Hüsker Dü & UltraBomb bassist Greg Norton discusses the Miracle Year of 1985, vinyl rarities, the archive fire, Reflex records, the making of Zen Arcade, the Punk Rock Museum and more

See Greg at the Punk Rock Museum Sept 9  |  Preorder "Hüsker Dü - The Miracle Years" here

Topics Include:

• Greg Norton announces September 9th Punk Rock Museum guided tour and performance
• Norton discusses favorite museum pieces including Joe Strummer's guitar and burned DOA Stratocaster
• Band's archive mostly intact despite Grant Hart's 2011 house fire destroying materials
• Norton used to own 7,000 vinyl records but downsized after difficult moves
• Hüsker Dü formed through Minneapolis record store connections at Melody Lane and Cheapo
• Band members met when Bob Mould heard Grant Hart blasting Ramones music
• Northern Lights record store basement became their rehearsal space after hours
• Twin Tone rejected their demo, leading to self-releasing on Reflex Records
• Band assembled and sold first singles themselves, no distribution deals initially
• BREAKING NEWS: Numero Group announces "Hüsker Dü 1985: The Miracle Year" box set
• Previously unreleased First Avenue live recording from January 1985 finally gets release
• 1985 was pivotal year with 150 shows, multiple album releases across continents
• Band road-tested new songs before recording, sometimes writing during soundchecks
• Most basic tracks recorded in one or two takes maximum
• Zen Arcade conceived as rock opera double album from the beginning
• Minutemen rushed Double Nickels release to match Zen Arcade's double format
• Producer Spot mentored Hart and Mould while engineering at Total Access Studios
• Jello Biafra praised Zen Arcade as bringing "self-indulgence back to rock"
• Current band Ultra Bomb working on third album with rare vinyl issues
• Norton hopes to finally tour Australia after decades of missed opportunities

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

Photos by @insomniac199

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot
• Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon
• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Shooter Jennings reveals the story of hundreds of unreleased recordings his father Waylon made between 1974-1984, including stunning covers now being released as "Songbird" - plus more musical stories from the lives of the Jennings family.

Order the new "Songbird" LP here.

Topics Include:

• Shooter Jennings discusses upcoming Songbird release featuring his late father Waylon's unfinished recordings
• Most songs were actually complete with vocals and instruments already recorded professionally
• Waylon privately recorded after 1974 RCA battle, keeping hundreds of tapes unlabeled
• Tapes digitized in 2008 but sat untouched until Shooter systematically catalogued everything recently
• Discovery process was emotional journey revealing Waylon's constant studio experimentation and joy
• Found treasure trove including Fleetwood Mac's "Songbird" cover and multiple complete albums worth
• Shooter mixed everything on vintage 1976 analog console maintaining authentic original sound
• Three planned album releases starting with Songbird, featuring different themes and flavors
• Tony Joe White plays harmonica, Jessi Colter sings, original band members returned
• Cataloging required detective work, Googling lyrics, consulting surviving band members for identification
• Growing up as Waylon's son meant different childhood, touring summers, recognizing fame
• Family record collection included Beatles, Harry Nilsson, later Waylon bought entire collections
• Teenage Shooter brought home Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana; parents showed concern but support
• Waylon's deep friendship with Buddy Holly, plane crash guilt haunted him for years
• Eventually found closure visiting crash site, could finally look at wreckage photos
• Parents advised being authentic, not copying others; mother worried about rough crowd
• Shooter's career shows risk-taking from country to experimental electronic and industrial music
• Produced diverse artists from Duff McKagan to Marilyn Manson, always seeking creative challenges
• Early collaboration with father on Fenixon project mixed country with industrial influences
• Vinyl remains important, frequent Amoeba Records visits, special Record Store Day releases planned

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

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot
• Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon
• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Australian guitarist Davey Lane discusses his new album 'Finally, a Party Record', joining You Am I at 18, meeting Paul McCartney & nerding out on vinyl!

Listen to the new album here.

Topics Include:

• Davey Lane discusses his new album "Finally, a Party Record" and the ironic title choice
• Originally titled "The Great Unraveling" but changed to something more approachable and chipper
• Despite upbeat title, songs deal with dark subject matter that inspires his songwriting
• Finding peace with mental state and place in world as he's gotten older
• Always includes glimmer of optimism even when writing about romantic catastrophes going wrong
• Makes music as compulsion, not for career goals - realistic about posthumous appreciation
• Big Star, Nick Drake - artists appreciated later in life
• Avid record collector who browses sections aimlessly rather than shopping with lists
• Discovers new bands like Comets on Fire by hearing them playing in record stores
• Vinyl is primary listening format - meditative experience that keeps him focused and level
• Thinks about album sequencing early, including crossfades between songs on new record
• Beatles were gateway drug, fascinated by production techniques on Sgt Pepper's at age seven
• Met Paul McCartney in 2017 backstage in Melbourne through Jimmy Barnes and Michael Gudinski
• Took Valium beforehand, talked about McCartney's jacket instead of asking musical questions
• Started transcribing You Am I songs as teenager, sent tabs to drummer Rusty
• Got invited on stage at 16 to play with You Am I at all-ages show
• Returned to high school as local hero after performing with established rock band
• Tim Rogers called offering solo tour opportunity, left university after two days to tour
• Officially joined You Am I in 1999 at age 18 after proving compatibility on tour
• Took years to feel like full band member rather than nervous new guy
• Learned importance of authenticity over networking and career-focused schmoozing in music industry
• Collaborated on The Rites project covering Stevie Wright's "Evie" to raise money for legend
• Recorded with Saints' Chris Bailey on what became his final album before passing
• Created experimental Dual Monophonic vinyl with Tim Rogers and King Gizzard's Stu McKenzie
• Each vinyl channel contains different arrangement of same song, can be heard separately
• Technical challenges getting proper stereo separation on vinyl pressing required multiple attempts
• New album on Cheer Squad Records features striking red and yellow vinyl pressing
• Cover art deliberately references Rod Stewart despite not particularly liking that album
• Record designed to catch browser's eye in record stores like albums that attracted him
• Interview wrap up

