The Record Spinner Podcast

Episode 24 Noel sits down with pop/soul music duo, RudyGld Smoke. The Chicago based, married duo stopped by the Record Spinner Podcast to discuss everything music and relationship with Noel. Thanks to Dani Jo and TL Williams for the awesome conversation. You both are welcomed back anytime. Check out their upcoming virtual show (today, February 28 at 8:00pm) and all things RubyGld on their website. As usual, email Noel at [email protected].

The Record Spinner Podcast Episode 23, “My Name is My Name,” Noel discusses some cool updates on the Digging for Weldon Documentary, a guest host spot, and some outstanding records that have made it through US customs clearance. Finally, he talks about his alias and why he must cover his legal identity in the day and age of “black radical extremism” and misunderstanding of black pride and black liberation. Feel free to share your thoughts with us at [email protected] and follow us @rebirthofthecool on Twitter and Instagram.

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...