We Love Music Sale - Highlights
-
Regular price £95.91Regular priceUnit price per
£115.99Sale price £95.91Sale -
Regular price £248.99Regular priceUnit price per
£259.99Sale price £248.99Sale -
.SaleRegular price £37.91Regular priceUnit price per£42.99Sale price £37.91Sale -
.SaleRegular price £18.91Regular priceUnit price per£26.99Sale price £18.91Sale -
Regular price £25.00Regular priceUnit price per
-
Regular price £74.91Regular priceUnit price per
£82.99Sale price £74.91Sale -
.SaleRegular price £204.91Regular priceUnit price per£229.99Sale price £204.91Sale -
.Regular price £24.91Regular priceUnit price per£31.99Sale price £24.91Sale -
Regular price £29.99Regular priceUnit price per
-
Regular price £118.91Regular priceUnit price per
-
.SaleRegular price £28.49Regular priceUnit price per£33.99Sale price £28.49Sale
Top 100 Vinyl Castle Chart
-
1.SaleRegular price £9.91Regular priceUnit price per£17.99Sale price £9.91Sale -
3.SaleRegular price £18.91Regular priceUnit price per
£26.99Sale price £18.91Sale -
4.SaleRegular price £37.91Regular priceUnit price per
£42.99Sale price £37.91Sale -
Regular price £24.99Regular priceUnit price per
£24.99Sale price £24.99 -
6.SaleRegular price £28.49Regular priceUnit price per
£33.99Sale price £28.49Sale
Latest Music News
View all-
sombr Returns With New Song ‘Homewrecker’
Sombre Returns With New Track 'Homewrecker': A Melancholic Masterpiece or Just Another Melodramatic Misfire?After a prolonged absence from the music scene, enigmatic artist Sombre has made a triumphant return with...
sombr Returns With New Song ‘Homewrecker’
Sombre Returns With New Track 'Homewrecker': A Melancholic Masterpiece or Just Another Melodramatic Misfire?After a prolonged absence from the music scene, enigmatic artist Sombre has made a triumphant return with his latest offering, 'Homewrecker'. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics immediately captivate the listener, drawing them into Sombre's world of heartbreak and introspection.The song opens with a subdued guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the track, creating a sense of melancholy that permeates throughout. Sombre's ethereal vocals float above the instrumentation, delivering raw emotion with every note.As the song builds to its climax, the intensity increases, with crashing drums and soaring strings adding depth and drama to the overall sound. Sombre's impassioned delivery reaches a crescendo, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats as they hang on his every word.However, while 'Homewrecker' showcases Sombre's undeniable talent as a songwriter and performer, some may find the overall tone a bit too melodramatic. The anguished lyrics and brooding atmosphere may come across as a bit overwrought to some listeners, detracting from the overall impact of the song.That being said, Sombre's return to the music scene is undoubtedly a welcome one, and 'Homewrecker' serves as a strong reminder of the artist's unique ability to evoke powerful emotions through his music. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual listener, this track is sure to leave an impression and spark discussions among music lovers everywhere. So, is 'Homewrecker' a melancholic masterpiece or just another melodramatic misfire? That's for you to decide. But one thing's for certain - Sombre is back, and he's as hauntingly captivating as ever.
-
Four Years After CNCO, Erick Brian & Christopher Vélez Reunite on ‘Bajo Cero’
Four Years After CNCO, Erick Brian & Christopher Vélez Reunite on ‘Bajo Cero’ In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Latin music scene, former CNCO bandmates Erick Brian...
Four Years After CNCO, Erick Brian & Christopher Vélez Reunite on ‘Bajo Cero’
Four Years After CNCO, Erick Brian & Christopher Vélez Reunite on ‘Bajo Cero’ In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Latin music scene, former CNCO bandmates Erick Brian and Christopher Vélez have joined forces once again to release their new single, 'Bajo Cero'. This marks the first time the two artists have collaborated since the disbandment of the popular boy band four years ago.'Bajo Cero' is a catchy blend of reggaeton and pop, showcasing Erick Brian and Christopher Vélez's undeniable chemistry and vocal prowess. The song's infectious beat and memorable chorus are sure to have fans dancing along in no time.The reunion of Erick Brian and Christopher Vélez has been met with overwhelming excitement from CNCO fans, who have been eagerly anticipating new music from the duo. The track has already garnered millions of views on streaming platforms, proving that their star power has not diminished in the years since their boy band days.Despite the passage of time, Erick Brian and Christopher Vélez's musical connection remains as strong as ever on 'Bajo Cero'. Their harmonious vocals and dynamic energy are a testament to their enduring friendship and shared passion for creating music that resonates with audiences worldwide.Overall, 'Bajo Cero' is a testament to the enduring power of Erick Brian and Christopher Vélez's musical partnership. As they embark on this new chapter in their careers, fans can rest assured that the magic of CNCO lives on in their latest collaboration.
