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In this episode of Needlepoint, hosts Paul Lester and Daryl Easlea explore the rich tapestry of rock music through the lens of the latest issue of Record Collector. 

They pay tribute to the recent passing of music legends Sly Stone and Brian Wilson, discussing their profound impact on their respective genres. 

The conversation delves into the artistic journeys of both musicians, their influence on the music industry, and the evolution of the Beach Boys' sound and their sometimes overlooked albums.

The hosts also discuss the Ramones' role in the punk rock movement, the collectability of vinyl records, and the significance of 1975 in music history. 

Listen to the musings of these musical aficionados.

#musicpodcast  #BeachBoys #SlyStone #Ramones #punk #vinyl #musichistory  #folkrock 

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Goth refuses to die – and thank goodness for that. In this enlightening episode of Needlepoint, Paul Lester and Daryl Easley explore the enduring appeal of goth music and culture through Record Collector's latest issue featuring Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy.

What makes goth so persistently captivating? We trace its evolution from its post-punk origins through to The Cure's chart-topping 2024 album, examining how it became the genre that simply wouldn't fade away. Peter Murphy emerges as the fascinating centerpiece – the "crown prince of camp magniloquence" who took David Bowie's theatrical baton and ran with it in his own distinctive direction.

We dive into the rich cultural tapestry that informed goth's development, from late-night BBC horror double bills to vampire mythology. The genre's powerful visual iconography and cross-gender appeal helped create not just a musical movement but a complete aesthetic universe that continues to attract younger generations decades after its inception. As Daryl aptly notes, "Why wouldn't you want to be called goth? Goth is a badge of honour."

Beyond our main feature, we explore this month's "triple Pete spectacular" with additional features on Peter Doherty and Peter Tosh, plus our guide to New York's essential 45s from across the five boroughs. The episode wraps with passionate discussions about recent concert experiences and teases next month's 50th anniversary Ramones special.

Whether you're a weekend Bauhaus fan or a dedicated follower of all things dark and dramatic, join us for this fascinating exploration of a genre that transformed melancholia into something epic, theatrical, and endlessly appealing. Like the vampires that inspired it, goth music has achieved its own form of immortality.

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Step into the passionate world of vinyl collectors and music aficionados with Needlepoint, the fresh voice in music podcasting from Record Collector magazine. Magazine editor Paul Lester and Rare Record Price Guide editor Daryl Easlea invite you to experience rock's rich tapestry through their expert lens, offering insights that only decades of immersion in music culture could provide.

The debut episode centres on Johnny Rotten's surprising record collection, revealing how the punk icon's musical tastes extended far beyond the confines of his public persona. Through an exclusive interview, we discover Lydon finding solace in his vinyl collection following the loss of his beloved wife Nora, presenting a touching human side rarely seen in traditional media coverage. This 14-page feature exemplifies Record Collector's commitment to exploring artists beyond surface-level narratives.

The music of 10cc,  Missy Elliott, and The Jam are all under the scrutiny of Lester and Easlea.

For collectors, the podcast delivers invaluable market insights as Easlea shares expert knowledge on valuation fluctuations, revealing how 90s vinyl has surged in value. Anecdotes about attending auctions, discovering records valued at thousands, and the preservation of musical memorabilia (including signed ABBA soap!) provide both practical collecting wisdom and charming glimpses into music's material culture.

Join us monthly for this needle-sharp exploration of music history, collecting culture, and the stories behind your favourite albums. Whether you're a serious collector or simply curious about the tales your records could tell, Needlepoint connects the grooves that bring music's hidden histories to life.

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Step into the fascinating world of musical transformation with Paul Lester and Daryl Easlea as they unpack Bob Dylan's revolutionary year of 1965 – the perfect companion to the recent Hollywood biopic capturing this pivotal moment in music history.

This episode of Needlepoint takes you deep into Dylan's seismic shift from folk hero to rock revolutionary, examining not just the explosion of 1965 but the tremors that preceded it. Paul and Daryl offer insights that both casual fans and serious collectors will treasure.

But the musical journey doesn't stop there. The hosts explore Dionne Warwick's remarkable career trajectory, describing her as an "iceberg artist" whose most celebrated Bacharach-David collaborations represent only the tip of her artistic achievement. Their passionate advocacy for her 1970s work with producer Tom Bell reveals hidden gems that deserve rediscovery.

Paul and Daryl make a compelling case against the dismissal of modern music, sharing their recent discoveries and arguing that "the best record ever made has yet to be made."

Whether you're building a vinyl collection, seeking overlooked treasures from familiar artists, or simply want to experience music history through the eyes of true enthusiasts, this episode delivers knowledge, passion, and a refreshing perspective that connects music's rich past with its vibrant present.

Subscribe to Needlepoint for more deep dives into the stories behind the records that shaped our world – and the new releases continuing that tradition today.

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When was the last time you saw Dr. Feelgood on the cover of a mainstream rock magazine? The answer might be never - until now. In this episode of Needlepoint, Paul Lester and Daryl Easlea unpack Record Collector's groundbreaking cover story on the pub rock movement, exploring why this influential genre has been surprisingly overlooked in rock's documented history.

The duo delves deep into what exactly constituted "pub rock" in the early-to-mid 1970s  in London's pubs. We discover how Dr. Feelgood and their contemporaries created something genuinely revolutionary. More fascinating still is tracing pub rock's DNA through generations of music that followed - from The Clash to Gang of Four, and even across the Atlantic to Talking Heads.

The conversation takes fascinating detours into the musical transformations of the 1970s, examining how artists like Lou Reed, Todd Rundgren, and Stevie Wonder made extraordinary evolutionary leaps in their sound within remarkably short timeframes. We're treated to Daryl's adventures at the world's largest record fair in Den Bosch, where paper sleeves sell for thousands while personal holy grails remain elusive. Paul shares his recent experiences seeing both John Lodge of the Moody Blues and experimental post-punk outfit Geordie Greep, highlighting the wonderful diversity of today's music landscape.

Whether you're seeking insights on the current issue of Record Collector (featuring not just the Dr. Feelgood cover story but also interviews with Smokey Robinson and features on musical hotspots), or simply want to spend time with two passionate music experts celebrating rock's rich tapestry, this episode delivers a masterclass in music appreciation. Subscribe now and join the conversation about the sounds, scenes and stories that shaped our musical world.