Virgin Vinyl Classic Albums

Virgin vinyl classic albums are a collector's dream come true for many reasons. So what makes them so special? In order to understand why these are more valuable than other types of records, you need to understand what is meant by the term "virgin vinyl." The type of vinyl used to make records has a huge impact on the sound the album produces.

When records are made, they have to go through a process called "pressing", which imprints the grooves onto the vinyl that creates the sound you hear when the record is played on a turntable. Virgin vinyl is made from 100 percent pure vinyl, which means that it has absolutely no impurities. Vinyl not classified as "virgin" has went through some type of recycling process and it normally contains some kind of impurities that can interfere with the sound the record produces.

These impurities can be anything from plastic to metal and it doesn't take much to affect the quality of the records. The impurity doesn't have the same chemical property that the virgin vinyl has and this affects the pressing process. As a result, the record can have areas that seem a little distorted and if there are lots of impurities then it can affect the whole album. That's why the ones made from pure vinyl are so special. You know you'll be receiving the very best quality and sound possible when you purchase these.

Most all of the records created today fall into the category of virgin vinyl classic albums. Not only are these made from pure vinyl but they are made from the heavyweight vinyl as well. This is important because the weight of the vinyl makes a big difference in how the music sounds. When you see "180g" on an album this means that the vinyl used to make the record weighs 180 grams and this is considered a high quality record.

This is what you want to look for when seeking out the very best. These virgin vinyl classic albums are much more durable than the thin, lightweight ones that flooded the market years ago for several reasons. They won't break or scratch as easily and they last longer. The thicker vinyl also handles the pressing process better. As a result, the grooves will keep their shape longer and better as the record is played.

The best sounding music will come from records pressed on the heavy, virgin vinyl. It's for this reason that most all audiophiles search for virgin vinyl classic albums made from 180g when expanding their collection.

About the Author:

180 Gram Records is a premier producer and distributor of collectible vinyl records from best selling music artists and other limited-run collectible merchandise. They offer select and expertly crafted items to satisfy the demands of collectors, music enthusiasts, and fans alike.

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Death Metal Elitists, Brutality Are Resurrected Through Reissues Of Their Three Studio Albums

BRUTALITY - Screams Of Anguish, When The Sky Turns Black, In Mourning
Metal Mind Productions

Remember when Florida's death metal scene was at its prime back in the late eighties to the early nineties? Man, who can forget when such prominent bands as Death, Morbid Angel, Angel Witch, Diabolic, Atheist, Deicide, Monstrosity, Cynic, Malevolent Creation, and last but not least Brutality, which decimated the local club scene. Yes, Tampa's Brutality was one such band, which played blasting, cranium crushing, and blast beat driven death metal from the heart. What sucks about their situation is that their "Screams Of Anguish" debut LP came out towards the middle of 1993, at a time when the death metal scene in the US, especially in Florida was losing ground to grunge and alternative metal groups. Also, their existence as a prominent death metal band was overshadowed by many of their more popular counterparts mentioned above, which definitely did not help the band gain much ground among serious death metal fans.

"Screams Of Anguish" was a solid attempt at creating some of the most brutal death metal ever to torment human ears. My first time listening to "Screams..." was quite an earth and soul shattering experience. The music on this monster just came out of my stereo speakers and ripped off my ears and more... All I can say is: "wow, it was pure sonic violence at its best". Just listen to the barbaric acts of their aural misery on the twisted "Septicemic Plague", and you'll be just amazed how well these guys could play with such precision at 1000 miles per hour. "Screams Of Anguish" showed just how capable Brutality was at executing extreme death metal without any limits on speed, heaviness and pure aggression. The bonus track of "Sadistic" makes "Screams Of Anguish" even more evil, sick and twisted.

Album number two, "When The Sky Turns Black" was not as brutally fast and raw like its predecessor, but definitely showed the quintet's penchant for playing melodic solos and rhythms that just felt right at home to that death metal head. Musically, this record displayed the band's mature songwriting skills along with their ability to write lyrics inspired by real life events such as the Branch Davidian mass suicide and the likelihood of the ending of our world. Just one listen to "Shrine Of The Master" and you will be thrown into a tailspin with its whirlwind of chaotic riffs; in you face rhythms, corroded vocal patterns, and drumming as vicious as a Cobra's bite.

There is also an acoustic instrumental in the shape of "Awakening", one of their more doom and gloom offerings. You'll also be treated to a special bonus track in the form of "Cryptorium", which shatters all barriers within the extreme death metal circles when it comes to speed, aggression and overall feel for the band's darkened emotions.