-
Olivia Dean Completes a Winning Week With Another ARIA Chart Double
Olivia Dean has done it again, adding another ARIA Chart double to her already impressive resume. The rising star has completed a winning week with this latest achievement, solidifying her...
Olivia Dean Completes a Winning Week With Another ARIA Chart Double
Olivia Dean has done it again, adding another ARIA Chart double to her already impressive resume. The rising star has completed a winning week with this latest achievement, solidifying her place as one of the most exciting talents in the music industry right now.But what makes Olivia Dean's success so remarkable is not just the accolades she's racking up, but the quality of the music she's producing. Her latest offerings are a masterclass in modern pop, with catchy hooks, soulful vocals, and irresistible beats that have critics and fans alike singing her praises.It's no surprise that Olivia Dean is on the rise - she's been honing her craft for years, playing in pubs and clubs up and down the country, honing her sound and winning over audiences with her infectious energy and undeniable talent. Now, with a string of hits under her belt and a growing army of fans, she's set to take the music world by storm.So, what's next for Olivia Dean? With her winning streak showing no signs of slowing down, it's anyone's guess. But one thing's for sure - we'll be watching closely, eagerly anticipating each new release and celebrating every milestone along the way. Olivia Dean may have completed a winning week, but we have a feeling this is just the beginning of an incredible journey for this talented artist.
Latest Music Features
View all-
The British Are Coming! How The Beatles Conquered America
It was a cold Friday afternoon in New York City. The date was February 7, 1964. At John F. Kennedy Airport, the air wasn't just chilly; it was electric, vibrating...
The British Are Coming! How The Beatles Conquered America
It was a cold Friday afternoon in New York City. The date was February 7, 1964. At John F. Kennedy Airport, the air wasn't just chilly; it was electric, vibrating with a high-pitched frequency that would soon become familiar around the world. When Pan Am Flight 101 touched down on the tarmac, it didn’t just deliver four musicians from Liverpool. It delivered a cultural earthquake that would shake the foundations of pop culture forever. At Vinyl Castle, we love a good anniversary, but few dates are as pivotal as this one. This was the moment the "British Invasion" officially began. It was the moment John, Paul, George, and Ringo stepped off a plane and turned from British pop stars into global icons. Pandemonium at JFK When the Fab Four boarded the plane at Heathrow, they were anxious. They had conquered Britain and Europe, but America was the holy grail of entertainment. No British pop act had ever successfully cracked the States. They worried that no one would know who they were. They couldn't have been more wrong. As the plane taxied to the gate, the pilots could hear the roar over the engines. Waiting on the observation deck were an estimated 3,000 fans - mostly teenage girls - screaming their lungs out. They waved banners, they wept, and they fainted. It was pandemonium. "Beatlemania" had crossed the Atlantic before the band even set foot on American soil. The press conference that followed at the airport is now the stuff of legend. American reporters, cynical and ready to mock these "long-haired" oddities, were completely disarmed by the band’s quick wit and Scouse charm. "Are you going to get a haircut?" a reporter shouted."I had one yesterday," George Harrison deadpanned."How do you find America?" another asked."Turn left at Greenland," Ringo quipped. In minutes, they had charmed the press. In days, they would charm the entire nation. A Splash of Colour in a Grey World To understand why The Beatles’ arrival caused such hysteria, you have to look at the mood of America in early 1964. The country was still in deep mourning following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy just 77 days earlier. The national mood was sombre, fearful, and grey. Into this vacuum of sadness stepped four young men in sharp suits, brimming with irreverence, joy, and undeniable talent. They were a blast of Technicolor in a black-and-white world. Their energy was infectious, their optimism was necessary, and their music was undeniable. Their single, "I Want To Hold Your Hand," had hit number one on the Billboard charts just days before they arrived. It was an uptempo, hand-clapping anthem of innocent romance that sounded unlike anything on American radio. It was the perfect tonic for