The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds

Melbourne band Umlaut discuss their upcoming heartbreak-themed album "Desolë”, inspirations and reflections on Mr Bungle memories and performances. Topics Include: Vinyl Guide podcast video episode with Melbourne band Umlaut Band members: Bär McKinnon, Shane, Angus, Danny introduced New album "Desolë" coming out July 25th/21st "Desolë" means "sorry" in French, originally song title Track became album title after Angus suggested it Album themes center around heartbreak and personal material Bär moved toward more earnest songwriting recently Danny wrote some lyrics, band becoming more collaborative Bär describes creative process while driving, cycling melodies Recording these personal songs felt embarrassing for Bär Songs existed for some time before band recorded Bär historically very controlling, now trying to relinquish Most songs originated with Bär, others contributed sections Danny brings different drumming ideas than just copying Peter Jackson Beatles documentary inspired collaborative approach Final track created spontaneously in rehearsal room Bär and Danny worked together 25 years ago Different now because they're actually playing together Previously recorded separately, rarely rehearsed together More open to other ideas and input now "Vinny" track completely transformed from Bär's original demo Band has revolving door history with members Current quartet setup works well for these songs All members play multiple instruments during live shows Mr. Bungle 2024 Melbourne show at Festival Hall happened Only had 12 minutes to work out songs Performed "Travolta" with Danny and Bär rejoining Teased "Carry Stress in the Jaw" then stopped Angus sang backing vocals on Travolta performance Security almost didn't let them on stage Bär wore boiler suit and scarface shirt Extended saxophone solo during the performance Considered doing secret sideshow but didn't happen Recent health issues caused tour cancellations in October Danny considered quitting drumming due to physical concerns Band refused to play without Danny Health issues resolved, Danny can play again Cold Sore is cover of unreleased Mr. Bungle song Unreleased Bungle recordings exist on two-inch tape Album took about year and half to complete Pre-order vinyl here and here. Watch the VIDEO version here High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Ed Colver discusses his iconic punk rock photography career, including shooting legendary album covers like Black Flag's "Damaged" and Circle Jerks' "Group Sex," as well as his passion for collecting strange "crackpot records".  Topics Include: Ed Colver known for punk photography, also collects strange records Calls his collection "crackpot records" - religious, political, spoken word Started buying records at 14 in 1964, Pretty Things album Always liked heavy underground psychedelic music growing up Collected antiques, spent time at flea markets and thrift stores Would hide good records behind Sean Cassidy albums Put Herb Alpert records in front to fool other collectors Music and art were everything to him growing up Exposed to avant-garde classical in 1967 by art teacher Learned Stockhausen, John Cage, Edgar Varèse, Toru Takamitsu Called electronic music "your grandfather's punk rock" George Antheil's Ballet Mechanique caused riots in 1923 Hated high school, dropped out at 18 for junior college Studied all kinds of applied art classes and woodworking Made skateboard in 1963, year Kennedy was shot Beatles on Ed Sullivan made no impact on him Preferred Pretty Things over Beatles and Rolling Stones Never tried playing instruments, glad didn't buy drum kit Started photography in late 1978 at punk shows Took friend Robert Hill to shows, now works national security Couldn't afford much film, had to be selective Used manual focus with small flash, paid attention constantly Shot rhythm-timed photos, watched for dramatic moments Lost lens in right eye 30 years ago Famous Chuck Berk stage dive photo taken July 1981 Met Chuck next night, never saw him again since Chuck gets paid when photo is licensed commercially Levi's and Vans perfect product placement in photo Circle Jerks "Group Sex" cover shot at Marina skate park Was there specifically to shoot album cover, not spontaneous Used color film, took more than one roll High contrast printing saved the mediocre color photo Black Flag "Damaged" cover concept was Ed's idea Shot near La Bianca murder house location coincidentally Made fake blood from ink, coffee, and dish soap Red-eyed Henry photos were rejected as "too demented" Original red-eye photos lost for 35 years Channel 3 Pure Life photo originally for Damaged insert Typeset layout ruined the backward gun photograph's power How to Overcome Discouragement record from early 1970s Played it as soundtrack at art walk event Has broken glass on cover, similar to Damaged Wild in Streets cover shot during San Francisco parade Circle Jerks crashed parade, Ed ran ahead shooting Parade doesn't show in final photo, just street Shot Darby Crash mohawk photo backstage at Starwood Darby died about two months after that photo Ice Cube portrait shot in one minute, ten frames Used medium format camera with professional lighting setup Extended and high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Fred Schneider of The B-52s discusses his massive 10,000+ record collection while sharing stories about the B-52's early days, the original "Rock Lobster" single, vinyl reissues and new boxset. Topics Include: Massive record collection visible in