Last but not least, album-number three and their final record as a group, "In Mourning" was a strong contender, but the band were not proud of this studio output. I personally enjoyed it for what it had to offer by way of heaviness, a strong production and sound. It definitely did not compare to their debut CD "Screams Of Anguish", but was entertaining for its pissed off nature. I enjoyed this album a lot and can remember playing it for days on end. There is also a killer bonus track on here in the shape of "Certain Annihilation", which smokes!

Hopefully, Brutality will resurface for one last time to lay claim to that recognition they never got. They sincerely deserve it, and would be very cool to see them reform to bring back their fourth studio album to fruition.

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Bob Dylan Albums - Which Are The Best?

I was drinking at the local bar last week when someone asked me this question: "If you were to be isolated in a jungle and could only bring 3 Bob Dylan albums, which ones would you choose to bring?"

This had me thinking - I couldn't give an answer right away, and not just because I already had a good buzz from drinking 5 bottles of beer. I was perplexed because I am a big fan of Bob Dylan. Let me rephrase that, I REALLY LOVE BOB DYLAN!

If you are even remotely aware of American pop culture over the past 4 decades, then it would be really hard to miss the great impact of Bob Dylan's songs. He is considered as one of the greatest dynamic artist in modern American history music. Yes, I need more time to get back in touch with all things D-Y-L-A-N!

I had to admit, I spent an entire week revisiting all my Dylan's CDs to get a compilation of the Top 3 Bob Dylan's albums that I would like to have with me, should I be deserted in a jungle.

Here's my list:

1. Slow Train Coming - Bob Dylan's 19th album. Considered as his 1st attempt since he has become a born again Christian; with songs stressing the importance of Christian philosophy and teachings, and where he expressed his personal faith. Here, Dylan has done the unexpected. The single from this album "Gotta Serve Somebody" became his very first hit in 3 years. Most songs have a Christian theme to it, but you don't need to be a Christian to enjoy it. With the release of this album, a lot of Christians were drawn to his fan base.

2. Blood on the Tracks - This album marked Dylan's return to Columbia after 2 album detours with Asylum Records; considered as the greatest comeback collection of all time. Most of the lyrics in the album tells about anger, heartache and loneliness and is now seen as one of his greatest albums.

3. Blonde on Blonde - Dylan's 7th album released by Columbia records. This album is purely modern rock; and marked the end of the rocking/electronic period for Dylan. The songs have his brand of rock and blues with surreal lyrics and eclectic sound. This album earned the double-platinum.

With this list of Bob Dylan Albums I hope I have introduced the genius of Dylan, especially to those who haven't yet had the privilege of listening to his best work.

Jim A. Byrne is a musician and recording artist who has been writing songs for over 30 years. As well as writing songs for his own Folk and Country Blues albums he has written songs with other people including the pop star Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet and Jazz singer Carol Kidd MBE. Visit Jim's website for more tips and to download two of Jim's latest songs for free: http://www.songsbyjimbyrne.com/freemp3music/index.html

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One of the Best Bob Dylan Albums

Bob Dylan has created so many great albums in his time; it is a big task to choose the greatest Bob Dylan albums ever made. All of his albums differ, giving his listeners a glimpse of the pride of Hibbing, Minnesota.

Below are my top 3 picks:

1. Bringing it All Back Home - This is a great compilation of all songs electric. Have you heard a more inspired way to go electric?

2. Blonde on Blonde - Considered as one of Dylan's most ambitious creations. It has a sporadic nature that keeps it from being totally accessible with sonic valleys and hills. A sterling example would be "Just Like a Woman" or "Rainy Day Woman."

3. Highway 61 Revisited - Dylan sets the stage with an organ-driven kaleidoscope of images that takes you on a trip to his consciousness for six incredible minutes with "Like a Rolling Stone." This album says everything: no home is ever complete without this collection of songs.

These Bob Dylan Albums show that he was really on a roll!

A lot of people would probably say that The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan or Slow Train Coming should be included in the list; but I am just stating my opinion; and I have listened to Dylan's songs practically all my life. But then again, to each his own.

These Bob Dylan albums definitely have their own tale. His album "Bringing It All Back Home" was created when he evolved from acoustic folk to electric. "Blonde on Blonde" was where he pushed the limits in folk-rock; and if you ask me, this rockin' double album doesn't have a distasteful song in it. "Highway 61 Revisited" was made when was just transitioning to folk-rock.