a grieving nation. The Night That Changed Television While the airport arrival was the spark, the explosion happened two days later on Sunday, February 9. The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, the premier variety programme in the US. The statistics are still staggering. An estimated 73 million Americans tuned in to watch - roughly 40% of the entire population of the country at the time. It remains one of the most-watched broadcasts in television history. Legend has it that the crime rate in New York City dropped to near zero during the hour the show aired because everyone - even the criminals - was watching The Beatles. For millions of future musicians, from Tom Petty to Bruce Springsteen, that broadcast was a "Big Bang" moment. It made playing in a rock and roll band look like the best job in the world. It shifted the focus from solo teen idols like Frankie Avalon to self-contained bands who played their own instruments and wrote their own songs. The Floodgates Open The Beatles didn't just kick the door to America open; they ripped it off its hinges. Their success paved the way for what became known as the "British Invasion." Suddenly, American record labels were desperate for anything that sounded British. In their wake came The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Dave Clark Five, The Animals, and The Who. The trans-Atlantic exchange of music changed forever. Before 1964, American rock and roll and blues were exported to the UK. After 1964, the UK took those influences, repackaged them with a distinct British swagger, and sold them back to America. Culturally, the impact was even broader. The Beatles influenced fashion, hairstyles, and even the way young people spoke. They challenged the status quo simply by being themselves. They legitimized the idea of the "pop group" as a serious artistic force, a journey that would eventually lead them from the screaming crowds of JFK to the studio wizardry of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The Vinyl Legacy For collectors, the US albums released during this period are a fascinating study. American record labels, specifically Capitol Records, often chopped up the original UK LPs to create new "US versions" with different tracklistings and artwork. Albums like Meet The Beatles! and The Beatles' Second Album are unique artefacts of this specific time and place. Listening to these early records today, the energy is still palpable. You can hear the hunger in their voices and the tightness of a band that had honed its craft in the sweaty clubs of Hamburg and Liverpool. They play with a ferocity that says, "We are here to take over." Celebrate the Invasion February 7, 1964, remains a watershed moment in music history. It was the day pop culture went truly global. The excitement of that arrival still echoes every time a new band captures the world's imagination, though few will ever do it quite like the Fab Four. So, why not celebrate the anniversary by revisiting the music that started it all? Whether you prefer the raw energy of Please Please Me or the US-exclusive tracklistings of the Capitol years, there is no better way to honour the British Invasion than by spinning the wax that fueled it.
-
One Love: Celebrating Bob Marley's Enduring Legacy
Few artists in history can claim to have transcended music to become a global symbol of peace, unity, and resistance. Robert Nesta Marley, born on February 6, 1945, in the...
One Love: Celebrating Bob Marley's Enduring Legacy
Few artists in history can claim to have transcended music to become a global symbol of peace, unity, and resistance. Robert Nesta Marley, born on February 6, 1945, in the small village of Nine Mile, Jamaica, is one of them. On his birthday, we don’t just celebrate a musician; we celebrate a prophet, a poet, and a revolutionary whose voice continues to inspire millions around the world. Bob Marley took the vibrant, soulful rhythms of reggae from the streets of Kingston and broadcast them to every corner of the globe. He was more than a singer with a guitar; he was a force of nature, a cultural ambassador whose message of "One Love" became a universal anthem for humanity. At Vinyl Castle, as we drop the needle on records like Exodus and Uprising, we are reminded that his music is as vital and relevant today as it ever was. From Trenchtown to the World Stage Marley’s journey began in the tough, politically charged environment of Trenchtown, a government housing project in Kingston. It was here, amidst poverty and social unrest, that he found his voice. Alongside Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, he formed The Wailing Wailers in