wall-to-ceiling custom cabinets Estimates 10,000+ records, considers himself a "record nut" Collection includes avant-garde, classical, funk, soul, bad records Loves bad Christmas records and Halloween records specifically Been collecting since age 13, started in early days Currently has broken receiver, can't play main system Portable player works for 45s but stops unexpectedly Still adding records but doing major purge now Selling and donating records, too many to listen to Donates to Archive of Contemporary Music organization regularly Most precious records are original 45s from youth Still has first album mother bought thinking Beatles Moved into funk, Led Zeppelin, then New Wave music Was Sirius Satellite Radio DJ for three years Prefers first pressings, doesn't care about reissues much Looking for "When I'm Gone" by Brenda Holloway Will clean up scuffed records if sound improves Vinyl never left his turntable despite CD popularity Listens to music most of day while doing activities Plays classical mornings while reading magazines and coffee Enjoys electronic music from 50s/60s and harp music B-52s sound came from all members' varied influences Band was lumped with punk but more "freak punk" Original "Rock Lobster" single recorded in Georgia mountains DB Records pressed 2,000 copies, sold out quickly Eventually pressed 30,000 total copies of original single Australia embraced band early, rolled out red carpet Band never saw penny from original single sales Talking Heads recommended B-52s to their manager successfully Enter to win a record from us to celebrate Ep500 High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Epitaph founder Brett Gurewitz discusses rare records, early Bad Religion releases, the lasting impact of "Suffer", format transitions, and staying relevant through punk's evolution and vinyl's revival. Topics Include: Brett's first record: Cosmo's Factory at age 9-10 Lost entire record collection after breakup with Susie Shaw Greg Shaw's legendary garage rock collection inspired young Brett Vinyl revival surprised Brett after seeing format cycles Started Epitaph shipping vinyl from West Beach closet CD controversy: expensive, poor sound quality initially Made three formats: vinyl, cassette, CD for releases Vinyl nearly died in late 90s, warehouse troubles COVID lockdown sparked massive vinyl sales resurgence Indie artists need vinyl for merch booths Color variants important for hardcore collecting communities Epitaph's mission: help artists, don't make records ourselves Started Bad Religion at 17, Greg/Jay were 15 No label knowledge, just entrepreneurial punk rock spirit Dad lent $1500, found Alberti pressing plant First 7-inch had skipping error, different pressings exist Rodney on ROQ played cassette before vinyl Fan mail arrived from Europe surprisingly early "Into the Unknown" prog disaster: 11,000 returns somehow Took day job selling gay disco imports Learned recording at University of Sound Arts Started West Beach studio in Pacifica's back closet Cocaine-fueled 80s work schedule: three jobs simultaneously "Suffer" recorded in seven days, transcendent experience Eddie Schreier at Capitol gave Brett confidence boost "Suffer" sound attracted top punk bands to studio Signed NOFX, Offspring through West Beach connections California harmonies influenced by Adolescents, Beach Boys "Beginner's mind" philosophy keeps Epitaph current today Authenticity and youth create that rock miracle Enter to win a record from us to celebrate Ep500 High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Billy Gibbons shares his lifelong passion for collecting vinyl records and vintage guitars, from his first Jimmy Reed single to his legendary "Pearly Gates" Les Paul, revealing the stories behind iconic instruments and rare recordings. Topics Include: Billy Gibbons has honorary doctorate from Musicians Institute Extensive record collection includes many well-preserved 78s Takes records on tour bus, plays DJ with Elwood About 1,200 legitimate record stores exist worldwide today Favorite shops include Waterloo Austin, secret Vegas spot Record stores create communities with great coffee, food British resurrected American blues through vinyl reissues Girlfriend "Stick" sent Hendrix record from London early Moving Sidewalks learned Purple Haze before tour Jimi appreciated their nerve playing his songs first Saw Elvis at age five in 1956 Houston Witnessed B.B. King recording at ACA Studios age six First record was Jimmy Reed single via housekeeper's list Parents supported musical tastes, dad was MGM pianist Mom "knew how to play the radio" best Dad's family immigrated 1908, became musicians avoiding gloves Samuel Goldfish (Goldwyn) brought dad to MGM Pictures Elvis lit fuse, B.B. King sealed musical deal Beatles introduced unusual harmonies, more than three chords First vinyl appearance: Moving Sidewalks "99th Floor" Recorded at Doyle Jones studio in Houston Houston had rich recording scene with multiple studios Various labels operated from Houston recording schools Pearly Gates Les Paul bought for $250 originally Searched for guitars matching Pearly Gates' magic sound Three vintage Les Pauls appeared at Carter Vintage simultaneously Nacho Banos recreating vintage Les Pauls in Spain Recently played Albert King's custom Flying V gift Recording "Chronicles 2" using Albert's original Flying V Robert Johnson legend, pictures and collectables Guitar collection includes meteorite picks, slides, Bo Diddley rectangle Enter to win a record from us to celebrate Ep500 High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Billy