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

Obsessive vinyl collector and radio & MTV legend Matt Pinfield discusses his music collection, holy grails, music industry stories, his recent health scares and sharing stories at the Punk Rock Museum.

The Punk Rock Museum info and tickets are here

Matt's book "My Insane Improbable Rock Life" is here

Topics Include:

• Matt discusses his post-stroke meal plan after months without solid food
• Friends like Mike Ness from Social Distortion visited him in hospital
• Stroke happened at drummer John Tempesta's house, remembers calling EMS
• Had both stroke and meningeal pneumonia with 85% mortality rate
• Daughters told he would die, was touch and go situation
• Lost feeling on right side, still numb but walking with cane
• Previous near-death experiences: aneurysm at 15, car accident, sobriety struggles
• Recovery includes acupuncture from former punk drummer and intense physical therapy
• Currently doing tours at the Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas
• Favorite museum artifact is rare Germs concert footage never released
• Stories of interviewing Iggy Pop who once knocked microphone from hands
• Hosted Wayne Kramer tribute concert at Sing Sing prison for inmates
• Getting punk acts on MTV 120 Minutes easier than expected
• Started in college radio at Rutgers, only 13 alternative stations existed
• CBGBs regular, Athens Georgia born with B-52s/R.E.M. connections there
• Kevin Bacon joked there's only two degrees of separation with Matt
• Neil Young remains his interview "holy grail"
• Matt is a serious 45 RPM collector
• Lived in Paul Kantner's old apartment with psychedelic laser showerhead
• DJed at clubs where James Gandolfini was regular
• Friends with Don Bolles from Germs, both love 70s glam records
• Personal rule: must buy something from every record store visited
• Also supports opening bands by buying their vinyl and t-shirts
• Postal service recently stole entire box of rare 45s shipment
• Still searching for holy grail records like Panic Squad 12-inch single
• Tom Petty acetate test pressing gift from friend Chuck Rocha
• Found rare Cherry Slush single that climbed charts before label folded
• Optimistic about vinyl's future as young people discover physical music
• Believes vinyl offers irreplaceable warmth and "whole other world" experience
• Plans Vegas record shopping and Australian record exchange with Nate

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Gibby Haynes discusses his upcoming EU/UK tour, the completed Butthole Surfers documentary, early punk memories, near-death stage experiences, vinyl reissues and lots more.

EU/UK Tour Tickets here

Topics Include:

