In episode 22, Noel goes at audiophiles and turntable elitists who discourage new collectors by saying that record players and inexpensive turntables ruin records and fail to deliver decent sound quality. He also gives some general updates, a brief recap of his review of HR Records, and of course, offers listeners a long-awaited vinyl recommendation.

Noel then discusses a trend of reissues that he believes has some good and bad consequences for collectors and black music fans. Lastly, Noel highlights how to spot an original release versus a reissue in the getting technical segment. Tell us what you think about anything we touched on and as always, feel free to email at [email protected].

Episode 21 Noel discovers a hidden gem inside the DC vinyl community, just in time for Black History Month, too. He also gives some thoughts on BHM and its tie into what the Record Spinner Podcast is all about. Lastly, he discusses the idea of a new segment, “Getting Technical,” where instead of talking about the technical side of vinyl for an entire episode, he’ll speak on one or two things each episode moving forward. Please let us know what questions you have around the techy side of vinyl by emailing at [email protected] or DM us at rebirthofthecool on IG and twitter. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this with your music people!

Happy Black History Month, folks!

Part 2 of Episode 20, Noel and G, the Rebel switch topics and get on to more lighthearted matters like favorite music genres, mental health, and tips on how to stay fit during this pandemic. The Record Spinner Podcast will return on Sunday with more talk about records, black music, and other rants. In the meantime, holla at your boy at [email protected] or on IG and Twitter @rebirthofthecool

In episode 20, we get political with the homie, G, the Rebel of the Millennial Logic podcast. This interview is part 1 of a two-part series exploring some of the recent happenings in American politics and how it affects black folk. Thanks to G for stopping by. Please let us know what you think about our discussion. As always, feedback is STRONGLY encouraged, and submit any questions, topics, compliments, and complaints to [email protected] and don’t forget to visit the website and SIGN UP for the forum on therecordspinner.com

In episode 19, Noel celebrates some download achievements (thanks to all the listeners!) and gives some general updates for the show and his record collection. He also gives a brief film review. Noel then goes on to recommend five dope records to use for "Deep Listening." According to the LA Times writer, Randall Roberts is “The late experimental composer and teacher Pauline Oliveros coined the phrase “deep listening” for just this practice. Defining it as a kind of “radical attentiveness,” she wrote, “I differentiate to hear and to listen. To hear is the physical means that enables perception. To listen is to give attention to what is perceived both acoustically and psychologically.”” 

As always, feel free to email us your thoughts on “deep listening” and any other topic you wish to discuss with Noel at [email protected]. Find Noel on IG and Twitter at Rebirthofthecool, and feel free to chop it up there. Thanks for listening, don’t forget to share, rate, and subscribe if you can.

Recommended Albums for "Deep Listening"

Ahmad Jamal Trio – The Awakening (1970, Impulse Records)

Mingus Plays Piano – Charles Mingus (1964, Impulse)

Dorothy Ashby – Afro Harping (1968, Cadet) 

A Love Supreme – John Coltrane (1965, Impulse)

Billy Parkers Fourth World – Freedom of Speech (1975, Strata East)

Episode 18 of the Record Spinner Podcast covers some general updates from Noel. Topics range from political commentary produced by his friend and fellow podcaster, G the Rebel, to equipment upgrades (shoutout Sweetwater audio). Noel touches on all the latest happenings in his corner of the nation's capital. He then answers some emailed questions from listeners and ends reading an email from a former colleague and friend from his political campaign days. As always, please send any questions, concerns, complaints to Noel at [email protected] and visit the site at therecordspinner.com 

In Episode 17 of the Record Spinner Podcast, Noel celebrates his first "fan email," recaps his comments on the usage of hooks in rap music, and of course, gives his vinyl recommendation of the week (you can find that album here). Noel then explores the work of the legendary Weldon Irvine. Irvine was a musician, poet, playwright, and black activist who took his own life in his later years. Noel theorizes why the jazz and hip hop pioneer did this and warns others about the intense feelings of hopelessness and despair that come with being truly "liberated" from a white supremacist mindset.

As always, let us know what you think about the topic (email: [email protected]), and don't forget to check out the trailer for the project Noel mentions, Digging for Weldon Irvine, produced by Victorious De Costa.

(I do not own the rights to the image listed on this episode)

Episode 16 is a special update about the passing of hip hop legend and pioneer of rap music, MF DOOM. Rest easy to the legend! This episode explores the personal inspiration that the Illest Villain provided to Noel early on in his musical journey. Noel goes on to rank DOOMs top ten LPs. What do you think about Noel's ranking? (Noel didn't add the Danger Doom Collab stuff!!?) Tell us at [email protected] and follow Noel on IG and Twitter at Rebirthofthecool. Lastly, don't forget the forum on therecordspinner.com.

I want to know what DOOM meant to you? And how I did with my ranking...

In Episode 15, Noel discusses holiday happenings, some vinyl news, and a fantastic movie about jazz that he watched. The Record Spinner's topic explores some of Jazz music's key figures who helped usher in the Hip Hop genre for the younger generation of black artists. Noel discusses the impact of jazz giants such as Donald Byrd, Herbie Hancock, and Weldon Irvine (and a few others). Hit play and tell us if we forgot to mention any interesting jazz acts or jazz/hip-hop collabs.

Lastly, while recording and EQing this ep, the news of the death of underground hip hop legend and pioneer MF DOOM broke. Noel has mentioned countless times the importance of DOOM to Noel's musical journey. We at the Record Spinner Podcast love the metal face villain, and our hearts and thoughts are with the family of DOOM and all in the black music community, who are grieving this sudden and tragic loss. Do believe Noel will have words on what DOOM meant to black music shortly.

Peace family, and Happy 2021!!!

Episode 003 (15) features an interview with Noel's long time musician pal, Jonathan, in part 1 of a four-part series discussing the impact of the Rock/Rap group, Rage Against the Machine. Noel prefaces this interview with some thoughts on the group's societal impact and some thoughts on the late great poet, songwriter, and artist Gil-Scott Heron. As always, please give me a shout at [email protected] or follow me on IG: rebirthofthecool and check out the website.