Corgan discusses his unconventional record collecting philosophy while revealing the complex saga behind the Machina albums, the 25 legendary vinyl copies, the upcoming Machines of God boxset, Mellon Collie vinyl releases and more. Topics Include: Billy working on book for 10 years, restarted multiple times Billy buys lots of records but isn't fussy collector Prioritizes clean vinyl condition over perfect covers or variants Worked at record store in 80s, understands collector mindset Collects obscure major label releases from 60s and 70s Searches for forgotten bands with no online information trace Loves jazz on 10-inch records from late 50s/early 60s Record collection has no organization, total mess at home Bought thousand records on last tour, resells some Machina originally sprawling concept record about band breaking up Virgin Records treated band poorly despite massive previous sales Never finished complete Machina vision during original 2000 sessions Released truncated 15-song Machina I album through Virgin/EMI Band toured 11 months knowing they'd break up afterward Three weeks before breakup, Billy rushed to finish leftover recordings Record company rejected finished Machina II Billy dumped complete Machina II free on internet in 2000 First major band to release album free online, predating Radiohead Machina II became viral sensation, fans loved the record Produced only 25 hand-cut vinyl copies of Machina II Each copy uniquely wrapped in printed tape, all different Sent copies to Robert Smith, fans; now worth thousands Years of legal battles with Universal over complete release Initial "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" vinyl release Alterations for Mellon Collie running order New Machina box set finally coming through Madame ZuZu's Box contains 80 songs: complete vision plus extra tracks Universal separately reissuing original Machina I album remastered ZWAN vinyl reissue underway Archive contains over 60,000 pieces of physical media Hundreds of live concert recordings from 90s tours available Billy passionate about rewarding dedicated fans who dig crates Enter to win a record from us to celebrate Ep500 High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Punk legends Alice Bag and Kid Congo Powers discuss their collaborative lounge project "Juanita and Juan", reflect on the diverse, inclusive LA punk scene, discussing moments like the first Germs show, the "Up in Smoke" filming, and the tight-knit community that reshaped music forever. Topics Include: Alice Bag and Kid Congo Powers introduce collaborative project Known each other for decades from LA punk scene Project started with mysterious Hollywood call for Latin song Characters Juanita and Juan have elaborate fictional backstory Sound described as "loud lounge, punk folk" style Uses electronic music, keyboards, minimal guitar, tropical beats Album titled "Jungle Cruise" released on In the Red Songs are autobiographical, including "Here Comes the Prez" Originally planned for book readings with musical interludes Both authors used music to ease reading nervousness LA punk scene was incredibly diverse and inclusive Lasted only 18 months but reshaped music forever Everyone contributed something to the tight-knit community Alice witnessed first chaotic Germs performance with groceries Both attended "Up in Smoke" Battle of Bands filming Kid visible in background of unreleased Germs footage Darby Crash's death discussed - overdose versus suicide debate Bags single "Survive" now worth $1000 to collectors Both still actively collecting and occasionally selling records Planning more Juanita and Juan material, considering Australia tour Order Juanita and Juan's "Jungle Cruise" vinyl here. Commercial free, high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

SWANS founder Michael Gira discusses his final orchestrated album "Birthing," his creative process, and plans to transition to a simpler musical approach after decades of creating intense, transcendent live performances. Topics Include: Michael introduces "Birthing" as SWANS' final orchestrated album. Future SWANS work will be much simpler. He's 71 and finds intense performances physically demanding. No clear vision yet for his next musical phase. SWANS will tour US in October, then Europe. He finds Australian tours difficult due to jet lag. Triple vinyl/double CD includes concert film and documentary. Marco Porzia filmed the SWANS documentary. Christopher Nicholson filmed a solo performance in Norway. Great shows happen when "the music plays us." Natural venue acoustics enhance the performance experience. Songs transform and lengthen throughout tours. One song evolved to 82 minutes during tour. Three-hour sets leave performers exhausted afterward. Songs begin on acoustic guitar before band elaboration. He listens to guitar sound hole to hear potential harmonics. Directs band through gestures during live performances. The recording happened immediately after European tour ended. Uses same old Guild acoustic guitar for decades. Vinyl editions required some song edits for length. Gira doesn't listen to much music anymore. He art directs all SWANS releases personally. Created unique limited editions with handmade elements. Has done crowdfunding since 2000 for recording budgets. Once recorded personalized songs for top contributors. Will miss the elation of building live crescendos. No current plans for more fiction writing. Reluctant to write autobiography despite family encouragement. Can mentally play entire album from memory. Recently rediscovered early Led Zeppelin's brilliance. Order the SWANS LP "Birthing" here. Commercial free, high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