the early 1960s. Their early work was rooted in ska and rocksteady, the popular sounds of the time, but they were already crafting the socially conscious lyrics that would become their hallmark. Their sound was raw, their message was urgent, and their harmonies were tight. Songs like "Simmer Down" were a direct call to the "rude boys" of the Kingston ghettos, pleading for peace. From the very beginning, Marley’s music was intertwined with the social fabric of his community. The turning point came when the band signed with Chris Blackwell’s Island Records in the early 1970s. Blackwell saw something unique in The Wailers. He didn't want to package them as a singles band; he wanted to present them as a rock band, with the album as the central artistic statement. The result was Catch a Fire (1973), a record that introduced the world to a new, polished, yet uncompromising form of reggae. With its iconic Zippo lighter cover, the album was a statement of intent. It was musically sophisticated, lyrically profound, and undeniably cool. The Voice of a Movement As Bob Marley’s fame grew, so did his commitment to his Rastafarian faith. His music became a vehicle for his spiritual and political beliefs. He sang of oppression, redemption, and the struggle for freedom. Tracks like "Get Up, Stand Up" were not just catchy tunes; they were powerful calls to action, rallying cries for the downtrodden everywhere. His lyrics spoke of "Babylon," a term used to describe the oppressive structures of the Western world, and "Zion," the promised land of freedom and unity. This was not the light, breezy reggae often associated with beach holidays; this was "roots reggae," music with a deep spiritual and political consciousness. Marley became an influential figure in a world torn apart by the Cold War and post-colonial struggles. He was a voice for the voiceless, a symbol of hope for newly independent nations in Africa and across the developing world. When he performed at the independence ceremony for Zimbabwe in 1980, he wasn't just another musician; he was a statesman, celebrating the very freedom he had sung about. The Albums That Defined an Era The beauty of Bob Marley’s legacy is that it’s perfectly preserved on vinyl. His albums are not just collections of songs; they are complete artistic statements, sonic journeys that demand to be listened to from start to finish. Exodus (1977): Recorded in London after an assassination attempt in Jamaica, this album is a masterpiece of two halves. The first side is a fiery collection of political anthems, including the title track and "The Heathen." The second side is a suite of love songs and declarations of faith, including the timeless classics "One Love/People Get Ready," "Three Little Birds," and "Jamming." Time magazine would later name it the "Album of the Century." Uprising (1980): Marley's final studio album released in his lifetime is a profoundly spiritual and defiant work. It closes with "Redemption Song," one of the most powerful and enduring folk songs ever written. Stripped back to just Marley and his acoustic guitar, the song is a testament to his power as a songwriter and a storyteller. It’s a final, haunting plea for mental emancipation. Legend (1984): Released three years after his death, this compilation has become one of the best-selling albums of all time. It’s the ultimate introduction to Marley’s genius, a flawless collection of his most beloved songs. From "Is This Love" to "No Woman, No Cry," it’s a testament to his incredible ability to blend political commentary with universal themes of love and hope. A Legacy of One Love Bob Marley passed away from cancer in 1981 at the tragically young age of 36. But his spirit, his message, and his music are immortal. He left behind a body of work that continues to inspire artists across all genres, from hip-hop to punk rock. His face is an iconic symbol of rebellion and peace, recognised everywhere. More importantly, his songs continue to provide a soundtrack for social change and a source of comfort and hope for millions. In a world that often feels divided, his call for unity in "One Love" is more important than ever. So, on his birthday, we invite you to do what he would have wanted: listen. Put on a record, feel the bassline, and let the rhythm move you. Let his words wash over you and remember the man who taught the world to get up, stand up for its rights.
-
Instant Karma! The Day John Lennon Caught Lightning in a Bottle
In the meticulous, often agonisingly slow world of music production, creating a hit record is usually a marathon. It involves weeks of writing, months of recording, endless overdubs, and weeks...
