Unboxing RARE Vinyl Records!
When it comes to limited edition vinyl record runs, one online music label that has been crushing it these past couple of years is Celadon Plaza.
Specializing in all types of releases from Classic Vaporwave to Barber Beats, the label has built an already noteworthy catalog in just over 2 years, preserving some of the most wanted vinyl record releases ever in beautiful physical form.
Today, you and I are going to take a look at a bunch of records they sent over. Everything from this label is pretty much always sold out so I am unbelievably thankful to have been given this opportunity to further archive some great, extremely rare vaporwave vinyl into my collection. 2 of these records specifically are albums that I have always hoped would one day get a vinyl release, and they look incredible. Cheers, thanks so much for stopping by today, and let’s begin!
First record we’re going to take a look at from the haul is a fan favorite from the vcr-classique catalogue: visualdesign97’. Known for their silky smooth sample curation and relaxing yet luxurious nostalgic touch to everything they release, visualdesign97’ was part of vcr-classique’s first year of production back in 2018, and in my opinion, their best release that year. Originally released digitally on the Net Century label back in August of 2018, this record now comes to us in a limited edition Dark Green ‘Townhouse Vegetation’ vinyl all to match the lush greenery found in the album art. Not only does Celadon Plaza bring these 15 classic tracks to life, but another vcr-classique album that is one of my favorite Vaporwave albums of all time as well, that we will see further into the article.
As mentioned before, Barber Beats is a music genre Celadon Plaza has played a huge role in bringing onto vinyl form. Besides Aloe City of course, Celadon Plaza is one of the only other labels I can think of off the top of my head that is really taking the time and making the effort to get some well known releases many fans of the genre have been waiting for onto vinyl form. I’ve done a whole video breakdown on the Barber Beats genre, check it out when you get a chance if you haven’t done so already or just want some more background on this genre that has taken the internet by storm these past couple of years.
One of the biggest names in the scene, GORE, would find a home on Celadon Plaza with their 2023 release Peractorum on a limited edition transparent yellow “Sunflower Petal” vinyl. Between the yellow vinyl and the outdoorsy album artwork, this thing is givin’ me straight allergies looking at it like I wanna sneeze from the pollen!—But, it’s all so chill so I don’t care!
GORE here provides some extremely soothing and relaxing summertime and nature inspired Barber Beats on this thing from start to finish. So hold the allergy medicine cause I’m actually enjoying this ride. Peractorum is an incredible addition to your collection if you're a fan of laidback, calming Barber Beats.
Let’s keep it rollin’ with the Barber Beats; here we have Monodrone’s Customer Service on a limited edition “White Rotary Phone” Variant Vinyl Record. Old school computer graphics that would be plastered across your old science class text books from back in the day, Monodrone brings a genuine early 90’s feel to the Barber Beats sound: Romantic saxophones on tracks like “News At Nine” to smooth synths laying on the downlow in tracks like “Early Morning Euphoria”. Barber Beats meets Manhattan office building in this 8 track skyscraper adventure, and Celadon Plaza delivers that midi-inspired corporate vibe wonderfully throughout the entirety of the packaging on here.
We got even more Barber Beats from another massive name in the genre: GODSPEED 音 and their release емпионшип Роуд (translated to: Championship Road) on a limited edition transparent clear and red ‘Face Punch Blood Splatter’ vinyl. More laidback Barber Beats with a really fun treatment on the pressing, GODSPEED 音 excels at bringing a smokey touch to everything plundered, and емпионшип Роуд is no different. With tones motivational and epic in nature, емпионшип Роуд empowers the listener to meet challenges faced head on with grit and determination.
ANTIPHON (唯一的反霸权是同理心) by modest by default continues onwards with more lush and atmospheric Barber Beats production. Originally released back in September of 2022, here we are now looking at it in new life on the limited edition ‘Pink Graffiti’ vinyl, carrying the design of the album art perfectly into the physical medium. Modest has become one of my favorite artists in the Barber Beats realm, so adding any new work to my collection from them is always a blessing.
Before we get into the 2 massive records Celadon Plaza included in this package for me, I just wanted to showcase a bunch of cassettes and stickers they also added into the shipment. Everything is super clean and crisp looking, with full plastic seals and even some obi strips.
Look at this haunted looking McDonalds cassette, I’ve never heard of this album before and I’m very excited to check it out. Also noteworthy is the Celadon Plaza: Year Two charity compilation cassette they sent which features a variety of artists from the label’s 2nd year of releases:
“Celadon Plaza was born strictly out of a desire to physically preserve music and artists I love. That is all this label has ever been; a collection of music and artists that I love truly. Seeing thousands of you come out to support and share in the love of these artists has warmed my heart in a way it has never been before. Your support has allowed the label to soar to new heights and take on wonderful projects that I never thought possible.” - Celadon Plaza
Alrighty, Celadon Plaza here has absolutely crushed it by bringing one of my favorite Vaporwave releases of all time to life on vinyl record: exotics by vcr-classique on the 12 inch ‘Lonesome City’ limited edition black vinyl. Exotics has got to be some of the best classic Vaporwave you can experience; it's dusty, luxurious, smokey, nostalgic, everything that makes a great Vaporwave release. Having these samples available to spin on vinyl is wonderful and this was one of those vapor releases that felt like they were one of the last true classics to finally get the vinyl treatment. Yes, there are always gonna be some classic Vaporwave gems out there that still haven’t made their way onto vinyl records, but this was a big one for me and I am so happy to finally spin this thing.
They also repressed this on a limited edition transparent purple edition as well, giving more fans a chance to grab this undeniable Vaporwave masterpiece.
And last, but not least, Barbershop Simulator™ by slowerpace 音楽 on a limited edition Blue/Faint Black Marble ‘Retro Game Cartridge’ vinyl record.
Look at this thing; slowerpace 音楽 has created such a name for themselves in the Barber Beats scene by making themed or world-building album releases, and this one has got to be my favorite of the bunch. Inspired by a Grand Theft Auto meets PC tycoon game, the relaxation levels on this release are at an all time high. The album artwork is so memorable on this one, and it’s hi-res presentation on the jacket is a massive plus. The blue marble pressing matches the tones of the artwork as well wonderfully, and it’s cool to see how much was released alongside this album on Celadon Plaza with cassettes and a poster as well. Recently, slowerpace 音楽 released the second installation of Barbershop Simulator and I can only hope that Celadon Plaza and slowerpace 音楽 team up once again to bring this stellar series to life again.
A huge shout out to Celadon Plaza for sending over these releases, I know I will be spinning them for many nights to come. What albums or artists have you been listening to lately?
Until next time, much love, keep on sharing great music, and we’ll talk soon.
Pad Chennington.