah Smith

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The perfect soundtrack can elevate any movie from average to spectacular. The task of choosing songs is not easy, but it has to be done correctly in order to match the plot and setting of a film. With the recent success of Frozen, it’s apparent that soundtracks aren’t a thing of the past. The success of soundtracks thrived in earlier decades, but they still hold a portion of music sales today.  Here are our top 10 favorite soundtracks of all time:

10. 8 Mile

Of all the musician-turned-actors that have appeared over the last couple of decades, Eminem was one of the last expected to participate. In the pseudo-biography 8 Mile, he made his empowering song “Lose Yourself” one of the most popular rap songs of all time. The album sold over 4 million copies in the U.S. alone.

9. Juno

Juno brought one of the best indie soundtracks in more recent years. The soundtrack contains multiple songs by Kimya Dawson of The Moldy Peaches and many others. One of the most notable songs on the album is a cover of “Anyone Else But You” by The Moldy Peaches that features the two main characters of the film, played by Ellen Page and Michael Cera.

8. Dirty Dancing

The soundtrack for Dirty Dancing achieved so much success with its original release that two subsequent albums were released from it in 1988 and 2003. From the iconic “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes to “She’s Like the Wind” by Patrick Swayze, the album appealed to everyone who had a liking for everything from rock to R&B.

7. The Bodyguard

One of the best-selling albums of all time is the soundtrack to the early ‘90s film The Bodyguard. The first half contains songs by Whitney Houston, who assumed the role of executive producer on the album. With this title, she had full reign over the song selections and led the album to worldwide success.

6. Footloose

The original version of Footloose collected some of the best music of the ‘80s. What good is a dance movie without good music? Of the nine songs on the album, six reached the Top 40 the year of its release. The soundtrack was also certified platinum nine times in the U.S.

5. Pretty In Pink

The ‘80s were notorious for great music that still holds influence today, as were movies produced during the decade. Pretty In Pink has been noted by Rolling Stone and The Huffington Post for its stellar soundtrack. Like many other John Hughes films, the soundtrack contains songs from the more pop/new wave aspect of the ‘80s. Every film by the director has placed heavy emphasis on incorporating music into the plot.

4. Garden State

Zach Braff, popular for his acting on the TV show Scrubs and other films, wrote and directed the 2004 groundbreaking film Garden State. Another role of his was choosing the soundtrack. Because the film directly related to his life, selecting the songs was more personal to him. As a result, the album won a Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Pictures, Television, or Other Visual Media.

3. Pulp Fiction

What iconic ‘90s movie would be complete without capturing the changing rock genre at the time? Pulp Fiction managed to encapsulate the emerging and returning rock sounds during the early ‘90s, emphasizing the surf rock genre. The soundtrack has sold over two million copies since its release in 1994.

2. Saturday Night Fever

While John Travolta showed off his vocal abilities in Grease, his performance in Saturday Night Fever was purely acting. The true stars of this soundtrack were the Bee Gees, who lifted the album to critical acclaim. The soundtrack is the only disco album to earn a Grammy for Album of the Year.

1. O, Brother, Where Art Thou

The soundtrack to O, Brother, Where Art Thou proved the importance of music’s role in appropriating the setting. The film is set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, and the soundtrack effectively captures the time through the use of folk, country, and bluegrass music. There was so much emphasis placed on the music that the album was compiled before filming even began.

15 Songs Essential to Your Workout Playlist

Posted on November 14, 2014March 11, 2015 by Hannah Smith

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The perfect song can elevate your mood to a whole new level. There is a reason Zumba and other dance aerobics classes are successful. Music has the effect of reducing how much you think about exercising and the ability to increase your endurance. For those who don’t exactly enjoy making a trip to the gym, music can offer some assistance. While there are different genres better suited for specific exercise methods, this playlist offers a collection suited for anyone.  Listen below!

15. Fall Out Boy – “Centuries”

Fall Out Boy’s latest release, “Centuries,” has to be included in any workout. The beat is driving, and the lyrics are inspiring.

14. Bleachers – “I Wanna Get Better”

Newcomers to the alternative scene, Bleachers released one of the best songs of the year called “I Wanna Get Better.” It’s incredibly motivating without being slow or boring.

13. New Politics – “Harlem”

“Harlem” is one of New Politics biggest hits. It must have been made specifically for gym-goers (probably not).

12. The Beastie Boys – “Sabotage”

The Beastie Boys created some of the best rap music of all time. “Sabotage” is one of their most iconic and definite to increase your motivation.

11. M.I.A. – “Paper Planes”

“Paper Planes” by M.I.A. is one of the best hip-hop songs of all time and definitely fun to exercise to. Just be careful not to make the hand signals while working out, as to avoid falling off a machine.

10. The White Stripes – “Icky Thump” and “Seven Nation Army”

The White Stripes are famous for their rocking guitar riffs and thumping drum kicks, so it’s no secret their music is perfect for exercise. I would recommend their entire discography, but ultimately, their hit singles like “Seven Nation Army” and “Icky Thump” are ideal.

9. The Ting Tings – “Shut Up and Let Me Go”

A forgotten gem from years past is “Shut Up and Let Me Go” by The Ting Tings. If listened to one too many times, it can be extremely obnoxious. But just the right amount and you’ll fall in love.

8. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – “Can’t Hold Us”

“Can’t Hold Us” is one of the many hits by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. I would recommend the entire Heist album to exercise to, but if you don’t have the patience, this is the best.

7. Eminem – “Till I Collapse”

Eminem is notorious for his powerful and mostly inspirational lyrics. “’Till I Collapse” is one of many that can be used for motivation.

6. Drake – “0-100”

Although Drake’s latest single “0-100/The Catch-Up” was released in July, it’s now beginning to climb up the charts. The single contains the classic elements of a rap song and offers a less emotional feel, as opposed to many of the artist’s songs.

5. OneRepublic – “Love Runs Out”

OneRepublic is making a comeback with their pop-infused alternative. Their latest release “Love Runs Out” is catchy and fun, providing a nice break from their breakthrough slower hits.

4. Queen – “Don’t Stop Me Now”

Another classic that can’t be forgotten is “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. Really any song by Queen is motivation to exercise, but this hit is perfect for a workout playlist.

3. Bruce Springsteen – “Born to Run”

“Born to Run” is a classic, guaranteed to induce nostalgia and distract from the effort put into your workout. With the heavy instrumentals, the song is incredibly powerful and inspiring.

2. Imagine Dragons – “Radioactive – Grouplove and Captain Cuts Remix”

The remix for Imagine Dragon’s most popular song “Radioactive” offers a change of pace for those tired of the original. The remix features an enthusiastic verse by Kendrick Lamar, which is sure to transform your most likely unenthusiastic attitude.

1. Taylor Swift – “Shake It Off”

“Shake It Off” is essential to a good workout. One of the biggest songs of the year, it contains a sick. beat. that can make anyone get up off the couch and onto the treadmill.

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