Instant Karma! The Day John Lennon Caught Lightning in a Bottle
In the meticulous, often agonisingly slow world of music production, creating a hit record is usually a marathon. It involves weeks of writing, months of recording, endless overdubs, and weeks of mixing. But John Lennon was never one for patience. He was a man of impulse, driven by raw emotion and the need for immediacy. On February 6, 1970, the world got a masterclass in spontaneity when "Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)" hit the shelves. The story behind the song isn't just about musical genius; it is a legend of speed. As Lennon famously declared, he "wrote it for breakfast, recorded it for lunch, and we're putting it out for dinner." At Vinyl Castle, we love the stories etched into the grooves of our favourite records. Today, we’re looking back at the day John Lennon decided he couldn’t wait for the world to hear his new song - so he just went and made it happen. A Breakfast Epiphany The date was Tuesday, January 27, 1970. The Beatles were technically still together, but the fabric of the band was fraying beyond repair. Lennon was at his home, Tittenhurst Park, with Yoko Ono and her family. Over breakfast, he began toying with a new idea. He had been discussing the concept of karma - the law of cause and effect - with Yoko and others. The phrase "Instant Karma" popped into his head. In the 1960s, karma was often discussed as something that affected your next life. Lennon, ever the modernist, flipped the script. He argued that in the modern age, consequences were immediate. Sitting at his piano, the melody came tumbling out. The lyrics were simple, direct, and universally rousing. By the time the coffee was cold, the song was essentially finished. Most artists would have recorded a demo and scheduled a studio session for the following week. Lennon, however, felt a burning urgency. He wanted it out now. He famously said, "I can't wait. I want people to hear it now, like a newspaper." Assembling the Plastic Ono Band Lennon immediately got on the phone. He called EMI Studios (now Abbey Road) and booked a session for that very evening. He then began assembling a crack team of musicians. First on the list was George Harrison. Despite the tensions within The Beatles, the bond between the two guitarists remained strong, and Harrison agreed to help. For the rhythm section, they recruited Klaus Voormann, an old friend from the Hamburg days, on bass, and Alan White (future Yes drummer) on drums. Billy Preston was brought in to handle the organ duties. But the most significant addition to the session was the man in the control booth. Lennon had recently become enamoured with the work of American producer Phil Spector. Spector was famous for his "Wall of Sound" technique - a dense, layered, and reverberating production style. Lennon invited him to the session, marking the beginning of a controversial but fruitful partnership that would eventually lead to Spector producing The Beatles' Let It Be album. The Session: Chaos and Magic The session at Abbey Road started around 7:00 pm. By all accounts, the atmosphere was frantic but focused. Lennon was in charge, barking out chords and directives. He wanted a sound that was heavy, echoing, and massive. Phil Spector’s influence was immediate. He employed his signature technique of using multiple pianos (played by Lennon, Harrison, and Preston simultaneously) to create a thick, percussive bed of sound. The drums were a particular point of focus. To get a deadened, thudding sound, towels were placed over the snare and tom-toms. The result was a drum fill intro that remains one of the most recognisable in rock history - a thunderous, dry crack that demands attention from the first second. Lennon’s vocal performance was equally raw. He didn't want polish; he wanted passion. The slapback echo applied to his voice gave it a ghostly, urgent quality, sounding like a preacher shouting from a mountaintop. Incredibly, within just a few hours and ten takes, they had the master recording. By midnight, they were mixing. By the early hours of the morning, the song was done. We All Shine On Lyrically, "Instant Karma!" is a fascinating snapshot of Lennon’s mindset at the time. It sits somewhere between a warning and a celebration. The verses warn us to "get yourself together" because "pretty soon you're gonna be dead." It’s blunt, almost aggressive. But then comes the chorus - a euphoric, chant-along anthem: "We all shine on / Like the moon and the stars and the sun." It’s a message of unity and optimism that balances the stark warnings of the verses. It suggests that while we are accountable for our actions, we are also made of stardust. It was a message the world, weary from the end of the swinging sixties and the Vietnam War, was ready to hear. The Top of the Pops Moment To promote the single, Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band appeared on the BBC’s Top of the Pops on February 12, 1970. It was a historic moment for several reasons. It was the first time a Beatle had appeared on the show since 1966, and it effectively signalled to the British public that The Beatles as a unit were finished. The performance is iconic. Lennon sat at the piano, wearing a black turtleneck and an armband, looking every inch the serious artist. Behind him, Yoko Ono sat blindfolded, knitting (and at one point holding up cue cards). It was strange, it was arty, and it was undeniably cool. A Legacy of Immediacy "Instant Karma!" was a massive success, reaching number five in the UK and number three in the US. It became the first solo single by a Beatle to sell a million copies in America. But beyond the sales figures, the song stands as a testament to artistic impulse. It proved that great art doesn't always need to be overthought or overproduced. Sometimes, the initial spark is the brightest. Lennon achieved his goal of "news" music. He captured a specific mood on a specific Tuesday in January and broadcast it to the world. In an era before Twitter or Instagram, this was as close to "real-time" sharing as a global superstar could get. Today, 56 years later, the drums still thunder, the piano still pounds, and the message still resonates. We all shine on. So, why not celebrate this anniversary by letting a little instant karma into your life? Whether you're a lifelong Lennon fan or discovering his solo work for the first time, there is no better way to experience the Wall of Sound than on wax.
