Vinyl Me Please December Review 2016
A monthly vinyl subscription pairing a curated record with a custom cocktail recipe and artwork — December's pick, Nina Simone Sings the Blues, was one of our favorites yet.
We couldn't decide if we liked Nina's unique voice or the intensity of her slow jazz, more.
Our reviewerA Record That Spoke to Us More Than Any Other Month
Vinyl Me, Please is a monthly vinyl subscription service, and for $27 a month subscribers get one curated record, a custom cocktail recipe, and a piece of custom artwork. December's pick was Nina Simone's Sings the Blues.
It's probably one of our favorite Vinyl Me, Please albums yet. Simone's voice is unique and haunting, a mix of songs that speak to the soul as much as the ears — we listened to the record once, then put it right back on. If slow blues jazz is your thing, this month's pick would have been perfect.
The accompanying artwork, a painting of Simone haloed in light with a star-filled afro, was nicely done, though not something we'd put up on our own wall. The month's cocktail, a Bourbon Milk Punch — a milk-and-rum combination — was one of the yummier drink pairings we've had from the service.
December's box spoke to us in a way none of the other months quite have. We couldn't decide whether Simone's voice or the intensity of her slow jazz was the bigger draw — in the end, we just sat back with our cocktail and let the record play on repeat.
Why We Love It
- December's pick, Nina Simone's Sings the Blues, was one of the best records the service has sent
- The Bourbon Milk Punch cocktail pairing was one of the tastier monthly recipes
- Bundles a curated vinyl record with a custom cocktail recipe and original artwork for one price
Considerations
- The included artwork, while well done, wasn't something the reviewer wanted to display
- This month's slow blues jazz pick won't land for listeners outside that genre
Our Hands-On Review
We put the record on and immediately went back for a second listen — Nina Simone's voice carries a haunting, soulful quality that held up on repeat. It's a mood record more than background noise, best suited to listeners who already like slow blues and jazz.
The extras rounded out the experience: a painting of Simone haloed in light with a star-filled afro (nice, if not wall-worthy for us) and a Bourbon Milk Punch cocktail recipe that turned out to be one of the better drink pairings the subscription has sent.
A Cocktail Worth Making
December's pairing was a Bourbon Milk Punch — a milk-and-rum combination we'd call one of the yummier monthly cocktails from the service.
We Recommend This To Readers Who:
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Love slow blues and jazz
Nina Simone's haunting vocals and slow jazz intensity made this the standout pick for genre fans.
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Want more than just a record
Each box pairs the vinyl with a custom cocktail recipe and original artwork.
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Enjoy discovering new artists monthly
At $27/month, the subscription surfaces curated picks you might not find on your own.
A Closer Look
What's in the Box
Every Vinyl Me, Please shipment pairs the record with two extras designed to round out the listening experience.
The Record
One curated vinyl LP each month — December's pick was Nina Simone's Sings the Blues.
Cocktail Recipe
A custom drink recipe matched to the release; December's was a Bourbon Milk Punch, a milk-and-rum blend.
Custom Artwork
An original piece created for the release; December's was a painting of Nina Simone haloed in light with a star-filled afro.
Membership Price
Vinyl Me, Please runs a flat monthly subscription that includes the record, cocktail recipe and artwork.
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Monthly SubscriptionPopular | $27 |
The Verdict: Amazing
December's Vinyl Me, Please pick spoke to us more than any other month — between Nina Simone's unique voice and the intensity of her slow jazz, we just sat back with our cocktail and listened to the record on repeat.
