The 'Vinyl' Soundtrack Perfectly Mixes Old & New

Sex. Drugs. Rock 'n' roll. Three things that this world will never tire of, and three things that HBO's newest offering, Vinyl, certainly seems to feature. Set in 1970s New York City, the series will focus on the antics of recording label head Richie Finestra (Bobby Cannavale) as he struggles to save his company. A show about music is bound to have an amazing offering of it, so where can you listen to the Vinyl soundtrack?

Luckily for us, Vinyl's top-notch soundtrack will be released both episode-by-episode and in larger collections. Billboard reported that Vinyl: Music From the HBO Original Series - Volume 1 would be released on Feb. 12, two days before the premiere of the show. That album features 18 songs, and can currently be purchased on iTunes or streamed on Spotify. Billboard then explains that from here on out, every Friday an EP with music "featured in and inspired by" the following episode will be released. Then as the season nears its end, a second full series soundtrack will be released ahead of the April 17 finale. A press release from HBO explains what these EPs and soundtracks will include.

The musical offerings will feature an exciting combination of original tracks written and recorded exclusively for the series, vintage songs from the period re-recorded by contemporary artists, and a wealth of catalog favorites, all either appearing in or inspired by music in the series.

If you're wondering whether the Vinyl soundtracks will be worth buying, here are just a few of the songs you'll be able to find on Volume 1.

"Personality Crisis," David Johansen

According to the same Billboard article, the extensive soundtrack features multiple re-recorded songs from the New York Dolls and their famed vocalist, David Johansen. The New York Dolls' idiosyncratic hard/glam rock sound predated the forthcoming punk rock scene, which dovetails with the overarching musical struggles faced by the characters on Vinyl.

"No Good," Kaleo

An Icelandic sensation with a Southern rock feel, Kaleo is a modern representation of the kind of gritty sound produced in the 1970s, and certainly at home amongst all of the classics present on the soundtrack.

"Sugar Daddy," Sturgill Simpson

When someone like Sturgill Simpson is behind atheme song, you know it's going to be a good one. Music supervisor Randall Post told Billboard that “we cast a wide net” to find what fit Vinyl best. "It had to serve a larger purpose than something that was just episodic,” he said. “It’s not that it serves as a narrative. Sturgill just captured this spirit of rock and roll. It feels classic and contemporary.”

"Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean," Ruth Brown

Ruth Brown has been called the "Queen of R&B," and any person who is royalty of the genre is more than OK with me. Brown was so revered after releasing this and other powerful songs such as "So Long" and "Teardrops from My Eyes" that Atlantic Records became known as "the house that Ruth built."

"Mr. Pitiful," Otis Redding

Though pitiful is the last word I would ever use to describe Redding, his yearning heartbreak ballads factor perfectly into the world of '70s soul that Vinyl is set against.

"Suspicious Minds," Dee Dee Warwick

Dee Dee's velvet-voiced cover of an Elvis Presley classic hits me right where it hurts. Ooooh.

"All The Way From Memphis," Mott The Hoople

Mott The Hoople was pivotal in the glam rock scene of the 1970s. When David Bowie is such a big fan he just gave you a song, which Wales Online reports he did with Mott The Hoople and "All The Young Dudes," you know you did something so right.

"Stranded In The Jungle," New York Dolls

Another New York Dolls feature that puts to music how lost we can feel in the big, bad world sometimes.

"I Like It Like That," Chris Kenner

I dare you not to dance to this, no matter where you are.

"Cha Cha Twist," Ty Taylor

Ty Taylor is a soul musician from this side of the 21st century who is featured twice on the first volume of Vinyl's soundtrack, so fingers crossed he's a mainstay throughout the season.

"It’s Just Begun," Jimmy Castor Bunch

The disco and sax vibes in this track are making me even more excited for all of the fashion that's bound to absolutely kill it in Vinyl. Bell bottoms, halter tops, sweaty 'staches where you at!

"Hand Clapping Song," The Meters

Clappin' along all the way to the small screen.

"Frankenstein," Edgar Winter

Edgar Winter is known for his snowy Gandalf locks as well as the seemingly ubiquitous "Free Ride," but this synth jam is a classic, and definitely cemented Winter's keytar skills.

"Rotten Apple," Nasty Bits

James Jagger — yes, son of Mick Jagger — plays a rockstar in Vinyl, namely in a band called Nasty Bits. Check out his adorable screen test with the New York Times.

"I Just Want To Make Love To You," Foghat

It's official: I'm in love with Vinyl's soundtrack. I already can't wait to see what Volume 2 brings.