For my listening pleasure "Blonde on Blonde" is unparalleled. For me, there has never been a more compelling album or a greater personification of an art form. In addition, the lyrics are simply and naturally brilliant! The list of songs from this exceptional double album continues to amaze me until today. Just try listening to the harmonica intro and the sinister horn of "Most Likely You Go Your Way" or the folk-rock and gentle Mowtown accents of "Visions of Johanna," kicking off with the drunken swagger of a band. I listen to them over and over, even after all these years. They should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I rest my case.

Jim A. Byrne is a musician and recording artist who has been writing songs for over 30 years. As well as writing songs for his own Folk and Country Blues albums he has written songs with other people including the pop star Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet and Jazz singer Carol Kidd MBE.

Visit Jim's website for more tips and to download two of Jim's latest songs for free: http://www.songsbyjimbyrne.com/freemp3music/index.html

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The Best Bob Dylan Albums Ever

I cannot forget Bob Dylan's famous quote: "I consider myself a poet first and a musician second. I live like a poet and I'll die like a poet."

True enough, almost all Bob Dylan albums were a reflection of a great poet, as he was one of the first rock artists to infuse social and political commentary into his songs. Most of his music was associated with the anti-war and civil rights movements in the 1960s.

Most Bob Dylan albums include songs that were heavily laden with influence from his exposure to blues, folk and country music.

I have been an ardent Dylan follower for over 30 years since I was introduced to his songs by my music teacher back in grade school. I was instantly hooked to his songs, and found myself spending my evenings listening to his recordings; enraptured by his original, strange and compelling music. If you are a big Dylan fan like me, then you probably are a big fan of these albums, which give a glimpse of his greatness:

1. The Basement Tapes - This is considered as one of Dylan's most influential recordings, and was one of rock and roll's imaginative albums. This album tells a tale, as it all began with Dylan's motorcycle accident back in 1996. Following the incident, he and his band, the Hawkes, began working in a homemade studio in a house basement which they fondly call the "Big Pink." The album was released by Columbia almost 10 years after the songs were laid down.

2. Time Out of Mind - Dylan's 41st album saw him teaming up with multi-instrumentalist and producer Daniel Lanois. The release of this album market a significant moment in his career as this is where he finally discovered a common ground between the folk vibe and blues-rock that he pioneered.

3. Bringing it All Back Home - one of the Bob Dylan Albums that is notable for its 2 sides - acoustic and electric. This album further separated him from his peers in the folk music community, and gave birth to the folk-rock movement.

If you are a Bob Dylan aficionado, then you know too well that there will never be another artist like him - just like there will never be another J.D. Salinger or Woody Allen. In fact, the release of a new Dylan album is an event unto itself. Yes, we are in the midst of greatness.

Jim A. Byrne is a musician and recording artist who has been writing songs for over 30 years. As well as writing songs for his own Folk and Country Blues albums he has written songs with other people including the pop star Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet and Jazz singer Carol Kidd MBE.

Visit Jim's website for more tips and to download two of Jim's latest songs for free: http://www.songsbyjimbyrne.com/freemp3music/index.html

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Top 5 Best Selling Albums in Britain in 2010

2010 was a great year for music in Britain with some amazing album releases. Album reviews were flying off the shelves for breakthrough brands, but it was the old guard that ruled the roost at the top of the album charts. The top 5 best selling albums in Britain is filled with established acts and while there aren't any that I can pick out as favourites of mine, you can't always ignore the numbers. When there is that many people buying an album there's got to be something about it that has grabbed the attention of the masses.

5. Plan B, The Defamation of Strickland Banks

The only breakthrough album release of 2010 fell to London wide boy, Plan B, or Benjamin Balance-Drew as he's know to his mum. The release of The Defamation of Strickland Banks, his second studio album, in April 2010, led to an instant number 1 in the UK album charts. It sold over sixty eight thousand copies in its first week and went on to sell a whopping eight hundred and twenty six thousand copies throughout the course of the year. Album reviews were fairly positive overall with ratings ranging from six out of ten to four out of five, but his move away from his rapping routes prompted one album review from the Telegraph to describe it as being "populist" although the overall tone of the review was generally favourable.

4. Rihanna, Loud

The ups and downs of Rihanna's personal life has been well documented by the media, but when it comes to her albums it always seems to be on the up and up. It including high grossing hits Only Girl in the World, What's my Name and S&M. Released in November 2010 the album the album went in at number 2, selling in the region of 91,000 copies, but later climbed to the number 1 spot. Though it was released late in the year, it still managed to sell 839,000 copies in total. Rihanna's Loud received average to favourable album reviews from the mainstream press.