• Gibby discusses upcoming European & UK tour with Scott Thunes and musical kids
• Tour dates are limited, zero chance of expansion beyond Europe/UK
• Scott Thunes was Frank Zappa's former bassist and "clone meister"
• Gibby confirms he's a Frank Zappa fan, particularly loved "Apostrophe" album
• Lost interest in Zappa after "Apostrophe" due to scatological humor focus
• Initial confusion about Scott Thunes - Gibby doesn't know who he is
• Clarifies he works with Paul Green's School of Rock for 20 years
• Scott Thunes may be coming on tour, is friend of Paul Green
• Gibby has no direct connection to Scott Thunes, only knows Paul Green
• Sometimes tours individually with kids, different kids each time
• Butthole Surfers once toured Europe with School of Rock as opener
• Kids' performance quality varies - sometimes really good, sometimes not
• Gibby lost entire record collection when engineer sold it during tour
• Collection was 3-4 feet of curated vinyl, mostly punk and hardcore
• Had valuable Buzzcocks singles collection among other rare records
• Met record dealer in San Antonio mall who introduced great albums
• Dealer showed him Devo's first album when it came out
• Key collection moment was hitchhiking trip to LA in summer 1979
• Saw early LA punk shows including Go-Gos opening for Fear
• LA was only US city where audience spit at bands
• Witnessed massive amounts of phlegm on Belinda Carlisle during show
• John Belushi was standing next to him at the Go-Gos show
• Almost saw the Dickies' "last show" but it was cancelled
• Dickies are apparently still performing, contrary to expectations
• Gibby wrote memoir "Me and Mr. Cigar," wants to do sequel
• Criticizes most musician memoirs as ghostwritten, prefers authentic voices
• Cites Bob Dylan and Patti Smith as examples of self-written memoirs
• Discusses looking at legacy, mentions end being closer than beginning
• Still painting but doesn't do regular gallery shows or solo exhibitions
• Questions whether rockers are musicians or entertainers, favors entertainment label
• Believes rockers make better actors than actors make musicians
• Cites Childish Gambino and Lady Gaga as successful crossover examples
• Mentions Russell Crowe's band "50 Odd Foot of Grunts" dismissively
• Did artwork for several album covers including "P" and other releases
• Sold all artwork at LA gallery show while Sonic Youth members sold none
• David Yow pointed out his success, making him particularly happy
• Maintains friendships with successful musicians like Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Gets VIP access to major shows, brings 15-year-old son along
• Son says he loves Gibby but frequency might be concerning
• Kids don't appreciate backstage access until they can drink alcohol
• Mentions Dwarves show where son enjoyed the beer more than music
• Discusses Eagles of Death Metal and Queens of Stone Age name quality
• David Crosby once asked why they chose "Butthole Surfers" as name
• Responded that "Haynes, Walthall, Pincus and Coffey were already taken"
• Band appeared on Beavis and Butthead with respectful introduction
• Used different band names for every show, including outrageous ones
• Paul Leary nearly died from electrical shock at CBGB performance
• Sound engineer failed to warn about dangerous electrical outlet
• Butthole Surfers documentary "The Hole Truth" is completed, seeking distribution
• Twenty percent of documentary viewers cry during screenings, usually same moment
• Band controls all their catalog rights across different labels
• Potential vinyl box set in works, discusses remastering philosophy

50+ Minutes Extra-Extended and high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

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Chris Ashford of What Records? discusses releasing the first LA punk single "Forming" by the Germs, rarities, tapes, memories of Darby Crash and early punk scene stories.

Topics Include:

• Chris Ashford founded What Records? and knew Germs members George (Pat Smear) and Paul (Darby Crash)
• He worked in record stores through high school and was fascinated by record labels
• Chris decided to start a label while his friends formed the Germs band
• He had no formal education about making records, learned from Richard Fuse at Rhino
• "Forming" was recorded in a garage with two-track deck and two microphones
• The single had multiple takes but most were erased years ago
• B-side used cassette recording from Germs' Cheech & Chong "Up in Smoke" audition
• Master tape for "Forming" is missing, possibly in Canada, but Chris owns rights
• Cheech & Chong footage shows Germs performing "Sexboy" - same version as B-side
• They kept the cassette source secret initially to avoid potential lawsuits
• Lou Adler excluded Germs from movie because audiences wouldn't believe they were real
• Chris missed the "Up in Smoke" taping because he had to work his day job
• He financed all What Records releases including "Forming" himself
• Black rectangle on sleeve was intentionally ambiguous, meant as tongue-in-cheek band photo
• Address on record was Chris's parents' house where he lived
• He quickly moved to P.O. Box and removed address to protect his mother
• First pressing had wrong labels on wrong sides due to Monarch pressing plant error
• About 1,000 copies were made, most of original pressing was destroyed
• 600-700 defective records were thrown down hill as frisbees for fun
• None of them expected anything significant to happen with the record
• "Forming" was technically the first independent DIY punk single from Los Angeles
• The record served as legitimizing calling card for the Germs
• Darby Crash was gifted lyricist despite his troubled background and demons
• Chris received Germs burn from Michelle Ghaffari at the Whiskey without warning
• Germs burns became insider thing in summer 1977, wider trend came later
• Darby never fully matured, died at 22 before becoming complete person
• Germs often performed as chaotic train wreck, unlike disciplined bands like Stooges
• Darby had difficult childhood and family problems that created his demons
• David Bowie was Darby's favorite outlet, influenced his dreamy/nihilistic worldview
• Chris saw potential for Darby to become writer beyond just being lyricist

Extended and high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

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Descendents have reclaimed their music catalog with pre-orders of 'Milo Goes To College' starting today - Bill and Milo give us updates on ALL, FLAG, new music and more.