andrew "falco" falkous discusses the reformation of his band mclusky after a nearly 20-year hiatus, their upcoming album on ipecac recordings, the rare catalogue of vinyl releases and more! Topics Include: falco confirms mclusky's new album "the world is still here and so are we." album will be released on may 9th on ipecac recordings. falco feels ipecac is the perfect label home for mclusky. he hopes this is just the end of "act one" for their reunion. falco approaches life expecting problems but finding humor in them. humor is essential to mclusky's songs without becoming a joke band. falco keeps files of potential song titles for future use. songs usually emerge from playing together in the same room. first takes often contain the magic that makes songs special. falco writes most lyrics but damien wrote lyrics for two songs. "your mother is a ballpoint pen thief" came naturally in writing process. falco describes songwriting as writing 1000 bad songs to get 10 good ones. performing gives falco confidence he doesn't have in other social settings. the current mclusky lineup consistently delivers intense live performances. "mclusky do dallas" remains their most popular album by far. steve albini recorded both "do dallas" and "the difference between me and you..." "lightsaber cocksucking blues" started as a throwaway whole lotta rosie parody. the line "flying is fearful of me" just emerged while performing. "she will only bring you happiness" had radio potential until "sex criminal" line. self-sabotage is part of mclusky's essence, even when unintentional. falco considers swearing an essential part of rock music. australia has been mclusky's strongest market since early in their career. melbourne, sydney and brisbane show strongest streaming numbers for mclusky. the band has toured australia approximately ten times since 2002. prescriptions music is falco's label for future of the left and christian fitness. falco considers mclusky "mostly my band" but credits all members' contributions. damien sayell (current bassist) recently recovered from a health scare. jack egglestone (drummer) has jazz training and remarkable listening skills. mclusky reunion began with charity shows for venues like le pub in newport. the current lineup feels like a distinct band, not future of the left playing mclusky songs. recording the new album was spread across three weekends over 18 months. bob weston remastered "mclusky do dallas" giving it a different sheen. future of the left albums and more christian fitness reissues are planned. their favorite songs on the new album are those recorded most recently. the name "mclusky" came from a character in british tv show "grange hill." order the new mclusky album here commercial free, high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.patreon.com/VinylGuide listen on apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 listen on spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Damian Kulash of OK Go discusses his evolution from punk music fan, working with Dischord records, and creating boundary-pushing music, vinyl packaging and viral videos Topics Include: New album "And The Adjacent Possible" available for streaming now. Discussion about physical media's role in OK Go's output. OK Go primarily known for videos that "live in the ether." Damian was into physical record packaging during college years. First record was Herbie Hancock's "Rockit," bought at Tower Records. Young Damian damaged the record trying to scratch like DJ. Later played with Herbie Hancock at Obama's 50th birthday party. Musical journey from hip-hop through Prince, Beatles, Led Zeppelin. DC punk scene was influential, with bands playing in cafeterias. Started Level Records at age 15,with funding from Dischord Records. Ian MacKaye lent teenager Damian money to start label. Level Records produced 7-inches and compilation CDs for friends' bands. College made running a record label difficult for Damian. Studied art semiotics at Brown University. Worked as NPR radio engineer and Photoshop retoucher after college. Indifferent to Napster's rise during OK Go's early days. Band finances operated like "roadrunner off the cliff" cartoon. Discussion about gift economy model working for the band. Belief that making things you love matters most, not success. Music sometimes gets overshadowed by video's visual impact. Videos gave OK Go longevity beyond typical radio-hit bands. New album theme explores Stuart Kaufman's "adjacent possible" concept. OK Go doesn't have unified sound; band is "like a mixtape." Treadmill video was originally made for "nerdiest fans" only. Videos aim to create real events that connect with viewers. Physical pressings of OK Go albums are costly in secondary market. New vinyl features elaborate pop-up sphere in custom packaging. Hidden track on second album deliberately blocked copy-protection software. Record label "Paracadute" means parachute in Italian. Ten-year album gap wasn't intentional; life and pandemic happened. Directed "The Beanie Bubble" film with his wife for Apple. Film directing different from making music videos; less adrenaline-driven. Video production typically takes 3-6 months from concept to completion. Some video ideas abandoned when technology made them commonplace. Order the OK Go LP "And The Adjacent Possible" on vinyl here EXTENDED, Commercial free, high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8