Vinyl Moon

What's in the box: Each month brings one colored vinyl LP of 10 to 12 songs by independent artists in an illustrated jacket, along with inserts and small extras.

Vinyl Moon is an independently owned monthly vinyl club that has been running since 2015, and it describes itself as the longest running club of its kind. Instead of sending a reissue or a well known album, each month it releases a "mixtape" record: 10 to 12 songs from artists the curators like, licensed directly from the bands or their labels and sequenced as one listening experience. The records are pressed on colored vinyl and packed in a deluxe artwork jacket, with extra inserts and small surprises included. The focus is on discovery, with musicians from around the world, so expect mostly unfamiliar names rather than chart artists. That is the whole point, and it suits listeners who enjoy hearing something new more than building a collection of classics. The visual design gets as much attention as the music, which makes each volume feel like a small art object. Beyond the club, the site runs a shop with exclusive pressings from past mixtape artists, plus merch and accessories. Pricing and shipping terms are not spelled out on the front page, so check those before subscribing. If you want guaranteed favorites, an album of the month club may serve you better. If you like being surprised, this is a thoughtful and well established option.