Topics Include:

• "Milo Goes to College" reissue announced for September 19th via Org Music
• Limited vinyl variants available including special "punk note" Blue Note-style packaging
• Both band members report good health, Bill has been hitting gym regularly
• Milo had recent heart attack despite being most athletic member historically
• Coffee remains firmly on the menu for both musicians despite health focus
• Band regained rights to their back catalog once held by SST
• All original SST releases will be reissued including Bonus Fat, Enjoy
• Master tape ownership involves multiple parties, topic too sensitive to discuss
• New Alliance originally issued record, later transferred to SST seamlessly
• South Bay punk scene was tight-knit community with handshake deals
• Reissues will be exact replicas except for special punk note variants
• Fat EP might get separate reissue, Ride the Wild included
• Milo retired from corporate science job in 2016 for full-time music
• Band played around 90 shows last year, planning 70 this year
• Bill balances drumming with fewer Blasting Room studio production projects
• Bill struggles with songwriting perfectionism, has 75 unfinished song ideas
• Band has 25 new songs recorded, planning 2026 album release deadline
• Soundcheck covers help "sanitize" big venue stages, played entire Germs album
• Haven't performed new songs live yet, prefer trashy covers at soundcheck
• Australia tour likely after new album, great crowds and venues there
• China tour required submitting all lyrics for government approval beforehand
• Minister of Culture attended Beijing show, made drummer put shirt back
• FLAG reunions may be happening more regularly at select festivals
• All playing Canadian shows with Scott and Chad alternating on vocals
• Milo stepped in for lost-voice Chad at sold-out New York show
• Tony Lombardo still close friend but officially retired from playing bass
• Milo still buys vinyl records despite not having a record player

Pre-order the 'Milo Goes To College' vinyl reissue here

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

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Comedian, Actor, Author Craig Ferguson discusses his early punk days, making music and comedy records, avoiding David Bowie and many musical moments that influenced his path.

Topics Include:

• Discussion begins about Craig's new vinyl release "I'm So Happy"
• Craig has released most of his comedy specials on vinyl
• His first album was vinyl in 1986 when that was standard
• Vinyl became the poor cousin during the CD era
• Craig's vinyl collection is currently boxed up after moving
• Used red sleeves for expensive records when kids were young
• First owned record: Monkees "Headquarters" from uncle James
• First purchased: Brian Eno "Here Come the Warm Jets" 1976
• Son experienced vinyl for first time with Mogwai album
• Son said he felt "robbed" by digital music quality
• Modern music feels overproduced and digitally assembled to Craig
• Artists release music before it's properly developed or ready
• His first concert: Blue Oyster Cult 1975 Nassau Coliseum
• Still shops at record stores with tour manager Thomas
• Prefers tactile experience over buying vinyl records online
• Has couple of precious singles from his own bands
• Missed lots of music during blackout drunk years 15-30
• Now discovering missed artists like John Cale collaborations
• Doesn't consider himself musician but thinks like one musically
• Stand-up comedy has tempos, moods, feels like musical performance
• Music and comedy both require audience participation for value
• Paul Weller didn't want interview despite initial tour requests
• Never invited David Bowie due to being too in awe
• Never spent time with Iggy Pop except seeing performances
• Drummed for Nico briefly when young and impaired
• Last public drumming was disastrous Rock Bottom Remainders performance
• Billy Connolly's vinyl albums were forbidden contraband as kid
• Vinyl comedy creates different atmosphere than digital formats

Watch "I'm So Happy" on YouTube & order the vinyl here.

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

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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

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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