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

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot
• Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon
• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Lifelong Elvis collector Ian McQuillan discusses the rarest records of Elvis Presley - from Sun Records worth $10,000+, international rarities, even shares insider tips for spotting counterfeits, and explains why young collectors are driving a thriving market for the King's rarest vinyl.

Topics Include:

• Ian McQuillan introduces himself as 55-year Elvis fan since age 2
• Scottish parents in New Zealand exposed him to Elvis on record player
• "Big Hunk of Love" was his first memorable Elvis song obsession
• RCA distributed Elvis records globally, making them widely available worldwide
• Elvis market remains strong while other 50s rockabilly artists declined significantly
• Elvis cornered teenage markets in UK, Australia, New Zealand more than US
• Parkes, Australia hosts massive annual Elvis festival with 20,000+ attendees
• Elvis Week celebration started small, now draws 50,000+ fans to Memphis
• Elvis has bigger catalog depth than any other recording artist
• Sun Records represent collectible pinnacle - only five official 45/78 releases
• 78rpm records rarer due to shellac brittleness, 95% destroyed over time
• Sun 209 "That's All Right" commands $10,000-12,000 in mint condition
• Sam Phillips used multiple pressing plants, creating interesting variants and rarities
• Initial Sun pressings probably 20,000-30,000 copies, reaching 200,000 total eventually
• Early distribution concentrated in American South, spreading through Elvis touring
• Promotional Sun records exist with distinctive red stamps, worth significant premiums
• Jack White famously paid $300,000 for unreleased Elvis acetate recording
• RCA reissues sound much cleaner than original hissy Sun pressings
• Sam Phillips likely pressed extra inventory after selling Elvis to RCA
• Counterfeit Sun records identifiable by shiny vinyl, wrong dates, label gaps
• Pre-army Elvis albums (1954-1960) remain most collectible among LP collectors
• SPD promotional EPs from first album worth $1,200-4,000 in good condition
• Australian gold label first album worth $1,500-2,000, extremely hard to find
• Colored vinyl "Moody Blue" pressings command $2,000-3,000 from collectors
• 8-tracks, reels, cassettes now collectible after being worthless for decades
• Follow That Dream label produces high-quality Elvis reissues for serious fans
• New Elvis footage and recordings still surface regularly from private collections
• Young professionals in 20s-40s driving current strong collector market demand
• Elvis Week features conventions, tributes, candlelight vigil at Graceland annually
• Colonel Parker's merchandising legacy created massive collectible memorabilia market today

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

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot
• Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon
• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Nick Aguilar of Frankie and the Witch Fingers and Slaughterhouse is a vinyl maniac! Today we discuss his collection, his obsession, the rarities and a life of music & record collecting.

Topics Include:

• Nick Aguilar plays drums in multiple bands including Frankie and the Witch Fingers
• Currently focusing mainly on Frankie due to busy touring schedule ahead
• Extensive tour dates planned through end of year across US and Europe
• Considers himself a music fan first, musician second since childhood
• Dad played tapes during Nick's colic as baby, introducing classic rock
• Father went to San Pedro High School with future Minutemen members
• Dad chose commercial fishing over music after graduation in 1976
• San Pedro's shipping port culture shaped the local music scene
• Nick has surpassed his dad's music knowledge over the years
• Started collecting at age 11 when neighbor gave away record collection
• First records included Rolling Stones "Some Girls" and Led Zeppelin "Physical Graffiti"
• Still regrets not taking Buzzcocks "Singles Going Steady" from that collection
• Casual collecting through school, seriously ramped up after high school graduation
• Pandemic period 2020-2022 massively accelerated his collecting and cataloging habits
• Taught himself DJing during lockdown to play records for people
• Discovered new genres like soul, funk, kraut rock through deep diving
• Got lucky buying expensive records cheap before current inflated market
• Focuses on 45s and 12-inches that work well for DJing
• Extreme organization needed to juggle multiple bands, touring, collecting, DJing
• Record store strategy: always hit new arrivals section first
• Holy grail wants include The Litter and James Knight records
• Uses both Discogs hunting and in-person digging at stores
• Thrift store finds getting much rarer as market knowledge spreads
• Appreciates reissue labels like Numero Group for discovering rare music
• Limited record shopping time while touring due to tight schedules
• Favorite shops include Breakaway in Austin and Academy in NYC
• Most expensive purchase: Helen Smith soul record for $2,900 on credit
• Most sentimental record: The Frighteners, reminds him of deceased friend
• Keeps multiple copies of key records for DJing versus home listening
• Band creates multiple vinyl variants through their Greenway Records label

See Frankie and the Witch Fingers and order their vinyl here.

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

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot
• Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon
• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

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

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

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot
• Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon
• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

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

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

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

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

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

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

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

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8