3. Lady GaGa, The Fame / The Fame Monster

When Lady GaGa first appeared on the music scene it was as though she appeared out of nowhere and was suddenly everywhere. Now it feels like she's always been there. The illusion of her meteoric rise to musical prominence has been fuelled by the trash media and paparazzi that she seems to target so much in her music. The love hate relationship continues in The Fame / The Fame Monster and while it was originally released in November 2009 as an EP as a re-release of The Fame, it still went on to be the third best selling album of 2010 in the Britain.

2. Michael Buble, Crazy Love

Who'd of thought it. Michael Buble had the second highest grossing album of 2010, epitomising the fact that you can never underestimate the buying power of easy listening loving ladies everywhere. The smooth singing Canadian has turned into a power house of selling album selling prowess and in 2010 he really hit the mark with Crazy Love. Michael Buble's fourth studio album, Crazy Love is another crooner loving record and went straight in at number 1 in October 2009, but maintained sales all the way through 2010 to guarantee it a place in the top 5 best selling albums in Britain in 2010. Selling more than 1, 227,000 copies, but to be fair, it doesn't really matter how many albums he sells, he's never going to get into the Rat Pack.

1. Take That, Progress

Back during the 90s Take That were the bees knees with the girls at my school. They wore Take That emblems around there necks and probably cried like crazy people at the news that they were breaking up. It is these same girls, now women, that have secured Take That's resurgence to musical hegemony of a certain persuasion, making their album, Progress, the biggest selling album of 2010 in Britain. Released on 15th November 2010 and returning Robbie Williams to the Take That fold after his long dark days alone in the California sun, it inevitable charted straight in at number 1. Despite the release being so late in the day in 2010, it still managed to sell in excess of 1.8 million records. Album reviews were very positive, giving it an average of around 8 out of 10 in both popular and industry media, but more than anything, it gave Robbie something more than just aliens to believe in.

About Tuppence Magazine entertainment news and reviews:

Written by the editor of Tuppence Magazine, online entertainment news and reviews magazine. Dedicated to writing the best album reviews and music news. Visit http://www.tuppencemagazine.co.uk/ to find out more.

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Reel Big Fish Albums - Which Should You Listen To?

In the 90's, Reel Big Fish was without a doubt one of the most well known ska bands in the biz. Their high intensity shows and catchy music set the bar for most bands out there. They were turning out albums like every other struggling musician, but their big break came when they appeared in the movie Baseketball with Matt Stone and Trey Parker, where they performed "Take On Me."

I grew up listening to Reel Big Fish albums, and it was their music that turned me on to Ska. Being the geeky band kid playing the saxophone in high school was not my ideal social path, but this music allowed me to "rebel" against the stereotypical assumptions that come with playing a classical instrument, and put a somewhat cooler spin on my reputation.

Enough about me, though, when it comes to which Reel Big Fish albums you should listen to, here's a quick run down of my two personal favorites:

1. Everything Sucks (1995, re-released in 2000)

The bands first full length album and an essential for any ska-lover. Yes, the quality of some of the recordings are lack luster, but they make up for it with their intricate horn lines and (to say the least) aggressive lyrics. Even though it is not their best stuff and was written when the band was still maturing, it gives you insight into their personality and how f***ing crazy they were. A must listen to!

2. Why Do They Rock So Hard? (1998)

It is Reel Big Fish's second ska album and third full length. You can tell they grew not only in their musical talents, but they obviously had a good producer behind them. It is personally up there as my #1 because it is amazing how they stayed consistent with their image after all those years and kept my head banging the whole time. Favorite track: "I Want Your Girlfriend To Be My Girlfriend."

People often argue that there are much better ska bands out there, and maybe there are. But Reel Big Fish did it for me. They pretty much defined my high school years, and there's no denying that when "Beer" comes on the radio, or your iPod, or wherever...you still sing along too!

Whether you agree with my picks for the top Reel Big Fish albums or not, there is no disputing that they set the bar for the ska bands that came after them.

If you like Reel Big Fish then you might also check out Urkel & The Winslows. Their high energy music, along with their 3-part horn harmonies compare to the personality of RBF, while still creating an identity of their own. But who am I...check it out for yourself:

Click here to download a copy of their latest single for free.

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